Spanky “Bat-a-Swing” Hits Kickstarter With Native Linux Demo

Green Flamingo has officially launched the Kickstarter campaign for its debut title, Spanky “Bat-a-Swing.” The game, a 3D rhythm-based platformer, is aiming for a release in December 2027, but potential backers can get a feel for the mechanics right now via a native demo available on Steam for both Linux and Windows.

A City Under a Beat

The premise of Spanky “Bat-a-Swing” leans into a 1930s-style cartoon aesthetic. Players take on the role of Spanky, a bat equipped with audio-reversal cannon speakers for ears. His mission is to liberate the city of Metronopolis, which has been seized by the new mayor, Metrognome. Under his rule, the city is forced to move to a constant, oppressive rhythm.

To stop the racket, Spanky must climb the Metrotower, utilizing rhythm-based combat and platforming. The gameplay requires players to clap, dash, and smack enemies on the beat, with precise timing rewarded through high-scoring attack combos.

What the Demo Offers

The current demo provides a substantial slice of the game, including the first four levels. Players get to explore the graveyard district, known as Morguetone, and face off against the first major boss, DJ Cobwebb—an eight-legged spider running a mausoleum club. The demo serves as an early look at how the game handles movement, timing, and its music-first design.

Diverse Districts and Bosses

Beyond the graveyard, the full game will feature at least three distinct districts, each with unique challenges and characters:

• Morguetone: The graveyard district, featuring ghostly inhabitants and the DJ Cobwebb encounter.
• Blue Vines: A jungle-themed area home to rare animals and the opera-singing giant howler monkey, Maestro Bonobotti.
• Nova Nubla: An industrial, tech-heavy district filled with secrets and luxury.

Boss fights are designed to be performance-based, featuring multiple phases and mid-fight music track shifts that demand players adapt their rhythm to survive. Other characters, such as Metrognome’s secretary Owlivia, also play a role in the narrative.

Collectibles and Replayability

While the goal is to clear the stages, Green Flamingo has included several reasons to return to previously completed areas. Players can hunt for hidden collectibles, gold, and story secrets. Specifically, collecting vinyl records allows players to unlock tracks for an in-game music player. Additionally, global leaderboards for speed and scores are planned to support the competitive side of the community. For those interested in backing the project, the Kickstarter campaign is live, offering a free digital comic for backers.