The true definition of a hidden gem. Because of its puppet craft aesthetic, 2D sidescrolling platformer gameplay, and British narration and humor Puppeteer in many resembles Sony's LittleBigPlanet. However this game is all about a well designed singleplayer campaign and story and does not feature any Creating and Sharing elements like that other series. The visual aesthetic is utterly charming. The whole thing plays out as if on a theatrical stage. The 21 levels is just the right length for a game like this. The level design is imaginative and varied. I have some issues with the controls, and also the game doesn't make it straightforward to access all the secret areas and bonuses hidden within levels. Kutaro the lead character is pretty much silent, and he dons different heads that give him different abilities. The supporting characters are lovely, funny, and well thought out. Using a pair of scissors as your primary weapon and also as a means of getting around feels pretty unique. Maybe the game relies a bit too much on QTEs. It actually fits in well with Sony's culture of cinematic single player games. Unfortunately the game flopped and was sent out to die on the PS3 just around the time of the PS4 launch. It probably felt like more of a digital only release rather than a full title worthy of a retail release as well. It is a shame. This is one of Japan Studios best and most ambitious games. It is a shame the studio no longer exists as it once did. I don't really want a sequel but I hope other people are finding this game through PS+ as well and maybe some day it gets a full digital re-release.

Score: 8/10

Full Completed 2023 List:

• Super Mario World (NSO)
• Star Fox (NSO)
• Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (PS5)
• Donkey Kong Country (NSO)
• The Legend of Zelda (NSO)
• Gran Turismo 7 (PS5)
• Grand Theft Auto V (PS5)
• The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe Edition (PS5)
•  Bioshock Infinite: Complete Edition (PS4)
• The World Ends With You Final Remix (Switch)
• My Japanese Coach (DS)
• Puppeteer (PS+ Premium)