The golden age of 3D platformers is making a serious comeback, and it’s doing so with a beak, a comb, and a very short fuse. If you grew up clutching an N64 controller or spending your weekends with a PlayStation 2, Gonzalo the Chicken – Episode I needs to be on your Steam wishlist immediately.

Developed by the two-man team at WhaleplaneStudios, this indie gem is more than just a “chicken crossing the road” joke—it’s a high-octane love letter to classics like Banjo-Kazooie and Jak and Daxter.

The Dynamic Duo: Gonzalo & Azzar

In a genre defined by iconic pairings, Gonzalo and his companion Azzar bring a literal “explosive” chemistry to the table. You play as Gonzalo, a flightless but surprisingly agile chicken navigating a world abandoned by its creator.

But Gonzalo isn’t alone. He’s joined by Azzar, a retrievable, living bomb who handles the heavy lifting. Instead of just jumping on heads, you’ll be launching Azzar at the “Crocogator” army.

Key Gameplay Mechanics:

Bomb Mutations: Feed Azzar “bomb goo” to unlock mutations like fire, homing, and sticky bombs to solve environmental puzzles.

Ridiculous Movement: Master the art of the ground pound, the dash-dive, and the “flap” to clear massive gaps and find hidden secrets.

Poultry Combat: When enemies get too close, Gonzalo can unleash physical combos to push back the reptilian hordes.

Why We’re Excited

What sets Gonzalo the Chicken apart is its commitment to the “collectathon” spirit while modernising the feel. The game features a vibrant, low-poly aesthetic that feels fresh but nostalgic, spanning diverse locations like the sandy shores of Claw Island and the bioluminescent forests of Noxglade.

For the completionists out there, the game includes a “Breakfast Menu”—a system that allows you to unlock hilarious game modifiers and secret eggs, giving you plenty of reasons to return to levels and beat your best par times.

Final Verdict: Coming Summer 2026

Gonzalo the Chicken – Episode I is currently slated for a Summer 2026 release (Q3). It’s clear that WhaleplaneStudios has poured five years of passion into this project, and if the early trailers are anything to go by, this is going to be a must-play for platforming fans.

It’s time for this chicken to cross the road… and blow up everything on the other side.

TechMash Tip: Keep an eye out for the demo! The developers often showcase early builds during Steam Next Fest, which is the perfect time to test out your bomb-throwing aim.

Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/VOKaM

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