Bit Bot Media and Mecanimal Games have officially announced the 2D fighting game Knock Off: The Battle for Imagination. It will be released in Q2 2027 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC (Steam). The game combines the nostalgia of 80s and 90s toys and cartoons with modern fighting game mechanics, including rollback netcode for online battles. This article contains all the known details, a link to the trailer, and a Steam page for adding to your wishlist.
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2D Fighting Game Knock Off: The Battle for Imagination Review
Knock Off: The Battle for Imagination is a 2D fighting game in the toyboxing genre, where plastic figures come to life in a world inspired by the chaos of 80s and 90s games and cartoons. Developed by Mecanimal Games with support from Bit Bot, this action-packed game offers modern fighting game mechanics, a touch of retro nostalgia, a full arcade mode, and online battles.
The main character is Johnny, whose toys have never been branded, but have always been legendary. When Maximus, Johnny’s first official branded figure, appears and shakes up the arena, Johnny’s beloved “pirate” toys must prove that lack of branding does not mean defeat.
The Game’s Plot and the Confrontation of Branded Figures
The story revolves around the confrontation between branded and “pirate” figures. Johnny’s toys, lacking official labels, are forced to fight for their place when Maximus, an elite figure, appears in their world and threatens to upset the established balance. This is a story about how imagination and individuality are more important than factory-made cliches.
Gameplay Features and Rollback Netcode Fighting
The developers promise fast-paced 2D action that is easy to learn but difficult to master:
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Aerial combos, launchers, EX moves, and supers—a classic feature set for genre fans.
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Rollback netcode—a modern network infrastructure for smooth, lag-free online matches.
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Unique fighters—each character has a distinctive playstyle, a rich moveset, and their own story.
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Assists—funny helpers who support fighters in battle.
Knock Off The Battle for Imagination Release Date and Platforms
Knock Off: The Battle for Imagination is scheduled for release in Q2 2027. The game will be released on three platforms:
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PlayStation 5
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Xbox Series X|S
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PC (Steam)
At the time of publication, the exact date (day and month) has not been announced. Stay tuned for updates on the official Steam page.
Knock Off Fighting Game Releases on Nintendo Switch
Several international media outlets have mentioned a possible Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 version, but there is currently no official confirmation from Bit Bot Media or Mecanimal Games. The game’s Steam description and official announcements do not mention the Switch platform. This information remains unconfirmed—please keep an eye on the publisher’s official channels for further details.
Developers: Mecanimal Games and Publisher: Bit Bot Media
The game is published by Bit Bot Media. Mecanimal Games is working on the project. Several sources mention Mechaghidora as the original developer—it is likely that Mechaghidora was at the project’s inception, while Mecanimal Games (a studio within Bit Bot Media) is currently leading the development.
Creators of the fighting game and the creators of the Halo series
Experienced game developers are behind Knock Off:
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Frank O’Connor is the creative director at Bit Bot Media. A former Bungie employee who worked on the Halo series, he sets the creative direction for the project.
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Joshua Viola is the co-owner of Bit Bot Media. He called Knock Off “the game we dreamed of as kids.”
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Klayton is the co-owner of Bit Bot Media and a composer. He is known for his work on Celldweller and Scandroid.
Game Soundtrack by Celldweller and Scandroid
One of the project’s key features is its soundtrack. The title theme and full OST for Knock Off will be composed by Klayton, the musician behind the electronic projects Celldweller and Scandroid.
Klayton himself admits: “My mind would have been blown if I knew that as an adult I would have the chance to write the title theme and full soundtrack for a game that perfectly captures moments of my youth.” The music will feature a retro 80s-90s style, with energetic synth melodies.
Knock Off Trailer and Gameplay Screenshots
Along with the announcement, Bit Bot Media released a new trailer for the game. The video showcases dynamic battles, stylized arenas, and characters inspired by classic games. Screenshots are also available in the gallery on the project’s official pages.
Knock Off’s Steam Page and Adding to Wishlist
The game is now available for wishlisting on Steam. Here is what you can do right now:
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Add to wishlist on Steam – Go to the Knock Off: The Battle For Imagination page on Steam and click “Add to Wishlist.” This will notify you when the game becomes available.
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Follow the official Bit Bot Media website – they publish key announcements and project news.
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Follow the project’s social media – the developers promise to regularly share details about characters, arenas, and development progress.
Knock Off The Battle for Imagination PC System Requirements
For those planning to play on PC, the minimum system requirements have already been published on Steam:
Note: The final requirements are subject to change—Steam states “Final requirements TBD.” We recommend checking the game page before release.
Knock Off: The Battle for Imagination promises to be a great experience for fighting game fans and anyone who grew up on the toys and cartoons of the 80s and 90s. The game is scheduled for release in Q2 2027 on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC. Add the game to your Steam wishlist to stay up-to-date with the latest news and the exact release date.
