Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Fighting Force delivers a classic beat-’em-up experience with fully realized 3D environments that invite players to brawl through city streets, warehouses, and underground lairs. You pick from one of four distinct characters, each offering a unique balance of speed, strength, and special abilities. This diversity encourages multiple playthroughs as you explore different fighting styles—ranging from the lightning-fast strikes of the nimble martial artist to the raw power of the heavy-hitting brawler.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Combat feels visceral thanks to responsive controls and satisfying impact sounds when landing punches, kicks, or environmental strikes. You’ll frequently grab nearby objects—chairs, trash cans, car tires—and even weapons like knives or pipes to amplify your attacks. The inclusion of these improvised weapons adds a layer of strategy: do you save your powerful special move, which drains a sliver of your health, or rely on found objects for stunning combos?

Enemy variety keeps the action fresh, from lowly street goons to more agile assassins who demand quick reflexes. Occasionally, you’ll face mini-bosses or shotgun-wielding heavies that force you to adapt your tactics. Boss encounters against Dr. Zeng’s lieutenants punctuate each stage and ramp up the challenge, ensuring that mastering timing, positioning, and crowd control becomes essential. Overall, Fighting Force’s gameplay loop strikes a pleasing balance between straightforward button-mashing thrills and strategic item use.

Graphics

For its era, Fighting Force stands out with colorful, textured 3D models that breathe life into its urban environments. The character designs are bold and easily distinguishable, ensuring you always know which of your four heroes you’re controlling. Backgrounds are detailed with graffiti, neon signs, and ambient lighting that change as you progress through various levels—from gritty back alleys to high-tech laboratories.

Animation quality enhances the combat experience. Each punch, kick, and weapon swing carries weight, underscored by smooth transitions between moves. Environmental destructibility—smashing crates, flipping tables, and bursting barrels—adds dynamic feedback, making the world feel interactive rather than static. While polygon counts and texture resolutions may appear dated by modern standards, the art direction remains charming and coherent.

Cutscenes sprinkled between stages use a mix of in-engine renders and pre-recorded cinematics. These sequences might look jagged compared to contemporary titles, but they effectively communicate the stakes of your mission against Dr. Zeng. Minor frame drops can occur when multiple enemies and objects occupy the screen, yet these moments rarely detract from the overall visual appeal. Fighting Force’s graphics still hold nostalgic charm and showcase the ambitions of early 3D action gaming.

Story

At its core, Fighting Force follows a straightforward superhero-meets-vigilante narrative: Dr. Zeng, an evil criminal mastermind, aims to seize control of the city through his army of thugs and henchmen. Feeling the city’s pulse slip into chaos, four courageous fighters—each with personal motivations—band together to put an end to Zeng’s reign. It’s a premise that doesn’t stray into complexity but provides just enough context to power your street-level brawls.

The four protagonists bring their own personalities and backstories to the table, from the retired cop seeking redemption to the underground fighter fighting for fame. Dialogue between levels fleshes out their relationships, though it’s delivered in bite-sized snippets rather than lengthy exposition. This pacing ensures the action remains front and center, and cutscenes focus on establishing the next battleground rather than bogging down the momentum.

Despite its simplicity, the narrative maintains engagement by revealing Dr. Zeng’s diabolical experiments and hidden lairs. Each major showdown peels back another layer of his operation, keeping you curious about the next threat. While some players might crave deeper character development or plot twists, Fighting Force’s narrative framework does its job: it motivates each level and injects purpose into the never-ending waves of enemies you’ll face.

Overall Experience

Fighting Force stands as a solid example of 3D beat-’em-up design, offering pick-up-and-play accessibility alongside enough depth to encourage repeat sessions. The synergy of distinct characters, improvised weapon use, and responsive combat mechanics makes for an engaging venture into the criminal underworld. Whether you’re a fan of arcade-style brawlers or simply looking for a nostalgic trip back to late-’90s action gaming, the core experience remains enjoyable.

Cooperative play—if available—doubles the fun, allowing you and a friend to coordinate attacks, juggle foes, and combo special moves for maximum effect. While some level layouts can feel linear, the constant introduction of environmental hazards and fresh enemy types prevents monotony. The game’s difficulty curve strikes a balance between challenging and fair, with adjustable settings that suit newcomers or seasoned hard-hitting veterans.

Though its graphics and storytelling might feel dated to modern eyes, Fighting Force’s relentless pace and tangible combat satisfaction continue to resonate. Its straightforward premise makes it easy to dive into, and those powerful special moves—despite costing your own health—create thrilling risk-reward moments. For buyers seeking an action-packed beat-’em-up with a classic flavor, Fighting Force remains a worthy contender and an entertaining journey through the mean streets run by Dr. Zeng.

Retro Replay Score

6.6/10