Darwin’s Paradox, an upcoming platformer where players embody a blue octopus evading aliens intent on turning it into canned soup, boasts a premise reminiscent of an animated film. When discussing the game with Art Director Mikael ‘Mika’ Tanguy and Gameplay Director Gilles Aujard, we initially expressed our desire for an experience lasting longer than the estimated ninety minutes.
Fortunately, Aujard clarified that a typical playthrough would be significantly longer. He stated, “A typical playthrough of Darwin’s Paradox! will take approximately 5 to 7 hours, depending on how much time players spend exploring, solving puzzles, and uncovering secrets. The game is designed for replayability, featuring hidden areas and collectibles that encourage players to revisit levels. We aimed to create an experience that feels cinematic yet offers the depth and challenge of a full-fledged adventure.”
Mika added, “The pacing is carefully crafted to balance tension, exploration, and humor. We’ve structured the game so players can either take their time soaking in the atmosphere or dive straight into the action. The world is rich with detail, and we hope players will want to return to discover everything Darwin’s journey has to offer.”
While some players might consider 5 to 7 hours a modest duration today, Darwin’s Paradox! is not a full-price game. Instead, it offers a fun and charming adventure that can be completed over a weekend, evoking the spirit of classic games from yesteryear.