Similiar games
In Once Upon a Puppet, players enter a theatrical world hidden beneath the grand stage, where puppets and lost memories intertwine. Taking control of Yasna, a skilled Scenohand, and Drev, a spirited puppet, players must navigate the forgotten underbelly of the Theatre Kingdom. Their connection is not metaphorical but physical, bound together by a magical thread that links their actions. As they traverse fragmented sets and abandoned props, players uncover glimpses of the performances that once brought the stage to life.
Mechanics of Control and Puzzle Integration
The gameplay of Once Upon a Puppet challenges players to master a system based on controlling two interconnected characters. Drev moves across platforms and obstacles, while Yasna manipulates him with precision using an enchanted glove. Many puzzles require careful coordination, with players needing to adjust the puppet’s movement by pulling or releasing at the right moment. Objects must be moved, ropes must be tied, and forgotten scenes must be reconstructed to unlock the path forward. Each level introduces new environmental mechanics that expand the complexity of the puppet-and-puppeteer relationship.
Encounters and Theatrical Challenges
Throughout their adventure, Yasna and Drev encounter beings twisted by shadows — manifestations of fear, regret, and lost dreams. Some confrontations must be evaded, while others require direct engagement through clever manipulation of the stage’s elements. The environment acts as a living part of the gameplay, with moveable platforms, hidden passages, and collapsing scenery shaping the course of exploration.
Once Upon a Puppet places strong emphasis on its visual and audio presentation, with layered 2.5D environments that mimic shifting theatrical backdrops. Lighting, color shifts, and stage props tell stories even when dialogue is absent, creating a rich atmosphere of discovery. Every corner of the under-stage world holds potential secrets, encouraging players to interact with backgrounds and props that may hide collectible items or additional narrative layers.
As the story progresses, Yasna and Drev’s bond deepens, no longer defined solely by their physical tether. Yasna’s caution and skill complement Drev’s boldness, allowing them to face challenges neither could endure alone. Their shared experiences uncover the truth behind the Theatre Kingdom’s decline and reveal the influence of the heartless King who abandoned the stage.
