Once Upon A Puppet (PS5) | REVIEW | A Puppeteering Puzzle-Platformer With Heartfelt Theatrics

Once Upon A Puppet is a 2.5D puzzle-platformer developed by Flatter Than Earth and published by Daedalic Entertainment, released on April 23, 2025, for the PS5, PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. Set in a whimsical, theater-inspired world, it follows the journey of Nieve, a disgraced stagehand, and Drev, a naive puppet, who are magically bound together by thread and must work as one to return to the "Frontstage" while uncovering the secrets of a kingdom in turmoil. With it's unique puppeteering mechanics and charming aesthetic, the game aims to blend classic platforming with creative puzzle-solving.

At it's core, Once Upon A Puppet is a platformer with a twist. You control both Nieve and Drev simultaneously, with Nieve acting as the puppeteer manipulating Drev's strings. This mechanic is the game's standout feature, allowing for inventive puzzles and movement. For example, you might use Drev to swing across gaps or manipulate props while Nieve interacts with the environment to clear the paths. 

The platforming is solid, with responsive controls for jumping and climbing, though it lacks the precision of genre giants like Celeste or Hollow Knight. Puzzles are a highlight, often requiring you to rearrange stage props or reenact theatrical scenes to progress. These moments feel rewarding when solved, but some puzzles suffer from unclear objectives, leading to trial-and-error frustration. The game's difficulty is moderate, with forgiving checkpoints, making it accessible to casual players, but potentially too easy for platforming veterans.

Combat, however, is a weak point. You'll face shadowy creatures, but the encounters feel repetitive, relying upon basic attacks and dodges. The puppeteering mechanic doesn't integrate as meaningfully here, making fights feel like an afterthought compared to the exploration and puzzles. Overall, the gameplay is engaging when it leans into it's theatrical gimmick but stumbles in execution at times.

The Plot ...

The narrative centers on Nieve's and Drev's reluctant partnership as they confront a heartbroken king and a decaying theatrical kingdom. Themes of friendship, self-discovery, and redemption are woven throughout, delivered via handcrafted dialogue and 2D cutscenes. The story is charming, with a fairy-tale vibe that suits the game's aesthetic, and the voice acting is competent, though not exceptional.

Nieve's and Drev's dynamic is the emotional core, with Nieve's self-doubt contrasting Drev's earnest ambition. Their growth feels earnest, but the broader plot follows a familiar arc, lacking surprises for those well-versed in story-driven games. Supporting characters add flavor, but many feel underutilized, serving as little more than quest givers. The game's 8-10 hour runtime keeps the story concise, though some might find that it wraps up too neatly. 

The Presentation ...

Visually, Once Upon A Puppet shines on the PS5. The theater-inspired world is vibrant, with stages that shift between past and present, evoking the charm of a pop-up storybook. Environments are detailed, from creaky Understage caverns to opulent Frontstage halls, and the 2D cutscenes have hand-drawn warmth. 

The soundtrack is a standout, featuring orchestral scores that capture the grandeur of a stage production,. Sound effects, like the creak of puppet strings or the rustle of curtains, enhance immersion. It's a cohesive audiovisual package that elevates the game's atmosphere.

Replay Value and Content ...

The game offers moderate replayability through collectibles, such as hidden props and lore snippets that flesh out the world's backstory. These are a nice touch for completionists, but the lack of branching paths or alternate endings limits the incentive to replay. A platinum trophy is available, though it's reportedly challenging, requiring precise platforming and thorough exploration. There's no New Game+ or additional modes, so once the story's done there's little to draw you back.

The Verdict ...

Priced at around $30-$40 (based on similar indie titles, as exact pricing wasn't available), Once Upon A Puppet offers fair value for it's 8-10 hour campaign, especially for fans of puzzle-platformers or theater aesthetics. It's best suited for players who enjoy narrative-driven indies like Little Nightmares or Gris, though it may not satisfy those seeking deep combat or hardcore platforming challenges. Families might also appreciate it's approachable difficulty and whimsical tone, though some darker themes may be too mature for younger kids.

Once Upon A Puppet is a heartfelt indie with a lot to like. It's puppeteering mechanics are novel, it's world is enchanting, and it's puzzles are clever when they click. However, it's held back by uneven combat, occasional clunky controls, and a story that doesn't quite break new ground. On the PS5, it's a visually an aurally delightful experience that makes good use of the hardware, but even then it doesn't reach the heights of the genre's best. For those drawn to it's theatrical charm, it's a worthwhile curtain call, but others may actually find it to be a solid, if not spectacular, show.