Hello there! I’m Martin, the CEO, and Creative Director at Flatter Than Earth—the innovative studio behind the enchanting adventure platformer, Once Upon a Puppet. Step into our mesmerizing, story-rich 2.5D puzzle-platformer set in the vibrant world of theater. Here, classic platforming pairs with puppet-inspired gameplay in a whirlwind tale of friendship, self-exploration, and redemption.
In this magical realm, you’ll take on the roles of Drev, an enthusiastic actor, and Nieve, a skilled stagehand and tailor. Tied together by magic, this dynamic duo must cooperate to navigate the theatrical kingdom, unravel its hidden secrets, and confront the enigmatic Shadow King. Before you dive into the adventure, here are five crucial tips to guide you along your journey.
1. Look Out for Costumes – They’re More Than Meets the Eye
Throughout your journey, you’ll come across quaint sewing machines that allow Nieve to tailor unique costumes for Drev. Each outfit reflects significant characters you’ll encounter and goes beyond mere aesthetics, playing a key role in storytelling. Just like in live theater, costumes hint at a character’s role and purpose. In our game, some puzzles require wearing specific costumes to advance. You’ll naturally stumble upon four essential costumes tied to the game’s progression but keep your eyes peeled for additional actor-like ensembles that will enhance your collection!
2. Collectibles Hold Hidden Stories
As you traverse this fascinating world, be sure to scour every corner for Stained Glass Pieces and Props. These collectibles aren’t just for show—each Stained Glass piece is a fragment of a larger, intricate window painting a visual tale of the realm. Meanwhile, Props act as personal mementos belonging to major characters like The Queen, The King, and The Judge. These trinkets offer intriguing insights into their owners’ backstories. So, if you’re a fan of rich narratives, don’t miss out on gathering these hidden treasures!
3. Watch Every Cutscene – They’re Packed with Clues
Crafted with care, each cutscene in Once Upon a Puppet aims to deliver emotional punch while dispensing important hints about the world and looming challenges. As you progress through 12 stages, each requiring you to reconstruct and perform pivotal episodes from the King’s past, pay close attention. Failing to absorb these moments means missing out on unraveling the mysteries surrounding the Shadow King and the deeper destinies of the characters. Relish the theatrical storytelling and let the saga unfold like a grand stage show!
4. Use Stage Manipulation – Direct Your Scene Like a Pro
One standout feature of Once Upon a Puppet is the power to reconstruct and rearrange theatrical settings. Unlike standard platformers with static worlds, this game lets you shift props, move backgrounds, and reposition platforms to alter the scene. It’s almost like playing stage director, as some puzzles demand creative scene-setting to advance Nieve and Drev. Navigate these elements strategically to unearth hidden paths, activate mechanisms, or find ways to outsmart foes. Once the scene is set, a corresponding Theatrical Cutscene brings the stage alive.
5. Spotlights Set the Tone
Spotlights play a critical role in Once Upon a Puppet, guiding your journey just like they would in a live theater. Each light angle, silhouette, and contrast exists to aid the narrative and stir emotions, echoing the effort and precision of genuine stage productions. This isn’t just visual flair—it’s storytelling with intention, deeply rooted in theatrical tradition. Be attentive to these lighting nuances—they might just help you uncover other secrets waiting to be discovered.
Armed with these tips, you’re all set to take center stage and tackle the challenges ahead. We’re thrilled for you to experience the magic we’ve crafted. Dive into Once Upon a Puppet today on Xbox Series X|S. Break a leg!
