Wishlist on Steam!
Wishlist on Steam

The game releases in Q3 2026 on Steam. WISHLIST NOW! 
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3833230/The_Comeback_King/

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 leave a comment here.

Game summary

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 to a championship bout 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"

Features

  • Retro pixel art style
  • Fully animated boxing matches
  • Ranking system
  • Entrance music (10 tracks of original 80s-style sounds written especially for the game!)
  • Promoter
  • Strength, Stamina and Skill
  • Cognitive Health
  • Sponges and bandages
  • Throwing in the towel
  • Shouting from the sidelines
  • Buying and selling gyms
  • Trainers
  • Popularity stars!
  • Bone-crunching injuries (but no blood/gore)
  • No scripted outcomes
  • 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, a referee 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!

Music Playlist

There's even a Spotify playlist to go with it!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/23ESmQ732HEETqFeKSvL7Z?si=b0c5e1e60d17498f

Press Kit

https://impress.games/press-kit/subjunctive-software/the-comeback-king

*There's now a Referee! He has great bouncy hair. :D

Updated 2 days ago
StatusIn development
PlatformsHTML5
Release date 1 day ago
Rating
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
(2 total ratings)
Authorsubjunctivesoftware@gmail.com
GenreSports, Strategy
Made withConstruct
Tags2D, 80s, Indie, Management, Pixel Art, Retro, Singleplayer
Average sessionA few minutes
LanguagesEnglish
InputsKeyboard, Mouse
LinksSteam, Steam, YouTube
ContentNo generative AI was used

Development log

View all posts

Comments

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Very cool game!

ah i should have read the instructions below.

just lost my 3rd bout against Sergio Ortiz. It was just like being a kid when i was waiting for the points decision against him. I lost 37 points to 39 and it was a scandal i tell you!!!

(+1)

I'm sure the judges were being scrupulously fair! :D 

Let me know which instructions were useful - it helps me formulate hints and tips in the game.