Fighting Force Collection brings back the era when beat ’em up games ruled consoles and PCs, and the idea was simple: enter a level, smash everything that moves, and enjoy the chaos. The collection includes Fighting Force and Fighting Force 2, two titles that tried to bring the arcade spirit into a 3D environment in the late '90s. After several evenings of playing and a total of about 7–8 hours spent in this collection, it is clear that this is primarily a nostalgic journey, but also an interesting insight into the development of action games.
The first Fighting Force is undoubtedly the star of the collection. The game throws you into city streets full of enemies that you can beat up with your fists, feet, or anything that comes to hand – from sticks and knives to crates and barrels. You control one of four characters, each with a slightly different fighting style, and the whole game can also be played in co-op mode, which was a huge plus back in the day. After a few hours of playing, the combat system feels simple, but surprisingly fun. Combinations of punches, throws, and using the environment give the game a charm that is rare today.
What particularly hits is the feeling of nostalgia. The sounds of punches, somewhat clumsy animations, and a camera that sometimes doesn't cooperate perfectly – all of this takes you back to a time when such things didn't bother you, but were part of the game's identity. If you played Fighting Force as a kid, it is very likely that the very first levels will take you straight back to the late '90s.
Fighting Force 2 tries to take a step further, but the results are mixed. The game is more focused on missions, shooting, and a slower pace, which makes it quite different from the first part. After a few hours, it is clear that it lacks the raw energy of the original. The combat is less intuitive, and the levels are often emptier and less exciting. Still, as part of the collection, Fighting Force 2 has its value as it shows how developers tried to experiment and adapt to the new trends of that time.
Technically speaking, Fighting Force Collection does not try to pretend to be a modern game. The graphics are minimally polished, but still clearly show their age. On the other hand, the controls are responsive enough, and the game behaves stably, which is the most important thing. After 6–10 hours of playing, it becomes clear that this is a collection aimed primarily at fans of the original and players who want to experience what 3D beat ’em up games used to look like.
In conclusion, Fighting Force Collection is not a title that will excite everyone, but for those looking for a pure dose of nostalgia and straightforward action, it certainly has something to offer. The first Fighting Force is still fun and addictive, while the second is more interesting as a historical footnote. If you love old games and want to take a moment to return to the past – this is a collection that will bring a smile to your face.
A copy of the PlayStation 5 version for the review was provided by the publisher Limited Run Games
