Demo

The demo allows you to play 5 matches per career. There are a few other limitations but it should give you a great idea of how the game works. Please use the feedback button in the demo to let us know what you thought of it - or add your comments in the Steam Community Hub. You'll be able to load saved games from the demo into the full version when it's released.

The Comeback King is a retro boxing management game set in the UK during the 1980s. You take control of a faded fighter at the bottom of the rankings — older, slower, and already carrying damage — and try to guide him back to relevance before his body or mind gives out.

What they're saying about The Comeback King

"Great demo! Loved it"

"Very nice, style is very good, throw in a ref and it's perfect"*

"Boxing games are cool"

"Nice, I like the look of it - have wishlisted!"

"You really deserve success with this game :)"

"Good luck! Wishlisting it!"

"Nice pixel art"

"Love this!  I missed the original"

"Those are some expensive sponges you got there"

Manage a Fighter on the Edge

• Choose opponents carefully — tougher fights mean bigger rewards, but greater risk

• Balance strength, stamina, skill, and long-term cognitive health

• Push too hard and permanent damage will follow him for the rest of his career

Navigate the Business of Boxing

• Deal with promoters offering tempting but dangerous match-ups

• Manage finances, prize money, and gym purchases

• Hire trainers to improve recovery and performance

Tactical Fights with Real Consequences

• Watch bouts unfold and intervene with limited coaching commands

• Patch your fighter up between rounds

• Momentum can turn in seconds

A Love Letter to the 1980s

• Retro pixel art and UI

• Period-accurate UK flavour

• Entrance music choices, posters, and atmosphere inspired by the era

Features

• Retro pixel art style

• Fully animated boxing matches

• Ranking system

• Entrance music

• Promoter

• Strength, Stamina and Skill

• Cognitive Health

• Sponges and bandages

• Throwing in the towel

• Buying and selling gyms

• Trainers

• Popularity stars!

• Bone-crunching injuries (but no blood/gore)

• Quick start guidance system

History

From designer Ian Williams:

This game is a slightly delayed sequel to 'Boxing Manager', which I wrote in the mid-1980s for the Spectrum 48K. You can still play it on an emulator.

This sequel retains many of the features of the original game but I've added more interaction during the matches, plus more gyms, the Shop, more choice of opponents, a refined Popularity system, full ranking table and entrance music.

Future Plans

I also have plans for a 'Downtown' expansion, which would add criminal elements like bribes, dives, illegal tonics and dodgy bets. Cushti!

*I'm currently working on adding a referee, hopefully in time for the Next Fest.