It took a considerable amount of time for me to become even moderately proficient at Forestrike. Created by Skeleton Crew, the same team behind Olija, this martial arts action game stands out by allowing players to preview most battles and strategize accordingly. It transforms combat into a form of puzzle-solving, demanding quick reflexes and sharp decision-making to succeed. Through this engaging experience, I have honed my skills to become a competent fighter—at least within the realm of pixelated gaming.

In the game, you step into the shoes of Yu, a martial arts apprentice who, despite his inexperience, is entrusted with liberating his homeland from a menacing empire. To achieve this, you journey through various landscapes, taking down adversaries. Forestrike employs a roguelite framework, where levels and scenarios adapt with each playthrough, ensuring you face frequent defeats. However, these losses are integral to the game’s premise: it’s a continuous learning process. Along your journey, you’re joined by martial arts masters who impart new techniques to aid in your mission.

A pivotal feature of the game is the foresight ability. Essentially, it allows you to simulate a battle before engaging in the actual encounter. It serves as a rehearsal, enabling you to strategize and refine your approach in advance. Although battles in Forestrike are brief, often mere seconds long, they require a meticulously choreographed series of movements akin to a riveting martial arts film. With foresight, you can meticulously plan your moves without facing immediate peril.

This doesn’t imply that Forestrike is a breeze. In the beginning, I frequently found myself on the losing end. Even with perfect knowledge of when to dodge, wield a weapon, or execute a slow yet powerful kick, executing these actions under pressure remains challenging, regardless of practice. The game persistently introduces new challenges, sometimes restricting the use of foresight, adding layers of complexity to each battle.

Foresight serves not as a shortcut to ease the game’s difficulty but as a mechanism to refine your skills. It’s akin to shooting practice hoops before a basketball match. These challenges keep the game dynamic, even as many battles share similarities. Additionally, the game’s structure allows you to unlock new abilities with each attempt, and eventually, you encounter new martial arts masters who teach you fresh techniques, expanding your tactical options.

Gradually, the pieces began to fall into place. Successfully executing a seamless run through a horde of foes feels utterly exhilarating, as if you’re the mastermind behind a thrilling action sequence. However, achieving those fleeting moments of brilliance requires extensive practice and perseverance.

_{Forestrike is available now on Steam, and is “coming soon” to the Nintendo Switch.}