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[Gamer_By_Proxy]

Darwin's Paradox! is an upcoming platform video game developed by ZDT Studio and published by Konami. In the game, players take on the role of an octopus named Darwin, who must use his intelligence and ability to survive and make it back to the ocean.

The game is scheduled for release on April 2, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X and Series S.

Steam: $24.99
Loaded: $18.79
Fanatical/greenmangaming: $19.39


Metacritic 74
OpenCritic 76


90
DualShockers
Darwin's Paradox! is a special little mascot platformer that feels like a throwback to the PS1-era, but with all the sheen and quality of life improvements of the modern day. It's overflowing with charm, smart ideas, and fun gameplay that's all paced perfectly from chapter to chapter. As adorable as the game is, the narrative doesn't hit the highs of the Pixar films it seems to be inspired by, and it ends pretty abruptly on a cliffhanger. That, combined with some occasional checkpointing headaches are really the only blemishes on an otherwise completely lovely experience. Play this game. We don't get ones like this often.
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PlayStation 5FULL REVIEW
Mar 29, 2026
90
Noisy Pixel
Darwin's Paradox! delivers a striking cinematic platformer that pairs expressive, wordless storytelling with demanding, precision-based gameplay, resulting in a short but memorable adventure that balances emotional tone with mechanical depth. While its inventive movement and environmental design consistently shine, a few uneven mechanics and late-game frustrations hold it back from absolute greatness.
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PlayStation 5FULL REVIEW
Mar 29, 2026
85
PlayStation Universe
By leaning on its MGS stealth adventure lineage, Konami and developers ZDT Studios has produced a pleasing homage through it courtesy of Darwin's Paradox. The threats and the platforming challenges are numerous, the references are cool and you'll be content to keep on lapping this one up just to see the iron will of Darwin continue onward towards salvation. At times it can be a bit tricky to know exactly what to do, the story is threadbare and it might not be lengthy, but you will surely remember this one when you're done-even if it's just for the Metal Gear Solid references.
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PlayStation 5FULL REVIEW
Mar 29, 2026
80
Gamesurf
Darwin's Paradox is a puzzle-platform adventure that combines excellent artistic direction with highly original gameplay. Some might argue that the story can be completed in a very short time, and on that point we probably wouldn't have much to object to. However, who said that great longevity must necessarily be one of a production's strengths? The time spent in the company of the blue octopus was truly enlightening: it entertained us and showed us that the video game industry needs representatives of this caliber. With a style reminiscent of an animated film, Darwin's Paradox manages to skillfully mix humorous moments with challenging gameplay sections that are (almost) never frustrating. Admittedly, on console (PS5) a few technical limitations can be noticed, but this doesn't make the journey toward "freedom" any less enjoyable. Between stealth elements that are never too intrusive and unique, well-balanced levels, we're confident that the debut work of ZDT Studio is a success and certainly not a misfire.
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PlayStation 5FULL REVIEW
Mar 29, 2026
80
TheSixthAxis
Darwin's Paradox! is a lot of fun, the octopus and aliens theme is suitably absurd and comes with plenty of useful abilities that make the experience consistently unique and inventive. It is a short experience, which you should take into consideration, but it's one that's certainly worth playing.
PlayStation 5FULL REVIEW
Mar 29, 2026
80
GameSpew
Darwin's Paradox is a brief but enjoyable 2.5D platforming adventure which also incorporates stealth and some light puzzling. It has some minor issues, such as dubious checkpointing in places, but Darwin's undeniable charm will ultimately win you over.
PlayStation 5FULL REVIEW
Mar 29, 2026
80
IGN Deutschland
Darwin's Paradox is a wacky platformer-stealth adventure packed with details and featuring a protagonist whose eight arms you just can't help but love.
PlayStation 5FULL REVIEW
Mar 29, 2026
80
Atomix
Despite obvious opportunities for improvement and a clear lack of experience on the part of the development team, Darwin's Paradox! feels like a video game made with care and passion that we're sure will give you a very enjoyable time. We would have loved to see greater consistency across all the ideas presented in this new release from Konami, but certain decisions—such as a not-so-outstanding audiovisual presentation—hold it back from being something far more remarkable. Do we recommend this new 2026 release? Yes. We believe that if you enjoy linear platformers and don't have much time to finish games that last dozens of hours, you'll find something of great value here.
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PlayStation 5FULL REVIEW
Mar 29, 2026
79
Hobby Consolas
It's tough as an octopus, but also as tasty. Some challenges are a bit too taxing, but the overall experience is cartoony and creative.
PlayStation 5FULL REVIEW
Mar 29, 2026
75
Critical Hits
Darwin's Paradox draws attention for KONAMI's different approach, featuring a charismatic octopus trapped in a mysterious factory. The game blends platforming and simple puzzles with striking art direction and a light narrative about infiltrating aliens. The gameplay is creative and accessible, with a good variety of situations, despite some moments of visual confusion. With a short campaign and a focus on casual fun, the title delivers an enjoyable experience for fans of the genre.
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PlayStation 5FULL REVIEW
Mar 29, 2026
70
Game Informer
I am a big fan of cinematic platformers. I appreciate this attempt at taking the mechanics and presentational focus of the genre and applying them to a fun cartoon. That part of the game, alongside the platforming and puzzles, works well and is attractive. Unfortunately, the frequent sneaking slows the game down and is a barrier instead of a fun series of challenges to overcome.
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PlayStation 5FULL REVIEW
Mar 29, 2026
70
IGN Spain
Darwin's Paradox! is an adventure told with fantastic animation and undeniable charisma. It stumbles with somewhat unrefined gameplay systems and a bland puzzle approach, but it will still manage to bring a smile to your face.
PlayStation 5FULL REVIEW
Mar 29, 2026
70
GamersRD
Darwin's Paradox! is an attempt to bring stealth and suspense to a 2.5D platformer with puzzle-solving and touches of humor, which has turned out mostly well. Its core premise of controlling the octopus and its innate abilities is one of the main hooks of the game. Although it doesn't offer anything that hasn't been seen before, it is a title that deserves a chance.
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PlayStation 5FULL REVIEW
Mar 29, 2026
60
WellPlayed
Charming and occasionally engaging, Darwin's Paradox! Is an uneven and sometimes irritating stealth platformer with a few too many quirks and inconsistencies to outright recommend.
PlayStation 5FULL REVIEW
Mar 29, 2026
60
Saudi Gamer
Great graphics and varied areas and challenges make up for a fun if uneven experience.
PlayStation 5FULL REVIEW
Mar 29, 2026
50
ComicBook
It's a surprising disconnect, one that evokes the game's very title. Darwin's Paradox's name is derived from biologist Charles Darwin's observation that coral reefs thrive in water without many nutrients. How can something so lively sustain itself in a barren environment? While unintended, Darwin's Paradox offers up a similar conundrum
50







Also there's a demo, at least on Steam. I just played it. Seems pretty solid and priced right imo.

 

[touchfuzzy]

I tried the demo on both Steam Deck and Switch 2 and it looked and ran badly on both, turned me right off.

 

[Kuranghi]

It sounds good fun and the price seems right, but I've got too many games on the go already, will pick up on sale or when its free on PS+

I tried the demo on both Steam Deck and Switch 2 and it looked and ran badly on both, turned me right off.

Oh... wasn't expecting that. Hopefully its brute forced to run better on the Pro.

 

[StueyDuck]

tried the demo and thought it was fun, but sadly in the gamepass/ps plus world it''s a wait till it's on subscription type of game.

 

[Duchess]

Played and finished the demo on PS5.

It was harder than I was expecting, something that I can see reflected in the reviews.

 

[DragoonKain]

Anyone play this in full? Wondering if I should buy a physical. I only want to if this game is worth it.

 

[IbizaPocholo]

Darwin's Paradox! is a game built on genuinely inspired ideas, and when it's at its best this creativity is reflected in expressive movement, memorable characterisation, and varied environments.

The game's playfulness makes it an experience that's easy to enjoy, even if its sometimes shallow systems keep this enjoyment at surface level. So, while it may not evolve into something truly exceptional, Darwin's Paradox! remains a charming and worthwhile adventure, even if its greater potential is never fully reached.

 

[MrAlwaysRight]

Just got this for £13 on loaded.com (used to be cdkeys.com) for Steam worldwide code.

 

[kpopSuperstar]

I want to get this but I feel like I can't get a proper read on it. No one here played it yet beyond the demo?

 

[Rafaguilera]

I just beat this game, and I honestly I don't understand what's wrong with those critics who reviewed this game so unenthusiastically. I thought it was great! I had a lot of fun. The octopus is adorable, mechanics were well build, visually beautiful, goofy, challenging (but fair) and also a cohesive, smart and creative level design.

The only bad thing I can say about it, is that it ends very abruptly. I was waiting for that big climax at the end of a game, but suddenly It ended with a very quick cutscene that felt like ''want to know what happens after it? Then wait for the sequel''. I was like: ''it's over? Really?''

But anyway, give it a chance, whoever rated it with a 5 or 6, probably were forced to play it controlling with their teeth.

It's going to be one of those contenders for best forgotten game of the year. It's really good.

I'd rate it with an 8.5

 

[Rafaguilera]

Played and finished the demo on PS5.

It was harder than I was expecting, something that I can see reflected in the reviews.

It's challenging, but it's not frustrating. The check points are not far from each other and it's not overly difficult. Nothing that I would get stuck for too long.

Celeste and Ori for example, are much harder than Darwin's Paradox, but they were praised by these same people.

 

[SpearHea.:D]

Amazing game, having fun with it. Some really nice platforming and goofy 90s cartoon level humor. Dont miss this one folks if you like platformers.

Its simple and fair challenge, dont know what critics smoke.

 

[neo raider]

I liked the demo but the performance was trash

 

[xrnzaaas]

It is pretty funny how some reviewers are complaining about stealth, no wonder 'full stealth' games are a dead genre.

 

[Kikorin]

I'm playing the Switch 2 version and even if the game is fun, performance and graphics are horrible. If you were thinking it was a good fit for an handheld, is not. Maybe they'll patch it in future, but considering is UE5 I guess it'll stay like that.

 

[Rafaguilera]

It is pretty funny how some reviewers are complaining about stealth, no wonder 'full stealth' games are a dead genre.

Exactly, they talk as if the game's enemies have heightened senses like those in Metal Gear and these parts are slow/frustrating, when in fact, the pacing is great. My conclusion is that the problem is whoever criticized it simply doesn't like stealth. But not having these elements in Darwin's Paradox doesn't make sense, after all you are an octopus trying to escape from a factory that serves as a front for an ultra-secret alien conspiracy.

 

[xrnzaaas]

Anyone on PS5 playing this right now? I've heard it's crashing on PS consoles and the patches aren't there yet... which is a shame since the demo ran trouble-free.

 

[doodledude]

Anyone on PS5 playing this right now? I've heard it's crashing on PS consoles and the patches aren't there yet... which is a shame since the demo ran trouble-free.

I completed it last weekend on PS5 without any crashes. Apart from a few slow downs occasionally ran fine for me.

 

[Heimdall_Xtreme]

I bought the Nintendo Switch 2 version... Because to collection.

Seem is the complete game

I support Konami for making a different and original game.