Gamer_By_Proxy
About to beat off
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
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