75
Once Upon a Puppet is a game of contrasts. Its world is imaginative, its narrative has heart, and its characters are full of potential. Yet it’s held back by technical shortcomings, awkward design choices, and a general lack of polish. It feels like a beautiful puppet show where the strings get tangled too often, pulling you out of the illusion. If you’re a die-hard fan of narrative-driven indie platformers, or if the puppet theater aesthetic deeply appeals to you, this title may still be worth a try—especially during a sale. There’s magic here, but you’ll need patience—and a forgiving mindset—to find it.
58
A ‘puzzle platformer’ with a strong personality, an excellent cast and an intriguing story. In terms of gameplay, there is no shortage of ideas, but the game's potential is almost totally destroyed by a large number of bugs and glitches that ‘dirty’ the gaming experience, making it MUCH more complicated than it should have been.
60
If you're a big fan of puzzle-platformers, Once Upon a Puppet might be an okay experience - others should probably avoid this otherwise unique theatre adventure.
6
It is obvious that Once Upon a Puppet is a passion project. It had an unique style overall. I did somewhat enjoy my 5-6 hours with the game and it was a perfect length for a game like this. The concept is good, art style amazing, but the janky controls, bugs, game-breaking glitches and one hit death makes it frustrating to play at times. For sure there were some technical issues here and there, but if you can overlook them I think you might enjoy this meticulously crafted world.
7
I mean it’s alright , nothing special tho …. devs please fix the frame drops asap!
7
It is fun, light and creative enough to allow kids there for a while. It will teach them a bit about the world before internet. Worthy the price.
Once Upon A Puppet
Released On:
Apr 23, 2025
Metascore
Mixed or Average
66
User score
Mixed or Average
6.7
My Score
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Metascore
Mixed or Average
29% Positive
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
71% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Apr 22, 2025
81
Once Upon a Puppet is a lovingly crafted 2.5D platformer with a fresh setting. Theater fans can certainly forgive minor flaws in the performance.
Jun 4, 2025
75
Once Upon a Puppet is a game of contrasts. Its world is imaginative, its narrative has heart, and its characters are full of potential. Yet it’s held back by technical shortcomings, awkward design choices, and a general lack of polish. It feels like a beautiful puppet show where the strings get tangled too often, pulling you out of the illusion. If you’re a die-hard fan of narrative-driven indie platformers, or if the puppet theater aesthetic deeply appeals to you, this title may still be worth a try—especially during a sale. There’s magic here, but you’ll need patience—and a forgiving mindset—to find it.
User score
Mixed or Average
23% Positive
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
69% Mixed
9 Ratings
9 Ratings
8% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
May 2, 2025
7
I mean it’s alright , nothing special tho …. devs please fix the frame drops asap!
May 2, 2025
7
It is fun, light and creative enough to allow kids there for a while. It will teach them a bit about the world before internet. Worthy the price.
Apr 23, 2025
70
Once Upon a Puppet excels in its ability to build a fantastical world cobbled together from the dilapidated remains of opulence. As a 2.5D platformer, the game’s attempts to use the genre’s foundations are often mixed. Clever puzzles and bursts of action go hand-in-hand with movement that can often not feel fluid and satisfying enough. But players open to the game’s charm should be able to ignore the blemishes and enjoy the moments that truly shine.
May 1, 2025
60
If you're a big fan of puzzle-platformers, Once Upon a Puppet might be an okay experience - others should probably avoid this otherwise unique theatre adventure.
Apr 24, 2025
60
I sincerely love Once Upon A Puppet but its glitchiness and frustration factor are so high that it's hard to widely recommend it.
Apr 22, 2025
60
Overall, Once Upon a Puppet is a fine game. Its presentation is a standout feature, with its graphics, character animations, environments, and audio design all going to great lengths to make the most of the game's unique premise. But those elements aren't enough to elevate the overarching experience. The fine platforming, fine puzzles, and fine story are the strings that hold Once Upon a Puppet back from greatness, and some unfortunate technical issues can inject a layer of unnecessary frustration into an otherwise very satisfactory performance from a promising new indie studio.
May 4, 2025
58
A ‘puzzle platformer’ with a strong personality, an excellent cast and an intriguing story. In terms of gameplay, there is no shortage of ideas, but the game's potential is almost totally destroyed by a large number of bugs and glitches that ‘dirty’ the gaming experience, making it MUCH more complicated than it should have been.
Jun 30, 2025
6
It is obvious that Once Upon a Puppet is a passion project. It had an unique style overall. I did somewhat enjoy my 5-6 hours with the game and it was a perfect length for a game like this. The concept is good, art style amazing, but the janky controls, bugs, game-breaking glitches and one hit death makes it frustrating to play at times. For sure there were some technical issues here and there, but if you can overlook them I think you might enjoy this meticulously crafted world.
SummaryWelcome to Once Upon a Puppet, a 2.5D puzzle-platformer that unfolds within a vibrant world of theater. Take part in a magical tale that combines classic platforming with puppet-inspired gameplay, in a captivating story of friendship, self-discovery, and redemption. Wear the glove of Nieve, a Stagehand exiled to the Understage, and wi... Read More
Rated Efor Everyone
Platforms:
- PC
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X
Initial Release Date:Apr 23, 2025
Developer:
- Flatter Than Earth
Publisher:
