Indie developer Green Flamingo has revealed its debut project, a 3D action platformer titled Spanky “Bat-a-Swing”. The game is scheduled for release on PC via Steam as well as Nintendo and Xbox consoles. While the full version is still in development, a demo has been released on PC to provide a look at the initial gameplay.
Spanky “Bat-a-Swing” is set within the city of Metronopolis, which has fallen under the rhythmic control of its new mayor, Metrognome. The protagonist, an inventive bat named Spanky, uses audio-reversal cannon speakers for ears to navigate a world that moves to a literal beat. Spanky’s goal is to rebel against the new status quo and reach the Metrotower to end the mayor’s influence over the city.
The game features three primary districts for players to explore. Morguetone is a graveyard area inhabited by ghostly figures, while Blue Vines is a jungle-themed district filled with exotic animals. The central hub, Nova Nubla, focuses on industrial technology and luxury. Each level introduces specific challenges, such as the use of echolocation or navigating through air shafts.
Progress through these districts is blocked by various boss characters. These include DJ Cobwebb, a spider who operates a club within a mausoleum, Maestro Bonobotti, a monkey who is also an opera star, and Owlivia, a cunning secretary. These encounters are designed with multiple phases that transition between different music tracks, requiring players to adapt their tactics as the performance evolves.
In terms of graphical design, the developers are aiming to utilise a hand-animated style inspired by 1930s cartoons. This aesthetic is paired with an original electro swing soundtrack that serves as a core component of the mechanics. Players must time their movements, dashes, and attacks to the rhythm of the music to maintain combos and achieve high scores.
The currently available Steam demo includes the first four levels of the game and the opening boss battle against DJ Cobwebb. During exploration, players can locate hidden gold and collectibles, including vinyl records that can be played using an in-game music player.
Green Flamingo intends to launch a Kickstarter campaign later in 2026 to support the project.
