ARTE France and Flying Oak Games Announce Open-World Beat ‘Em Up Knuckle Paradise
No rules. Just fists and feathers.
April 24 2026 – ARTE France and independent studio Flying Oak Games reveals Knuckle Paradise, a hand-drawn, open-world beat ’em up inspired by classic Hong Kong action comedies and character action games which is coming to Steam in 2027.
In Knuckle Paradise, players follow Jane, a fighter kidnapped and forced into a brutal underground tournament set inside a sprawling abandoned amusement park. With the help of an unexpected ally – a fighting chicken – Jane must battle her way through chaotic encounters, over-the-top scenarios, and a cast of eccentric opponents!
Inspired by iconic action games and films, Knuckle Paradise emphasizes aerial combos, fluid movement, and expressive fighting in explosive, high-energy encounters. With its distinct blend of cinematic flair and precise, responsive gameplay, players will feel the impact of every stylish strike.
Alongside its intense combat, Knuckle Paradise also offers the freedom to explore a vibrant open-world set within an amusement park, filled with hidden upgrades, unlockable abilities, and a variety of side activities from stealth sequences to high-speed chases. Navigating surreal locations such as nightclubs and mirror mazes, the park invites experimentation at every turn. For players focused purely on action, it also features a wealth of hand-crafted combat encounters and larger-than-life boss battles.
While embracing its over-the-top tone, Knuckle Paradise delivers a rich story, with a narrative that explores themes of fairness, inclusion, and resilience through Jane’s journey as she encounters a cast of quirky, memorable characters throughout a world that balances humor, heart, and high-stakes action.
Key Features
- Open-world beat ’em up blending cinematic combat with player freedom
- Fast, combo-driven gameplay inspired by character action classics
- Fully hand-drawn visuals with a vibrant, stylized aesthetic
- Dynamic exploration and side activities across a reactive world
- A unique tone mixing action, comedy, and heartfelt storytelling
More information about Knuckle Paradise will be revealed in the coming months, but players can wishlist the game on Steam today. Follow ARTE France on BlueSky and TikTok and Flying Oak Games on BlueSky, Instagram, Tiktok and X for updates and more details.
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1864220/Knuckle_Paradise/
About ARTE:
As a European public service cultural media, ARTE brings people together through creativity, storytelling, and innovation. Its rich catalogue of films, series, documentaries, video games, and podcasts nurtures a shared cultural imagination across Europe. For more than a decade, ARTE has co-produced and published acclaimed independent and auteur-driven video games, including Type:Rider, Homo Machina, Vectronom, Bury Me, My Love, To Hell with the Ugly, and 30 Birds.
For more information, visit ARTE Interactive’s official website.
About About Flying Oak Games:
Flying Oak Games is a French independent studio founded in 2014 and based in Metz. Known for fast, responsive 2D action games like ScourgeBringer and NeuroVoider, the team focuses on delivering immediate, satisfying gameplay, often infused with a quirky, offbeat sense of humor.
For more information, visit Flying Oak Games’ official website.
