Once Upon A Puppet is a 2.5D puzzle-platformer adventure game that places players in a theatrical world built around puppetry and stagecraft. Developed by Flatter Than Earth and published by Daedalic Entertainment, the title released on April 23, 2025 for PC and focuses on a story of friendship and redemption between two central characters bound by strings and fate.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on controlling Nieve, an exiled stagehand represented as a floating glove, alongside Drev, the puppet magically tied to her. Movement and actions split between the two, with the left stick directing Drev through platforming sequences while the right stick manages Nieve's thread-based interactions. This dual control creates puzzles that require precise timing to pull strings, reposition elements, and navigate environments that shift between the main stage and the Understage.
Additional layers come from arranging props, backdrops, and characters to reconstruct theatrical scenes. These setup phases reveal story details and open new paths, blending platforming precision with creative problem solving. Collectibles scattered throughout levels reward exploration, and the stylized 2D cutscenes emphasize the handcrafted theater aesthetic. The soundtrack and sound design reinforce the stage atmosphere without overpowering the mechanical focus.
Game Modes
The experience unfolds as a single continuous narrative campaign. Progression follows the journey of Nieve and Drev as they work to return to the Frontstage, facing challenges tied directly to the story of a heartbroken king and the kingdom of theater. There are no separate competitive or cooperative modes, allowing the full focus to remain on sequential puzzle-platforming sections and scene-reconstruction sequences that advance the plot.
Challenges scale through increasingly complex string manipulation and environmental puzzles, with stages that alternate between past and present settings. This structure keeps the emphasis on story integration rather than replayable variants or side activities beyond the main path and its collectibles.
Story and Characters
Nieve, a talented weaver dealing with self-doubt, forms an unlikely partnership with Drev, an ambitious yet naive actor puppet. Their reluctant alliance drives the central conflict as they confront fears and uncover secrets within the theatrical realm. An ensemble cast of dozens of characters provides dialogue that fleshes out the world, highlighting themes of self-discovery and redemption against the backdrop of forgotten stories and shadowy threats.
The narrative integrates with gameplay through the re-enactment of scenes, where player actions directly influence how past events unfold. This approach ties mechanical choices to emotional beats without relying on traditional cutscene interruptions.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player reception on Steam stands at Very Positive, with 87 percent approval from 87 reviews at the time of the latest data. Reviewers note the charm of the characters and world alongside occasional technical issues such as camera behavior or minor bugs that can interrupt flow. The game suits those who enjoy deliberate puzzle-platformers that prioritize narrative and visual style over fast-paced action.
Its theatrical presentation and unique puppeteering system offer a distinct take within the indie adventure space. For players drawn to story-driven experiences with creative mechanics and a focus on two memorable protagonists, the title delivers a complete single-player package that rewards patience and attention to detail. Availability on PC makes it accessible for those seeking a shorter, focused campaign centered on exploration and problem solving.
