Five Key Tips for Conquering Once Upon a Puppet Adventure

Hi there, I’m Martin, and I’m both the CEO and Creative Director at Flatter Than Earth—our team is the mastermind behind the enchanting platformer adventure, Once Upon a Puppet. This 2.5D puzzle-platformer is an immersive journey set in a vibrant theatrical world that marries traditional platforming with playful puppet mechanics. It’s not just a game, but a heartfelt tale woven around themes of friendship, self-discovery, and redemption.

In Once Upon a Puppet, you’ll step into the roles of Drev, a passionate actor, and Nieve, a skilled stagehand and tailor. A magical bond ties them together, compelling them to team up as they roam the theatre kingdom, uncover its mysteries, and confront the ominous Shadow King. Before you dive headfirst into this realm, here are five crucial tips to guide your adventure.

1. Look Out for Costumes – They’re More Than Just Good Looks!
   As you navigate, you’ll stumble upon antique sewing machines that allow Nieve to craft unique costumes for Drev. These outfits are inspired by the characters you’ll encounter and are more than just flashy attire—they’re key elements of the storyline. Similar to a real theater, costumes often hint at a character’s role. In Once Upon a Puppet, some puzzles will need you to don a specific costume to progress. There are a few essential ones tied to game progression that are easy to find, but there are many more to discover, each adding a theatrical flair to your journey.

2. Gather Collectibles – They Unlock Hidden Narratives
   During your exploration, keep an eye out for two kinds of collectibles: Stained Glass Pieces and Props. The stained glass fragments come together to form colorful windows that narrate the kingdom’s visual lore. Props, on the other hand, are personal items linked to main characters like The Queen and The Judge and provide intriguing insights into their personalities. Collect them all to deepen your understanding of the game’s world. If you’re a fan of richly woven narratives, make sure to explore every nook and cranny for these treasures.

3. Watch Every Cutscene – They Deliver Vital Clues
   Every cutscene in Once Upon a Puppet is meticulously crafted to tug at the heartstrings and impart valuable information about the world and looming challenges. The game includes 12 stages where your task is to rebuild and reenact pivotal moments from the king’s past. Each stage tells its unique story, oozing emotional depth, so paying attention is key to piecing together the grand narrative.

4. Play with Stage Manipulation – Become a Theatre Director
   One standout feature in Once Upon a Puppet is the ability to reshape theatrical stages. Unlike standard platformers with static environments, this game lets you reposition props and backdrops and shift platforms, transforming the scene to your advantage. Solve puzzles like a seasoned stage director, arranging scenes to unlock secret paths, trigger mechanisms, or even outwit adversaries. Once you’ve set your stage, a Theatrical Cutscene unfolds, tied to your manipulations.

5. Master the Spotlight – It’s Not Just About Drama
   In Once Upon a Puppet, light and shadow follow the rules of theater, adding a layer of storytelling to the visual narrative. The game’s lighting design echoes the precision and artistry of live stage productions. These aren’t random illumination choices; each beam and shadow exists to accentuate the game’s story and mood. The lighting is a theatrical homage, crafted to guide you not just visually, but also to unravel hidden secrets.

With these insights, you’ll be all set to step into the spotlight and tackle the challenges ahead. We’re eager for you to dive into this magical adventure and experience Once Upon a Puppet on Xbox Series X|S. Break a leg!