Hello there! I’m Martin, the CEO and Creative Director at Flatter Than Earth, the creative minds behind Once Upon a Puppet. This enchanting 2.5D puzzle-platformer whisks you away into a lively world of theater where traditional platforming gets a delightful twist with puppetry. It’s a journey woven with themes of friendship, self-discovery, and redemption.
In the game, you’ll step into the shoes of Drev, an eager Actor, and Nieve, a gifted Stagehand and Tailor. Bound by magic, they must collaborate to navigate the theatrical realm, unearth its mysteries, and take on the Shadow King. Before you dive into this magical stage, here are five crucial tips to guide your adventure.
1. Hunt for Costumes – They Offer More Than Just Style
While exploring, keep your eyes peeled for vintage sewing machines that Nieve can use to craft unique costumes for Drev. These outfits, inspired by key characters in your journey, aren’t just for show; they also play a pivotal role in storytelling. Much like actors’ costumes in theater, these outfits hint at roles and themes within the narrative. You’ll need specific costumes to tackle certain challenges, and while four are essential for game progression, plenty of additional costumes are waiting to be unlocked. So, keep an eye out while you explore!
2. Collectibles Tell Untold Stories
As you venture through the game, you’ll come across two kinds of collectibles: Stained Glass Pieces and Props. Each piece of stained glass is part of a larger window that narrates the history of the kingdom. Props, on the other hand, reveal intimate secrets about characters like The Queen and The King. These treasures enhance your understanding of the world, so if you love deep storytelling, make sure you check every nook and cranny for these hidden gems.
3. Don’t Skip the Cutscenes – They’re Packed with Clues
The cutscenes in Once Upon a Puppet aren’t just for dramatic effect; they are rich with vital hints about your surroundings and the puzzles that lay ahead. Each stage you encounter aims to reconstruct and reenact pivotal events from the king’s past. With 12 stages to explore, pay close attention to link the story’s pieces and grasp the gravity of your quest.
Skipping these scenes might mean missing out on significant insights about the Shadow King, forgotten tales, and characters’ true fates. Sit back, relax, and let the story unfold like a majestic theatrical performance!
4. Experiment with Stage Manipulation – Be the Theatre Director
A standout feature in Once Upon a Puppet is its innovative stage manipulation mechanic. Unlike static worlds in traditional platformers, here you can maneuver props, shift backdrops, and rearrange platforms to transform the scene itself.
To solve some puzzles, think like a director. By setting the scene just right, you can open secret paths, kickstart mechanisms, or outsmart foes. Once you’ve perfectly "set the stage", a theatre-inspired cutscene linked to your creation will play out.
5. Spotlights Do More Than Create Drama
In this game, every beam of light follows the principles of theater. The visual storytelling isn’t just for aesthetics; each light and shadow serves a purpose in telling the narrative. This attention to detail reflects the traditions of live theater, intertwining with the story in a seamless dance of pixels and puppetry.
Armed with these insights, you’re now ready to take center stage and conquer the challenges that await you. We’re thrilled for you to experience the magic yourself. Once Upon a Puppet is now available on Xbox Series X|S—good luck out there!
Dive into Once Upon a Puppet, a vibrant 2.5D puzzle-platformer set within the enchanting world of theater. Experience a tale that intertwines traditional platforming with puppetry, crafting a narrative rich in friendship and discovery.
You’ll guide Nieve, a Stagehand recently banished to the Understage, while mastering the strings of Drev, a Puppet magically tethered to her. Together, as they strive to return aboveground, they’ll unravel forgotten stories, encounter shadowy secrets, and uncover the true connections binding them to the theatre’s mystical realm.
Key Features
- Master Puppetry: Take charge of Drev’s strings and embrace a new approach to movement and puzzle-solving.
- Meet an Ensemble Cast: Engage with a diverse cast of characters through meticulously crafted dialogue.
- Face Malevolent Shadows: Fight off sinister creatures intent on drawing the curtain prematurely.
- Stunning World Design: Revel in beautifully crafted visuals that enhance the theater’s magic, with settings that traverse past and present.
- Stage Creation: Arrange props and scenes to uncover the theater’s history through interactive reenactments.
- Immersive Soundscapes: Let the inviting soundtrack and sound effects pull you deeper into the Once Upon a Puppet experience.
Join Drev and Nieve on their compelling quest amidst a theatrical kingdom, against a grieving king. Together, they must confront their deepest fears and unveil the void that has long since taken root in their hearts.
