While classic names like Mario, Kirby, and Sonic often dominate the modern platformer scene, there’s always room for a fresh face. ZDT Studio is introducing just that with Darwin’s Paradox!, an upcoming game featuring an intrepid octopus protagonist. Ahead of its launch on April 2nd, we had the opportunity to speak with Art Director Mikael ‘Mika’ Tanguy and Gameplay Director Gilles Aujard. They shared insights into Darwin’s unique character, the game’s innovative mechanics, its length, and much more.
Q: Darwin’s Paradox! stands out from recent video games. What inspired you to explore the concept of an octopus’s adventures?
Mika: The idea of an octopus as a protagonist originated from a dream I had over a decade ago—an octopus navigating an industrial world, using its natural abilities to survive. Octopuses are incredibly intelligent, adaptable, and charismatic creatures. Their natural talents for camouflage, squeezing into tight spaces, and problem-solving make them ideal for a game that blends stealth, platforming, and storytelling. We aimed to create something fresh, playful, and emotionally engaging, and an octopus gave us the freedom to explore truly unique mechanics and themes.
Gilles: An octopus isn’t just a character; it’s a revolutionary force in gameplay design. Its biology allowed us to reimagine stealth and platforming in a way that feels incredibly organic and intuitive. Darwin’s abilities, such as 360-degree climbing, defensive ink use, and camouflage, are rooted in real octopus behavior, but we’ve amplified them for a cartoony, fun, and surprising experience. It’s rare to find a protagonist who so perfectly dictates the game’s core design, and Darwin did exactly that for us.
Q: Can you tell us more about Darwin’s character? What kind of octopus do players control?
Mika: Darwin is an Octopoedia ceruleanus—a fictional species we created to embody intelligence, adaptability, and charm. He’s not your typical hero; he’s vulnerable yet clever, brimming with personality. Visually, he’s expressive and cartoonish, but his movements and abilities are grounded in a sense of realism. He’s a survivor, using his wits and natural talents to navigate a hostile world. Players will connect with his resilience and humor, which makes him relatable despite being an octopus!
Gilles: Darwin is a natural-born superhero. He’s not a soldier or a warrior; he’s a resourceful little octopus who thrives by outsmarting his enemies. His abilities feel instinctive, yet they open up creative gameplay possibilities. Whether he’s scaling walls, squirting ink to distract foes, or camouflaging to hide, every action is deeply tied to his character. He’s a hero who embodies adaptability, and that’s what makes him so enjoyable to play.
Q: In the demo, it was clear Darwin had many powers, like camouflage. What other abilities can players unlock?
Gilles: Darwin’s abilities evolve as players progress. Beyond camouflage, he can use his ink creatively—like creating a smokescreen for cover or temporarily blinding security cameras. His tentacles allow him to climb almost any surface, squeeze through tight spaces, and even manipulate environmental objects. We designed these abilities to be organic and versatile, encouraging players to experiment and discover new solutions to puzzles and stealth challenges. Each skill is intrinsically linked to Darwin’s character and the game’s themes of adaptability and resilience. We wanted every ability to feel like a natural extension of who Darwin is.
Q: I also noticed a costume Darwin wears is a nod to a certain stealth master. Will there be many costumes available in the game?
Mika: Yes! The demo featured a special ‘Sneaky Snake’ skin as a fun homage to our inspiration from Metal Gear Solid, and this costume will be available in the full game. Players who pre-order will also receive two exclusive bonus skins, a thank you to our early supporters. We’ve also included other costumes that reflect Darwin’s personality and the game’s humor. These outfits aren’t just cosmetic; they’re a way to celebrate Darwin’s journey and give players a chance to personalize their experience. Expect a mix of playful, nostalgic, and even absurd designs!
Gilles: Costumes are our way of adding an extra layer of fun and creativity. They’re a nod to the genres and characters that inspired us, but they also reflect Darwin’s adaptive nature.
Q: Darwin’s Paradox looks like a perfect adventure for an animated film, but I hope it lasts longer than 90 minutes. Approximately how long is a typical playthrough?
Gilles: A typical playthrough of Darwin’s Paradox! takes approximately 5 to 7 hours, depending on how much time players spend exploring, solving puzzles, and uncovering secrets. The game is designed for replayability, with hidden areas and collectibles that encourage players to revisit levels. We wanted to create an experience that feels cinematic but offers the depth and challenge of a full-fledged adventure.
Mika: The pacing is carefully crafted to balance tension, exploration, and humor. We’ve structured the game so players can 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.
Q: We’ve seen quite a few octopuses in games over the years. In your opinion, what makes this animal an interesting choice for a protagonist?
Mika: Octopuses are inherently fascinating—intelligent, mysterious, and full of surprises. Their biology lends itself perfectly to gameplay: camouflage, ink defense, agile movement, and problem-solving skills. But beyond the mechanics, octopuses have a unique charm. They can be funny, eerie, and endearing all at once, which gives us a lot of room to play with tone and narrative. Darwin isn’t just a character; he’s a symbol of resilience and creativity, making him truly stand out in gaming.
Gilles: An octopus protagonist allows us to explore themes of adaptation and survival in a way that feels fresh and organic. Darwin’s abilities aren’t just tools; they’re extensions of his character. Players aren’t just controlling a hero; they’re embodying an octopus, with all the fluidity and ingenuity that implies. It’s a rare perspective in games, and that’s what makes Darwin’s Paradox! so special.
Q: The world in Darwin’s Paradox appears to have been taken over by aliens. Are humans aware of this, and is it up to Darwin to save Earth?
Mika: The aliens in Darwin’s Paradox! represent an external threat. The humans in this world are largely unaware of the true nature of the aliens, as the invaders operate in the shadows, manipulating industries and environments. Darwin’s journey isn’t solely about escape; it’s about uncovering the truth and, in his own unique way, disrupting the aliens’ plans. While he isn’t a conventional hero, his actions have a significant impact and challenge the established order.
Gilles: Darwin’s role is more about survival than world-saving in a grand sense. His story is personal—he’s an outsider fighting to get home, and his struggle reflects the broader theme of nature’s ability to adapt and thrive even in hostile conditions. The game doesn’t place the weight of the world on his tentacles, but his journey is a powerful statement about ingenuity and hope.
Q: How does Darwin’s Paradox adapt the classic adventure platformer formula for the modern era?
Gilles: We’ve taken the essential elements of classic platformers—precise movement, environmental puzzles, and narrative-driven exploration—and infused them with modern technology and design sensibilities. Darwin’s Paradox! utilizes Unreal Engine to create a world that feels alive, with dynamic lighting, fluid animations, and seamless transitions between gameplay and cinematics. We’ve also focused on making gameplay feel organic and intuitive, with each new environment naturally introducing new mechanics throughout the adventure. Every gameplay evolution is carefully integrated into the world and narrative, ensuring that new abilities and interactions always make sense, are justified, and seamlessly fit into Darwin’s journey. The result is a game that honors the past while pushing the genre forward.
Mika: Visually, we’ve blended cartoonish charm with cinematic depth, drawing inspiration from classics like Looney Tunes and modern games like Inside and Ori. The 2.5D perspective allows us to tightly control pacing and narrative, creating a linear yet immersive experience. We’ve also stripped away traditional UI elements to deepen immersion, making players feel more like they’re part of Darwin’s world rather than just playing a game.
Q: Will Darwin and Steven the seagull ever get along?
Mika: (Laughs) Steven the seagull is Darwin’s comedic nemesis. Their relationship is a chaotic mix of rivalry and humor. Players will have to see for themselves how their story unfolds!
Gilles: Steven is there to add humor and contrast to Darwin’s journey. Their interactions are chaotic, but they’re part of what makes the world of Darwin’s Paradox! so vibrant. You’ll have to play to find out if they ever truly get along—but expect plenty of laughs along the way!
Darwin’s Paradox! is scheduled to launch on April 2nd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.