Review: Once Upon A Puppet

@brunosbom
May 2
2 min read

Once Upon A Puppet is a charming puzzle game with a striking theatrical aesthetic and creative challenges that explore the interaction between puppet and puppeteer.

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GAMEPLAY / VISUAL

Once Upon a Puppet makes a strong first impression with its beautiful visuals, rich in detail and supported by a polished art direction. However, it initially feels odd to control only a hand manipulating the puppet — a design choice that might come across as unusual, even risky, from the developers. This introduction, though brief, could affect early player retention, especially among those with less patience. Fortunately, this discomfort quickly fades once you take direct control of the puppet, and that’s when the game truly starts to shine.

Gameplay evolves over time, consistently incorporating classic platforming mechanics. The blend of 2D and 3D is handled competently, creating an experience that’s both visually appealing and smooth. Still, Once Upon a Puppet doesn’t seem to aim beyond the basics: its puzzles are functional but simple, possibly targeted at a younger or more casual audience. Despite that, the game exudes charm and features a distinct visual identity, though it leaves the impression that it could have pushed further in terms of complexity and boldness. It’s a delightful title that ultimately chooses to stay in safe territory.

ACHIEVEMENTS

I found the achievement list interesting, as it offers challenges genuinely tied to gameplay. However, some collectibles may frustrate completionists, requiring a second playthrough just for specific achievements — something generally frowned upon. Still, since it’s a relatively short and well-crafted game, it would’ve been nice if a bit more attention had been given to this area.

TRAILER OFFICIAL

RESUME

Once Upon A Puppet is a delightful game, featuring gorgeous visuals and well-designed puzzles. Its theatrical style is a true standout, giving the experience a unique atmosphere — it even reminded me of certain puzzles from Castle of Illusion, that classic from the famous Disney franchise (you know the one...).

Overall, it’s a title that immediately grabs your attention with its theme and visual appeal, but also wins you over with its charm. One of the elements I enjoyed most was how the puzzles require interaction between the Puppet and the controlling hand — there’s something magical about feeling like you’re controlling two distinct characters at once. It was a fun and creative experience.