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Zoopunk Evolves the Forged in Shadow Torch Universe
Among the many metroidvania titles released this past decade, F.I.S.T: Forged in Shadow Torch earned a quiet but loyal following. Its dieselpunk setting and distinctive cast, led by a rabbit lugging a giant mechanical arm, made it stand out even without blockbuster visibility. Now, developer TiGames is returning to that universe with a radical shift in scope and style.
Revealed during the latest Xbox Partner Preview, the studio’s newest project Zoopunk brings the series into fully 3D territory. The result is a broader, more ambitious interpretation of the animal-driven saga that steps far beyond the tight corridors and labyrinthine structure of its predecessor.
A Full Leap Into 3D Action Adventure
TiGames describes Zoopunk as a 3D action-adventure with real-time combat and free movement in expansive environments. The shift gives the studio room to explore a larger world and more expressive combat encounters, marking a clear evolution from the 2.5D design foundations of F.I.S.T.
The game also doubles down on its cast. Rather than spotlighting a single protagonist, Zoopunk introduces three playable heroes, each with their own combat identity.
Three Heroes, Three Ways to Fight
Players will switch between:
- Braton the Rhino
A powerhouse character focused on heavy strikes and high resilience. - Rayton the Rabbit
The returning protagonist of F.I.S.T, built around agility and technical play. - Trixie the Chipmunk
A nimble fighter whose skillset emphasises speed and gadget-driven tactics.
Early gameplay highlights how each hero brings distinct strengths to combat encounters. TiGames promises that players can swap between the trio based on the demands of the moment or personal preference, suggesting a flexible approach to action design.
A Prequel Set in a World Torn by War
Zoopunk is set decades before the events of F.I.S.T. The world is once again caught in conflict after the discovery of an artefact known as the Fire Seed, which fuels a renewed uprising of hostile machine forces.
TiGames is aiming to create a wider, more varied world with distinct ecosystems, industrial zones, and devastated frontlines scattered across its storyline. The tone remains rooted in the dieselpunk aesthetic that defined the original game, but with far greater scale and environmental diversity.
Zoopunk is scheduled to launch in 2027 on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
