The Puppeteer
- October 18, 2023
- Danny Martin
- 4h median play time
Get on SteamIn this challenging action-adventure RPG, traverse various lands seeking to piece together the methods and madness of The Puppeteer. Craft unique potions to contend with hordes of enemies and uncover secrets rewarded by exploration.RETRO RAMPAGEDon't be fooled by the cutesy pixel art graphics - The enemies in The Puppeteer are numerous and aggressive! Some areas may even feel like too much to hand…
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The pixel art and level aesthetics are beautifully crafted, creating an immersive visual experience.
- The potion crafting system adds depth to gameplay, allowing for a variety of strategies and enhancing replayability.
- The game offers a challenging experience with varied enemies and multiple endings, appealing to players who enjoy mastering mechanics.
- The game lacks checkpoints, which can lead to frustration when dying and having to restart levels.
- Some levels have merging paths that reduce the sense of exploration.
- The increasing threshold for potion crafting can leave players without necessary resources at critical moments.
- gameplay16 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a unique potion crafting system that is essential for survival and offers numerous combinations, enhancing the overall experience. Players can expect a fast-paced, challenging environment filled with difficult enemies and secrets to discover, providing around 4 hours of engaging content. Despite its simple pixel art style, the game boasts depth in mechanics that will appeal to those who enjoy mastering gameplay elements.
“If you enjoy overcoming difficult enemies and mastering the mechanics of the games you play, then you will love this game.”
“A fast-paced, challenging game with an interesting gameplay mechanic that keeps the player engaged and an abundance of secrets for those willing to find them.”
“This game will provide about 4 hours of gameplay depending on skill level or if you want to explore everything it has to offer.”
“It may seem like a simple pixel art game, but there is a surprising amount of depth in the gameplay and fight mechanics.”
“Overall this game is an exceedingly enjoyable retro action RPG with a rather unique mechanic in the form of potion crafting; this mechanic is pivotal to your character's survival and allows for a large number of useful combinations.”
- music10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its ability to complement the mood of each level, creating an immersive experience. Reviewers noted the soundtrack's nostalgic quality, reminiscent of retro games, and described it as an inspired and enjoyable accompaniment to the gameplay. Overall, the soundtrack significantly enhances the adventure and exploration aspects of the game.
“Amazing adventure with an inspired soundtrack!”
“The soundtrack fits the mood of each level very well.”
“Across the board, the soundtrack gives way to a heap of nostalgia for the retro games of the past.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their stunning level aesthetics, showcasing diverse environments such as lush forests, glacial lakes, and volcanoes, with careful attention to sprite design. While reminiscent of Zelda's visuals, the game emphasizes combat over exploration, contributing to an overall enjoyable experience enhanced by its charming characters and visuals.
“The level aesthetics are beautiful; taking the player through verdant forests to glacial lakes to volcanoes and more.”
“Don’t let the Zelda-esque visuals fool you; this game is a lot more about combat than Zelda.”
“It is clear to me that a lot of time was spent on making sure all of the sprites fit with the aesthetic.”
“Overall, I really enjoyed the game, from its charming characters and visuals to its challenging gameplay, which felt great to finally overcome.”
- story6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The story is described as simple yet effective, engaging players with multiple endings and opportunities to deepen character connections through exploration of hidden areas, though these are not essential for understanding the main narrative.
“The story is engaging and has multiple endings.”
“The story is very simple but effective.”
“Finding hidden areas expands your connection to the characters, but it is not required to experience the main story beats.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability through its alternate endings and a satisfying potion crafting system, encouraging players to explore different choices and strategies.
“The potion crafting system is really satisfying and provides lots of replayability.”
“There are alternate endings which provide replay value.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is generally well-received, with reviewers noting that the instrumentation for each level effectively enhances the overall experience. However, there is a consensus that more variation in the atmosphere could improve the game's appeal.
“The instrumentation for each level creates a fitting atmosphere.”
