Five Key Strategies for Your Journey in Once Upon a Puppet

Hi there, I’m Martin, the CEO and Creative Director at Flatter Than Earth. Our team is thrilled to bring you Once Upon a Puppet, a whimsical 2.5D puzzle-platformer set in a lively theatrical world. This enchanting game blends classic platform mechanics with puppet-themed gameplay, weaving a captivating story about friendship, self-discovery, and redemption.

In this adventure, you’ll step into the shoes of Drev, a hopeful actor, and Nieve, a gifted stagehand and tailor. With magic binding them, they’ll have to teamwork their way through the kingdom’s theatrical wonders, unearth hidden secrets, and confront the enigmatic Shadow King. But before you dive in, let me share five key tips to guide your journey.

1. Costumes: More Than Just a Fashion Statement

As you navigate this vibrant world, you’ll come across various antique sewing machines. These allow Nieve to create special story costumes for Drev, each inspired by characters you’ll encounter. But these aren’t merely for style; they’re integral to the story and gameplay. Consider them your keys to unlocking certain challenges. While the four essential costumes are easily found, there are also numerous stylish extras waiting to be discovered, so keep your eyes peeled for these gems!

2. Collectibles: Unveiling Hidden Narratives

While exploring, you’ll find two main types of collectibles: Stained Glass Pieces and Props. These stained glass shards form beautiful, story-filled windows depicting the kingdom’s history, while Props serve as personal mementos from key characters like The Queen and The Judge. Gathering these offers richer insights into their tales, enhancing your immersive experience. Love getting wrapped up in a story? Make sure you scour every corner of the stage for these treasures!

3. Cutscenes: Don’t Click Through

Each cutscene in Once Upon a Puppet is crafted to do more than just touch your heart; they’re brimming with clues about the world and your upcoming challenges. Your quest involves restoring pivotal moments from the king’s past, with each of the 12 stages bearing its own storyline and emotional weight. Skipping through means potentially missing crucial insights into the Shadow King’s mysteries and the true destinies of the characters. So, lean back and let this theatrical symphony unfold!

4. Stage Manipulation: Channel Your Inner Director

One feature that sets Once Upon a Puppet apart is the ability to reshape theatrical stages. Here, the world is your canvas, and you can shift props, adjust backdrops, and move platforms around to creatively solve puzzles. Consider yourself a stage director as you set scenes that help Nieve and Drev navigate their path. Strategic stage setting can reveal secret routes, activate new mechanisms, and offer clever ways to avoid foes. Once everything’s set, enjoy the Theatrical Cutscene triggered by your handy work!

5. Spotlights: Illumination With Intention

In this game, every beam of light serves a purpose. Carefully crafted lighting plays a pivotal role, much like in actual stage productions. This isn’t just for dramatic flair—it’s storytelling through illumination. Each silhouette, shadow, and spotlight is meticulously placed, hinting at secrets waiting to be uncovered.

With these tips, you’re all set to take the stage and conquer the quests ahead. We’re excited for you to experience the enchanted world of Once Upon a Puppet, available now on Xbox Series X|S. Break a leg!