Once Upon a Puppet

Once Upon a Puppet is a 2.5D puzzle-platformer set in a theater world. You play as Nieve, a Stagehand exiled to the Understage, and control Drev, a Puppet magically bound to her by strings. Together, they journey toward the Frontstage, retelling forgotten stories and uncovering secrets as they seek to reclaim their place in the theater.

Nieve and Drev

Nieve is a talented Weaver who struggles with self-doubt, while Drev is a naive but ambitious Actor. Though reluctant companions, they build a strong bond. With Drev’s theatrical flair and Nieve’s brilliance, they face their deepest fears and discover the truth of the void within their hearts. Their fate is tied to the kingdom of theater, where they must contend with a heartbroken King.

Puppetry and puzzles

You pull Drev’s strings to guide his movement and actions, using puppetry to solve creative puzzles and handle platforming challenges. You can also arrange and move props, backdrops and characters to rebuild theatrical stages. Re-enacting scenes reveals what happened to the once-proud World Stage, with stages shifting between past and present.

Characters and threats

The story features dozens of major and supporting characters, with hundreds of lines of handcrafted dialogue. A horde of villainous creatures threatens to snuff out the lights and bring the show to an end.

Theater world

Stylized graphics and 2D cutscenes shape the theater setting, accompanied by a theatrical soundtrack and sound effects. Collectible surprises are hidden along the way.