Once Upon A Puppet is a single-player 2.5D puzzle-platformer adventure game developed by Flatter Than Earth and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on April 23, 2025 for PC along with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, it places players in a theatrical world where a stagehand named Nieve and her bound puppet companion Drev navigate between the polished Frontstage and the discarded Understage. The experience centers on a narrative of friendship, self-discovery, and redemption as the pair works to return above and confront forgotten stories within the kingdom of theater itself.
Gameplay
Players control both Nieve and Drev at the same time through separate analog sticks and triggers, creating a constant interplay between the floating stagehand and the wooden puppet. Nieve handles string-based interactions such as pulling objects, swinging Drev across gaps, or launching him forward, while Drev performs the platforming actions including running, jumping, and interacting with the environment. New abilities unlock progressively through magical spools found across the levels, adding mechanics like double jumping, gliding, grappling hooks, and projectile use with a bow. Environmental puzzles require coordinated use of both characters to manipulate scenery, activate mechanisms, and rearrange elements in larger sequences known as fractured stages. Costumes sewn for Drev grant access to new areas or tools, while hazards such as pools of stage-fright demand avoidance or later counterplay. Collectibles include shards that complete stained-glass scenes and hidden props scattered throughout the linear chapters.
Game Modes
The game operates entirely in single-player mode with no multiplayer options. Progression follows a linear story structure divided into nine chapters, each introducing fresh abilities and puzzle challenges while advancing the central tale. Exploration mixes straightforward platforming sections with creative puzzle-solving that emphasizes the puppeteering theme. There are no separate difficulty settings or alternate modes reported, keeping the focus on the core adventure loop of movement, string manipulation, and environmental interaction.
Story and Setting
The narrative unfolds in a whimsical yet melancholic theater-inspired realm divided into contrasting areas. Nieve, exiled to the Understage after displeasing the king, teams with the curious puppet Drev to reclaim their place above. Along the way they retell lost stories through performances that reveal the king's past, uncovering secrets tied to the broader kingdom. The theatrical motif extends beyond visuals into gameplay, with stage sets, costumes, and lighting elements integrated into puzzles and traversal. The tone balances light-hearted character moments with themes of worth, creativity, and redemption.
Is It Worth Playing?
Once Upon A Puppet delivers a distinctive dual-character control scheme that rewards experimentation with string mechanics and puzzle design. Reviews highlight the striking art direction, consistent theatrical atmosphere, and heartfelt story as standout elements, while noting that platforming can feel somewhat floaty or imprecise in places. The game offers a complete single-player experience with collectibles to encourage exploration and a moderate length suited to fans of narrative-driven puzzle-platformers. It suits players who enjoy thoughtful environmental challenges and character-focused tales over fast-paced action or competitive elements. Those drawn to the unique puppeteering concept and whimsical presentation will find a solid, if occasionally imperfect, adventure that stands on its own merits. The Backstage Edition bundles the full game with additional art and audio materials for those interested in behind-the-scenes content.
