Developers TiGames surprised action fans at Gamescom 2026 by debuting an explosive gameplay trailer for Zoopunk, a vibrant new third-person action RPG heading to PC and consoles. Serving as an ambitious prequel to their hit 2021 Metroidvania F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch, the upcoming title trades side-scrolling platforming for dynamic squad-based combat. Set years before Torch City fell under oppressive rule, the story dives deep into the origins of the animal-led resistance, expanding the studio's unique dieselpunk-inspired world into a full-fledged 3D ecosystem.
A Multi-Hero Combat Framework
Moving away from a single protagonist, Zoopunk introduces a roster of distinct playable heroes tailored for cooperative and team-focused encounters. Franchise veteran Rayton the Rabbit makes his return alongside fresh allies like Braton the heavy-hitting Rhino and Trixie the hyper-agile Chipmunk. Each character brings specialized battle styles to the fray, encouraging players to swap between brutal melee combos, long-range gadgets, and defensive barriers. Combat mechanics emphasize fluid mobility, air juggling, and coordinated squad abilities designed to dismantle both giant mechanical sentinels and rival beast factions.
Expanding the Dieselpunk World
The Gamescom showcase highlighted a dramatic architectural leap forward, revealing sprawling vertical environments that blend overgrown wilderness with industrial decay. Rather than limiting players to claustrophobic factory corridors, the narrative explores uncolonized wilderness frontiers, hidden prison complexes, and bustling animal outposts. Supported by publisher Tencent Games, the title utilizes cutting-edge engine features to deliver fluid particle effects and dense environmental detail, ensuring that every neon-lit alleyway and rust-covered bunker carries the grit fans expect from the franchise.
Building a Long-Term Franchise Legacy
By shifting genres from a 2D Metroidvania to an expansive 3D action RPG, TiGames is positioning the IP for a much broader global audience. The project underlines a growing trend among independent studios leveraging successful debut titles into larger, multi-genre universes. Planned for release across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S platforms, Zoopunk stands as one of the most promising indie action reveals of the year, signaling a thrilling new chapter for animal-punk storytelling.
Torch City Origin Lore: During early pre-production on F.I.S.T. back in 2019, TiGames lead writer Chen Xi drafted a 100-page historical timeline detailing the animal uprising; Zoopunk directly adapts three discarded chapters from that original manuscript, specifically detailing how Rayton first acquired his mechanical arm schematics before the Resistance went underground!
