Flying Oak Games, the indie studio behind roguelite darling ScourgeBringer, announced Knuckle Paradise on April 23, a hand-drawn, open-world beat 'em up heading to Steam in 2027. ARTE France is publishing.
The game follows Jane, a fighter who's been kidnapped and thrown into an underground fighting tournament set inside an abandoned amusement park. Her unlikely partner? A fighting chicken. Together, they'll punch their way through a roster of eccentric opponents across the park's themed zones, from nightclubs to mirror mazes.
Combat draws on character action games and Hong Kong action cinema, focusing on aerial combos, fluid movement, and stylish strikes. It's a direction that makes sense for Flying Oak, whose previous work on ScourgeBringer already demonstrated a knack for sharp, responsive 2D action, though shifting from tight roguelite arenas to a full open world is a notable leap for the small studio.
Outside of combat encounters and boss fights, the amusement park setting doubles as a freeform exploration space. Flying Oak says the world is filled with hidden upgrades, unlockable abilities, and side activities ranging from stealth sequences to high-speed chases. Players who prefer a more linear experience can focus on the hand-crafted combat encounters and boss battles instead.
The studio is also emphasizing narrative alongside the action. The story explores themes of fairness, inclusion, and resilience through Jane's interactions with the game's cast, aiming for a tone that balances humor with more grounded emotional beats.
A few notable details remain unaddressed. No console platforms have been confirmed; the announcement only mentions Steam, and no pricing or specific release window beyond 2027 has been given. More information is expected in the coming months.
Knuckle Paradise is now available to wishlist on Steam.