In a whimsical pivot from their usual military espionage, Konami partners with French indie ZDT Studio for a gorgeous platformer starring an octopus. A demo featuring a ‘Solid Snake’ skin is available today.
Konami is having a very busy State of Play. Between reviving Silent Hill, bringing back Metal Gear, and launching new RPGs, the publisher found time to announce something completely different: a charming, high-fidelity platformer about a cephalopod trying to get home.
Today, Konami announced that Darwin’s Paradox! will officially release on April 2, 2026.
Developed in partnership with ZDT Studio, a passionate independent team from France, the game is a story-driven adventure that blends “high-end animated film” visuals with tight platforming mechanics. It will launch across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam & Epic), and the Nintendo Switch 2.
A Wild Odyssey
In Darwin’s Paradox!, players step into the suction cups of Darwin, a cunning octopus on a journey to return to the sea. But Darwin isn’t your average aquarium escapee.
The gameplay loop revolves around mastering Darwin’s natural cephalopod abilities to navigate complex environments:
- Camouflage: Blend into the environment to avoid predators and solve puzzles.
- Suction-Covered Arms: Scale walls and manipulate objects with tactile precision.
- Ink Shooter: Distract threats or blind enemies in a pinch.
The press release describes the visual style as pulling inspiration from “high-end animated films,” suggesting a vibrant, Pixar-esque aesthetic that contrasts sharply with Konami’s grittier catalog.
Tactical Espionage… Octopus?
Konami is fully aware of its legacy and Darwin’s Paradox! features a delightful nod to the publisher’s most famous soldier.
A playable demo is available starting today on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. This demo offers players their first taste of the physics-based movement, but it also includes a massive easter egg.
For a portion of the demo, Darwin will sport an exclusive “Snake” skin. Complete with the iconic bandana (and perhaps an eyepatch), this cosmetic transforms the octopus into a master of stealth. It is a cheeky acknowledgement of Metal Gear Solid, humorously rebranding the genre as “Tactical Tentacle Action.”
Konami has confirmed that while this skin is highlighted in the demo, it will also appear as a hidden Easter Egg for players to find in the main game.
Pre-Order Details and Switch 2 Support
Pre-orders for the game are live now. Players who commit early will receive a “cosmetic pack” to customize their invertebrate hero:
- “Psyched” Skin: A groovy, colorful look.
- “Dotted” Skin: A classic pattern for the discerning octopus.
Notably, this is another title in Konami’s lineup explicitly confirmed for the Nintendo Switch 2, further cementing the upcoming console’s third-party support for 2026.
A Passion Project
Darwin’s Paradox! represents Konami’s continued push into publishing indie titles with high production values. ZDT Studio, comprised of a “handful of passionate developers,” has created a game that looks to stand toe-to-toe with the best 3D platformers on the market.
Watch the State of Play Trailer: YouTube Link
Download the Demo & Pre-Order:
- Official Website: konami.com/games/darwins_paradox
With its April 2 release date fast approaching, players won’t have to wait long to see if Darwin can ink his way to victory.