Puppeteer

 PlayStation 3
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Sep 10, 2013
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 292 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 239 out of 292
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 292
  3. Negative: 27 out of 292
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  1. GameMan2005
    Aug 29, 2023
    10
    Another incredible title from Japan studios. Great graphics, soundtrack, and gameplay make this a hidden gem on the PS3.
  2. WellEvil
    Sep 18, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great game with a huge focus on story, characters, and world-building. I don't remember the last time when the story absorbed me so much. Yes, there are a few bugs here are there, but nothing game-breaking. Usually minor visual glitches.… Expand
  3. HuevoAlce
    Jun 27, 2022
    8
    The Puppeteer is gorgeous and has clever and unique gameplay. A charming game that can be beaten in a few days.
  4. binarygodmonkey
    Apr 16, 2022
    10
    Superbly crafted in every way. This is the most unique platformer I've played in ages. I've finished Mario Odyssey and Astros Playroom and Psychonauts 2 and I would rate this game easily as high as those if not higher. I can't believe I missed this game when it first came out. I'm currently playing it on an LG OLED C9 using an mClassic and I'm very happy with how it looks on this screenSuperbly crafted in every way. This is the most unique platformer I've played in ages. I've finished Mario Odyssey and Astros Playroom and Psychonauts 2 and I would rate this game easily as high as those if not higher. I can't believe I missed this game when it first came out. I'm currently playing it on an LG OLED C9 using an mClassic and I'm very happy with how it looks on this screen despite its age. If you can somehow play this game, do it. Please do not mistake this game for a little big planet. That would be as tragic as mistaking Yakuza for Japanese GTA.… Expand
  5. iamthedagan
    Jul 16, 2021
    10
    A charming game to play with a young kid on the second controller. Their character is invulnerable and allows them to pick how involved they want to be at any given moment. If they’re a beginner, they can stick to just collecting the shiny crystals that dot the levels, but as they get mor confident they can poke around at the lovely and interactive backgrounds to discover more crystals,A charming game to play with a young kid on the second controller. Their character is invulnerable and allows them to pick how involved they want to be at any given moment. If they’re a beginner, they can stick to just collecting the shiny crystals that dot the levels, but as they get mor confident they can poke around at the lovely and interactive backgrounds to discover more crystals, new heads for you, and cute little vignettes. And if they’ve got the inclination and some mastery over the controls, they can help you directly by hitting switches, pulling levers, and carrying bombs around. They can also pick whether to play with the controller’s thumbsticks or with the more intuitive motion controls. Personally I didn’t let my kiddo (4 years old) know about the motion controls because I wanted her to learn the sticks, and it was a great way for her to do that.

    As for the primary controller, I enjoyed playing through the game and found it relaxing and engaging without being too difficult. There were one or two places where I had to sit up and pay attention but for the most part if you’re experienced in platformers you’ll breeze through it.

    The character designs are charming and the story seems good - I say “seems” because my kid skipped every cutscene. But there’s plenty of context at the beginning and end of each level for you to understand what’s going on: collect the shinies and defeat the evil Moon Bear King to rescue the Moon Goddess. That was all my kid needed to know.

    Overall, 10/10, will probably play through again.    … Expand
  6. marcosladarense
    Apr 14, 2018
    9
    i give an 8,6. The story is amaaaaazing and detailed, with a great mythology. the problem is the gameplay, very fragmented, with poor cadence, pacing. The momenta (momentums) are constantly break or boring (like just cutting ropes, could be played at automatic, don't requiring even your fingers on the controller. It is unacceptable for a end-gen game. LittleBigPlanet has shown how to makei give an 8,6. The story is amaaaaazing and detailed, with a great mythology. the problem is the gameplay, very fragmented, with poor cadence, pacing. The momenta (momentums) are constantly break or boring (like just cutting ropes, could be played at automatic, don't requiring even your fingers on the controller. It is unacceptable for a end-gen game. LittleBigPlanet has shown how to make a 2D game with realistic physics and well paced and dynamic.… Expand
  7. SrPepe
    Oct 30, 2017
    2
    La verdad es que este juego me aburrió tanto que lo deje a mitad de camino. No se porque tiene tantas buenas críticas, pero yo no lo recomiendo para nada.
  8. Kopchony
    Apr 30, 2017
    10
    Incredibly visual magic floating from the screen! Uncommon ART style, smart and variative game mechanics, unexpectedly dark story for such collorful game all of this create very unic gaming experience that is guilty to miss. If you have PS3 you can't miss this pure briliant of games ART!
  9. TangoFan
    Dec 15, 2016
    10
    Joguei na época e so posso dizer uma coisa: OBRA DE ARTE!!! Inclusive utrapassa LBP. Pena que não vendeu bem....... Maldita geração fps.................________________
  10. erichw23
    Jan 9, 2015
    8
    Superb voice acting topped the dessert that this game is with a cherry. Not much into platforming but this game just so captivating. The art direction is also amazing.
  11. mrnice
    Oct 24, 2014
    9
    8/10? 9/10? What these numbers mean cannot prepare you for how full of wonder Puppeteer is. It's like a box of magic and color, puns and memorable friends and foes. It is, in my opinion, one of the BEST kid games for PS3 (along with Ni No Kuni and Littlebigplanet 2), but Puppeteer has an ongoing, multifaceted commentary by fairies, witches and much more, that especially adults will enjoy8/10? 9/10? What these numbers mean cannot prepare you for how full of wonder Puppeteer is. It's like a box of magic and color, puns and memorable friends and foes. It is, in my opinion, one of the BEST kid games for PS3 (along with Ni No Kuni and Littlebigplanet 2), but Puppeteer has an ongoing, multifaceted commentary by fairies, witches and much more, that especially adults will enjoy because we recognize the craziness and human comedy of their mentalities. The Western references and the Japanese risk-taking come together marvelously, and the result is such a rare platform fairytale that an 8/10 score would seem ignorant of just how much drama and wonder the journey is packed with. Some games give you 40 hours with bursts of intensity and long stretches of preparations. Puppeteer throws an entire series of 'acts' into one compressed 12-hour pot and mixes it in ways I haven't seen before and don't expect to ever be made like this in other games. It does have weaknesses, though. The difficulty level is narrow throughout the game, comfortably challenging and never super-hard or 'set-your-own-goals hard'. The core 2d setup feels a bit like Littlebigplanet 2's, to a degree where I'd hesitate in owning both games. But then again Puppeteer does much more new with the 2d setup than you can possibly expect, and just the story and characters alone make the game worthwhile. I'd say the voice-acting alone makes the game sufficiently enjoyable, and all the ideas and surprises can be considered icing on the cake.

    I haven't even mentioned that it's set up like a puppet theater performance, and feels 100% as one. The developers have gone to great lengths to make classic game elements into "mechanic tree pieces" and dozens of times it had me smiling at how an element I usually take for granted was re-designed for the puppet context. Absolutely wonderful.    … Expand
  12. zanella_marco
    Oct 10, 2014
    8
    Portata a termine l’avventura, che si compone di 21 livelli per una durata complessiva che si aggira attorno alle 9 ore, avrete ben pochi motivi per riprendere in mano il gioco se non siete in cerca dei collezionabili. Dal menu principale potrete dare un’occhiata ai sei libri illustrati che vi racconteranno ulteriori dettagli sulla storia. Unico “difetto” che mi sento di attribuire aPortata a termine l’avventura, che si compone di 21 livelli per una durata complessiva che si aggira attorno alle 9 ore, avrete ben pochi motivi per riprendere in mano il gioco se non siete in cerca dei collezionabili. Dal menu principale potrete dare un’occhiata ai sei libri illustrati che vi racconteranno ulteriori dettagli sulla storia. Unico “difetto” che mi sento di attribuire a Puppeteer è il livello di sfida. Vedere il “game over” è impossibile e questo potrebbe far annoiare i giocatori che da un platform si aspettano una maggiore difficoltà. Il mio consiglio è comunque quello di giocarlo in due. Gestire in solitaria sia Kutaro che il suo compagno potrebbe risultare scomodo nelle scene più veloci. Con l’avvento della next-gen il mio timore è quello che titoli come questo vengano lasciati sugli scaffali e ingiustamente dimenticati. Onore a Japan Studio che non solo ha voluto cercare di proporre un qualcosa di nuovo ma lo ha fatto in modo sublime, creando una nuova IP dal valore indubbio, in esclusiva e alla fine del ciclo vitale di PlayStation 3.
    E attenzione a non sottovalutarlo, non è “solo” un gioco per bambini…    … Expand
  13. DeusXCom
    Jul 30, 2014
    6
    I liked the original idea and the whole theater play concept, but the same way the real theater has tendencies to bore you to death sometimes, Puppeteer left me unentertained in a similar way. It's still an ok and unique platformer with decent amount of variability, creative boss fights and appealing overall concept, but it slowly becomes more tedious than entertaining, it's trying to beI liked the original idea and the whole theater play concept, but the same way the real theater has tendencies to bore you to death sometimes, Puppeteer left me unentertained in a similar way. It's still an ok and unique platformer with decent amount of variability, creative boss fights and appealing overall concept, but it slowly becomes more tedious than entertaining, it's trying to be funny too hard and fails, characters and voice acting is annoying and the overall feel is way too infantile. I still enjoyed Puppeteer quite a bit for what it is, but had to force myself to finish this and was glad that it's over, that's never a good sign. It's a pity that this interesting concept wasn't used for something more than just another half-annoying kiddie platformer. 6/10… Expand
  14. AZShahriar
    Jul 29, 2014
    9
    This is the most underappreciated game I've seen in a long time. It is alarming to see **** games like Watch Dogs rack up sales because teenage boys don't know better and because news outlets want clicks/views from those teenagers resulting in a self fulfilling prophecy. Please tell your friends and family who are gamers to buy this.
  15. TheQuietGamer
    Jul 7, 2014
    8
    This is a game that achieves something few other games do nowadays: being something different. With it's unique theme and interesting take on the 2D platformer genre, it's one of the most original games currently out there. It's fun, challenging, humorous, and brimming with personality. Outside of some frustrating moments, the only issue I have with the game is related to it's personality.This is a game that achieves something few other games do nowadays: being something different. With it's unique theme and interesting take on the 2D platformer genre, it's one of the most original games currently out there. It's fun, challenging, humorous, and brimming with personality. Outside of some frustrating moments, the only issue I have with the game is related to it's personality. Occasionally it can be too much. Cutscenes can be intrusive and/or go on for far too long. It's not a huge issue, but often it gets in the way of actually playing the game.

    If you're one of the many people out there who are looking for a fresh, unique, original, and different game to play, then this is for you. It's an absolute delight with a great story, fun gameplay, and an awesome co-operative experience. It's one of the most interesting PS3 exclusives out there and is worth your time.    … Expand
  16. mosessaur
    Jun 29, 2014
    8
    Very nicely done plateformer. Interesting tale and really enjoyable characters. I would call it really cute characters.
    Levels are fun. You'll sense a bit of repeatetion but it's fine as it you won't always have that feeling. Gameplay was also great. Controls are simple. Storyline is beautiful. I really liked it. But when I compare it to Guacamelee I find myself more attracted to    Very nicely done plateformer. Interesting tale and really enjoyable characters. I would call it really cute characters.
    Levels are fun. You'll sense a bit of repeatetion but it's fine as it you won't always have that feeling. Gameplay was also great. Controls are simple. Storyline is beautiful. I really liked it. But when I compare it to Guacamelee I find myself more attracted to Guacamelee. But both totally different type of plateformers.
    I played it as part of PS Plus June 14 games lineup. And I give it 8    … Expand
  17. Leero
    Jun 15, 2014
    9
    Amazingly creative! Something refreshingly fun to play. There were a ton of boss fights with varying difficulties. Can't get over how well presented this game was. Hope they make another for next-gen. It was a joy to play this!!
  18. mostruash
    Jun 7, 2014
    3
    If you're looking for one of those "kiddie" platformers, play Puppeteer. Otherwise, stay away.

    If you are, like me, on a quest looking for a more adultish platformer that you can love both the gameplay and the plot (Brothers maybe?) it's not there.
  19. sityoazzdown
    Jun 4, 2014
    7
    I enjoyed this game, the gameplay was very unique and fun, but to be honest I didn't care much for the story or characters. Overall this game is a very unique experience and I fell in love with the gameplay; a great diversion from the games I usually play (shooters). Puppeteer is actually really action packed which was good, to compare it to LBP; it's less charming/no user createdI enjoyed this game, the gameplay was very unique and fun, but to be honest I didn't care much for the story or characters. Overall this game is a very unique experience and I fell in love with the gameplay; a great diversion from the games I usually play (shooters). Puppeteer is actually really action packed which was good, to compare it to LBP; it's less charming/no user created content/no multiplayer; but it has a real emphasis on gameplay with fast paced action. Gamers who only play shooters or whatnot should open their approach to video games, this one is quite good tbh. The only reason I'm giving this a 75 is because honestly platformers aren't my cup of tea.. but if you can get this game for cheap( or free), definately check this game out.… Expand
  20. GrandSekiza
    Jun 3, 2014
    9
    This game is well in one word amazing especially because I got it off of PSN for free. I can advise for sure if you have to buy the game its totally worth it and would tell you to get it if you have nothing to play at all. Graphics are amazing and so are the controls very simple and the story is actually quite compelling and interesting. So buy and enjoy you'll love it for sure.
  21. Funkymonk
    May 18, 2014
    8
    Now, this is how a modern day 2D platformer should be done! On the surface Puppeteer is a traditional platform game that pays homage to the great 2D platformers of the 16-Bit era but at the same time it also features many innovative ideas, surprises and a very modern look that give it a fresh contemporary feel.
    There isn't much I can say that other reviews havn't already said but the    Now, this is how a modern day 2D platformer should be done! On the surface Puppeteer is a traditional platform game that pays homage to the great 2D platformers of the 16-Bit era but at the same time it also features many innovative ideas, surprises and a very modern look that give it a fresh contemporary feel.
    There isn't much I can say that other reviews havn't already said but the reason it gets an 8 (still a very good score) and not a 9 or 10 is due to a couple of minor issues that stop this being up there with the all time greats of the genre (such as Sonic 2 or Super Mario World). For all it's sold gameplay and originality some of the level design felt a bit linier and parts of the gameplay could have been expanded even more - swapping heads in particular wasn't used to its full potential as the heads didn't actually give you different abilities or change the gameplay the just gave you access to bonus stages and secrets. It's also way to easy; Sure, there are a few challenging sections here and there but they are few and far between and towards the end of the game I had amassed over 80 lives without even trying!!!
    These issues are not game breaking though and overall the spellbinding graphics (even better with a 3D TV!), great controls, solid yet imaginative gameplay, innovative ideas and presentation make this a must play for fans of the genre and one of the best 2D platformers of recent times. It just falls short of an all time classic.    … Expand
  22. alexaxa
    Mar 23, 2014
    8
    This game as a great presentation but is a little too childish. The cutscenes get old quickly though and you may want to skip them. The levels are gorgeous.
  23. vizard00
    Jan 26, 2014
    10
    You know what its a Game this is a game , i say its a game bcz nowadays any company who buy computers and 3d models thinks they are making games , Puppeteer is a smooth game funny nice and entertaining , its one of the most original game ive ever played , or its a new whole new genre called " Comedy games " , Puppeteer is a piece of art and sadly i dont have a 3D TV to enjoy it .
  24. Magno--Barros
    Jan 22, 2014
    10
    Um espetáculo de jogo ! uma experiencia fantástica em um mundo vivo controles respondem bem a dublagem Brasileira esta acima da media Mias um grande exclusivo da SONY !
  25. fish6132456
    Jan 15, 2014
    10
    Amazing game. Don't pay any attention to Puckman's review... this game is not like LBP at all (both this game and LBP are amazing though).

    The quick time events are not lazy. Play Kingdom Hearts 2... that game has lazy quick time (the only button you push is Triangle). This game mixes it up and brings a different element of gameplay to the game.....See what I mean about Puckman? He    Amazing game. Don't pay any attention to Puckman's review... this game is not like LBP at all (both this game and LBP are amazing though).

    The quick time events are not lazy. Play Kingdom Hearts 2... that game has lazy quick time (the only button you push is Triangle). This game mixes it up and brings a different element of gameplay to the game.....See what I mean about Puckman? He doesn't know what he's talking about.....

    further proof he doesn't know what he is talking about......
    He mentions how the game gives the wrong head when you need it..... that's because you need to FIND the head first before the game gives it you (you'll know what I mean if you play the game). Puckman never understood that concept... that is why he is confused.

    The writing, jokes, and voice acting are very well done. Game play it great, hardly ever missed a jump or attack... and if I did, it was my fault, not the games fault.

    The level designs are unique and fun. There is one type of level design (in several levels) I didn't care for... but I must admit it brought variety to the game and a great element of fun, and I know other people probably love it.

    Very rarely does a game prompt me to leave a review on metacritic.... I've left 9 reviews (before this).... usually I have to hate a game or love it. I have a couple of yellow reviews I think. Anyway, my point is I've played well over 200 video games and Puppeteer was so good that I just had to leave a review for it.

    If you watch the trailers, and think you'll like it... then you'll love it. I had really big hopes for this game...and I was worried I was over hyping it for myself. I did that with GTA V Online... I over hyped that and it was a disappointment..... well Puppeteer lived up to my expectations..... it's that good.    … Expand
  26. PuckMan
    Jan 5, 2014
    3
    This game is clearly reusing the Little Big Planet game engine, which if you've played you will know has horribly floaty physics and stodgy controls which makes for a very unsatisfying platforming experience. To some extent LBP got away with this because that game gave the players an almost unlimited amount of creativity in the level editor. Puppeteer has no level editor and so I have toThis game is clearly reusing the Little Big Planet game engine, which if you've played you will know has horribly floaty physics and stodgy controls which makes for a very unsatisfying platforming experience. To some extent LBP got away with this because that game gave the players an almost unlimited amount of creativity in the level editor. Puppeteer has no level editor and so I have to judge it on it's own merits which are few.

    Now the thing that attracted me to this game was the highly original concept of the game being presented as a an interactive puppet show. Presentation wise everything is fine, music, art style, well the graphics aren't the best there a bit dark and gloomy but still alright. However the last time I checked it was the gameplay that was the most important thing and it's just not good enough.

    It plays just like a series of Little Big Planet levels except with horrendously long interruptions from cut scenes and the games narrator who never shuts up. Boss fights all play out the same and finish with a lazy quick time event. Power ups are none existent, you instead collect heads which are supposed to have powers but you can only use them at a specific part of the level and confusingly the game always seems to give you the wrong head.

    The script is supposed to be funny but I don't think I cracked a smile once. The characters in this game never shut up even when your trying to concentrate on what your doing they just go on and on giving you more information about the story which you stopped caring about a long time ago.    … Expand
  27. Totka
    Dec 2, 2013
    8
    Maybe a game for kids, but I'm 25 years old and I liked it a lot. Is magic. The story is beautiful with a great end! the gameplay is a good platform with rhythm and great boss battle.is something that you've never see in a videogame. A must have for every ps3 owner.
  28. theforeveverwar
    Nov 13, 2013
    10
    Loved this game. It is truely a unique must play experience. Plus it has co-op and 3d and move. There are some issues like not enough challenge and some you miss the fun dialogue because you move forward too fast but this game is nothing short of a wonderful spectacle and devilishly entertaining. And has a good length along with good replay. It is very fun and has strong mechanics but myLoved this game. It is truely a unique must play experience. Plus it has co-op and 3d and move. There are some issues like not enough challenge and some you miss the fun dialogue because you move forward too fast but this game is nothing short of a wonderful spectacle and devilishly entertaining. And has a good length along with good replay. It is very fun and has strong mechanics but my favorite it the art and style characters and dialogue as well as uniqueness that is rare in budgets this large and are only ever found in indie title.… Expand
  29. Lordnine
    Nov 10, 2013
    6
    Puppeteer is very much a game that is all presentation with very little substance. The gameplay itself falls far below platformers such as Rayman or even the recent 2D Mario titles. Where the game shines is when it comes to storytelling and presentation. Backgrounds are lovingly animated with elaborate transitions and the story is told in a completely charming manner that will make youPuppeteer is very much a game that is all presentation with very little substance. The gameplay itself falls far below platformers such as Rayman or even the recent 2D Mario titles. Where the game shines is when it comes to storytelling and presentation. Backgrounds are lovingly animated with elaborate transitions and the story is told in a completely charming manner that will make you want to see what happens next. It’s just a shame that you will have more fun watching the cut scenes than playing the actual game.… Expand
  30. Hasselhoof
    Nov 4, 2013
    9
    This game is just a lot of fun and very, very charming. I smiled and chuckled the whole time I was playing. It was delightful, and while it rarely ever was super difficult, it was always fun.

    For an expensive title this game absolutely rocks. It's length and quality certainly put it on par with any other full price title.

    Highly Impressed
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Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Best PS3 Game of 2013
44
#44 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2013
18
#18 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 75 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 57 out of 75
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 75
  3. Negative: 0 out of 75
  1. Level7.nu
    Dec 12, 2013
    80
    Puppeteer is an original platform game filled with creativity and charm. The games surprises are constant and the boss battles nothing short of brilliant. Unfortunately the controls are somewhat unresponsive and the pacing a bit uneven. But in all it’s still a more than successful and confident platform adventure. Especially in multiplayer.
    Read full review
  2. Games.cz
    Nov 28, 2013
    70
    The sentence, "Board that means the world" takes a true meaning in the case of Puppeteer. This platformer takes place on the stage in a puppet theatre. Awesome style completes its solid gameplay that becomes stronger and stronger.
    Read full review
  3. games(TM)
    Oct 23, 2013
    60
    That lack of consistency is sadly pervasive. [Issue#140, p.112]
See all critic reviews »