Knuckle Paradise is a new pixel art open-world brawler from developer Flying Oak Games and publisher ARTE France. The game doesn’t have a release date on Steam yet, but a new demo just dropped that will give us an idea of what this unique title is offering. According to the developer, Knuckle Paradise “delivers a fresh take on the genre” and that it “draws heavy inspiration from classic 90s action comedies”.
The demo covers one full chapter of the game up to the first boss, alongside several side quests. Trapped in a brutal underground tournament inside a sprawling, abandoned amusement park, kidnapped fighter Jane must brawl for survival alongside a combat-ready chicken. To survive, she’ll trade blows through chaotic showdowns, over-the-top set pieces, and a roster of wildly eccentric opponents.
Inspired by Bayonetta, Devil May Cry, and Death’s Door, Knuckle Paradise blends fluid movement, aerial combos, and expressive fighting with crisp, responsive controls. Outside the arena, players can explore a vibrant world packed with hidden upgrades, unlockable abilities, and side activities ranging from stealth sequences to high-speed chases through surreal venues like neon nightclubs and mirror mazes.
Balancing over-the-top spectacle with real heart, Knuckle Paradise delivers a narrative exploring themes of fairness, inclusion, and resilience. Whether diving into tailor-made combat encounters and larger-than-life boss fights or navigating its world, players will experience a unique blend of high-octane action and humor.
