Once Upon a Puppet Takes Puzzles to Next Level

Smaller studios and publishers like Flatter Than Earth and Daedlic Entertainment say they want to create and distribute games that AAA studios don’t have the courage to make. The jury is still out on Once Upon a Time’s demo release which is currently available, but judging from the gameplay video, they may very well be on to something.

Once Upon a Puppet is a 2.5D puzzle-platformer where players have to interact with the environment to progress in the Understage to reach the grand theater above. Props and other puppet characters offer help along the way, especially in situations where the solution to a puzzle isn’t obvious.

“Players will take on the roles of Nieve, a Stagehand who was exiled to the Understage, and Drev, a Puppet magically bound to her. As they strive to return to the theater above, they will retell forgotten stories, uncover hidden secrets, and realize their fate is tied to the kingdom itself,” Flatter Than Earth said about the game on their website.

The Stage is Set

Drev and Nieve combine to become a joint protagonist in Once Upon a Puppet, with Nieve pulling the strings and Drev being the puppet. Made of wood with rope for arms and legs, Nieve is there to help Drev perform actions.

Players will control both characters simultaneously and must combine their individual skills to navigate the hurdles laid in front of them. Manipulating the environment is key to success as is recreating lost theatrical sets.

Behind The Scene And Release Details

Flatter Than Earth is a fully remote game studio with a strong focus on wholesome co-op games rife with storytelling and strategy.

“We thrive on innovating new solutions to old challenges and we seek to rethink how interesting themes can merge into games that speak to the heart, mind, and soul,” the company said in a press release.

Once Upon a Puppet is coming to a platform near you in spring 2025. The game has been confirmed for PC, consoles, and Nintendo Switch.