Once Upon a Puppet is a theatrical 2.5D puzzle-platformer whose art direction and atmosphere are its clearest strengths. Reviews are less consistent on the experience of playing it: critics and some Steam players point to awkward controls, uneven platforming and puzzles, and technical problems. It is most appealing if the puppet-stage setting and story matter more to you than consistently polished movement.
What kind of game is Once Upon a Puppet?
Released on April 23, 2025, Once Upon a Puppet is a single-player, story-driven 2.5D puzzle-platformer developed by Flatter Than Earth and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Steam describes a theater-inspired world built around platforming and puppet mechanics, with a story of friendship, self-discovery, and redemption. Its playable duo is Drev and Nieve. Steam’s official listing introduces it as “a 2.5D puzzle-platformer that unfolds within a vibrant world of theater.”
The stage is more than a visual theme: the theatrical presentation is central to the game’s identity. That distinct setting and its visual atmosphere are the aspects most consistently praised in the review material. The key question for a prospective player is whether that presentation outweighs reservations about how smoothly the puzzles and movement work.
What do reviews say?
The available ratings are not one unified verdict: they come from different platforms, audiences, sample sizes, and scoring systems. These are snapshots recorded on October 8, 2026, and may change as more reviews or ratings are added.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Tell a tale based on random topics in your hand and try to steer the story toward your secret conclusion.
- Appeals to players of all ages.
- Once Upon a Time is a game in which the players work together to create a new fairy tale using elements from their cards like dungeons, giants, and cauldrons. Steer the story toward the secret ending you hold.
- To win the game, play all of your story cards and steer the story to the ending card held in your hand! And they all lived happily ever after…we hope
| Source and version | Snapshot | What it represents |
|---|---|---|
| Steam | Very Positive; 83% of 102 all-time reviews positive | Steam user reviews, not a critic score. |
| Steam, recent reviews | Mixed; 61% of 13 recent reviews positive | A smaller, more recent user-review sample. |
| Metacritic, PS5 critics | 66 Metascore from seven critic reviews; two positive, five mixed, zero negative | Critic reviews aggregated for the PS5 version. |
| Metacritic, PS5 users | 6.7, marked “Mixed or Average” | User score with a small review sample; not directly comparable to Steam’s positive-review percentage. |
| PlayStation Store, US | 3.98 out of 5 from 100 ratings | Player ratings, not professional reviews. |
The numbers point to a reception that varies by audience and platform rather than an unambiguous consensus. Read the critical comments alongside the ratings, especially if control feel or technical polish is a deciding factor for you.
What reviewers praise
- The theatrical world: Critics and players highlight the distinctive theater-and-puppetry concept and its imaginative presentation. Games.ch called it “a lovingly crafted 2.5D platformer with a fresh setting.”
- Visuals and atmosphere: Review excerpts praise the art direction, character animation, sound, and overall mood. These elements give the game a strong identity beyond its familiar platforming and puzzle format.
- Narrative ambition: The premise and story themes have been noted as appealing, particularly for players drawn to a character-led adventure.
What are the main criticisms?
Several critic reviews describe the platforming and puzzles as uneven, and raise concerns about awkward design, technical issues, or glitches. Game Rant’s assessment, for example, praises the presentation while noting that technical issues can frustrate; Softpedia also recognizes the world and narrative potential while criticizing technical shortcomings and design. These are reviewers’ assessments, not a verified count of defects or a guarantee that every player will encounter the same problems.
Rank #2
- Product Type :Tabletop Game
- Package Dimensions :12.446 Cm L X9.652 Cm W X1.777 Cm H
- Country Of Origin :China
- Package Quantity :1
- Includes Extensive Game Explanation And Game Rules
Steam user impressions also differ. Some praise the visuals and sound design, while individual reviews mention controls, glitches, or value for money. Those comments are useful signals of what to investigate, but they should not be mistaken for a representative measure of every player’s experience.
Is Once Upon a Puppet worth buying?
Consider it if an unusual theatrical setting, expressive visuals, and a story-led puzzle-platformer sound more appealing than precision-focused movement. Be more cautious if you have little patience for awkward controls, uneven platforming, or technical friction. The review pattern suggests a game with a memorable artistic identity whose execution does not satisfy every reviewer equally.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #3
- Product type :TABLETOP GAME
- Package dimensions :11.938 cm L x9.398 cm W x1.524 cm H
- country of origin :China
- Once Upon a Time storytelling card game deck to add chivalrous themes and more variety to your game.
For a purchase decision, check the current rating and recent player comments on the storefront where you plan to play. The Steam and PlayStation figures above are dated snapshots, and no current official prices or platform performance parity are established here. Steam and PlayStation 5 are the verified listings here; this does not establish availability on every console or in every region.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.PS5 accessibility and platform details
The US PlayStation Store listing includes volume controls, basic subtitles, adjustable stick sensitivity and inversion, and options to play without motion controls or controller vibration. It says subtitles cover the main story and main characters only, so players who need broader subtitle coverage should take that limitation into account. These are PS5 listing details and should not be assumed to describe other versions.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Product type :TABLETOP GAME
- Package dimensions :12.192 cm L x9.398 cm W x1.524 cm H
- country of origin :China
- Once Upon A Time Storytelling Cards is fun, easy to learn, and keeps advanced players on their toes
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
