Five Must-Know Tips for Your Once Upon a Puppet Adventure

Hi there, I’m Martin, wearing two hats as CEO and Creative Director over at Flatter Than Earth. We’ve crafted a unique theatrical adventure platformer known as Once Upon a Puppet. This enchanting 2.5D puzzle-platformer transports you to a vivid world steeped in theater, blending traditional platforming with gameplay inspired by puppetry, all wrapped around a narrative of friendship, self-discovery, and redemption.

Your journey will see you stepping into the shoes of Drev, a zealous actor, and Nieve, a gifted stagehand and tailor. These two souls, entrenched in magic, must collaborate to traverse the kingdom’s theatrical realm, uncover its secrets, and challenge the Shadow King. But before you dive in, let me share five crucial tips that will aid you on your quest.

1. Costume Clues: Hunting for costumes in our game isn’t just about aesthetics. Antique sewing machines scattered throughout the kingdom help Nieve craft unique story costumes for Drev. As you collect these outfits—each inspired by crucial characters you’ll meet—they become more than stage flair. Much like in real-world theater, a costume signals a character’s role. In our game, certain costumes are keys to progressing in specific challenges. There are four pivotal costumes tied to the game’s advancement, easily found as you play. However, there are plenty of other cosmetic treasures out there, so keep your eyes peeled.

2. Collectibles Unveil Stories: Make sure to scout for two types of collectibles: Stained Glass Pieces and Props. The Stained Glass fragments are part of a grander picture, forming “stained colored glass windows,” each narrating a piece of the kingdom’s history visually. Props are more personal, connected to lead characters like The Queen or The King, and they always hold intriguing revelations about their origins. Gathering them all deepens your connection to the world—a must for storytelling enthusiasts!

3. Don’t Rush Through Cutscenes: Each cutscene in Once Upon a Puppet is expertly crafted to tug at your emotions while also dropping essential hints about the world and your forthcoming challenges. With 12 stages to rebuild, you aim to reconstruct and re-enact pivotal events from the King’s past. Every segment carries its unique tale and emotional depth, urging you to keep your eyes peeled to fully appreciate your adventure’s significance.

4. Be the Theatre Director: One of the standout features in Once Upon a Puppet is its stage manipulation mechanic. Forget static worlds; here, you can rearrange theatrical stages—move props, adjust backdrops, and shift platforms. Some puzzles need you to wear a director’s hat, setting stages to help Nieve and Drev move forward. Clever setups can reveal hidden paths, activate mechanisms, or even provide advantages over foes.

5. Spotlight on Secrets: The lighting in Once Upon a Puppet isn’t just for show—it’s a nod to traditional stagecraft. With great attention to detail, every lighting angle, silhouette, and shadow serves a purpose. More than just a pretty picture, these lighting choices hold their own secrets, honoring the legacy of theater while guiding your journey.

Armed with these handy tips, you’re all set to take center stage and embark on your adventures. We’re thrilled for you to unravel the magic firsthand. Once Upon a Puppet is now available on Xbox Series X|S. Break a leg out there!