PUPPETEER

Really, I can't remember the last time a game has astonished me as much as PUPPEETER has. Everything about this game is simply outstanding: The graphics, the audio, the narrative and the humor. But most impressive of all is the animation and its sheer attention to detail, which is just something that has to be seen to be believed.

From the way the huge characters move about so fluidly, to minor things like how the main character KUTARO slips and slides whilst trying to climb a slope - the animation in PUPPETEER is just spectacular.

And the gameplay is equally as charming as the rest of the game. Throughout the course of the adventure KUTARO can collect numerous different types of heads to substitute for his own missing one. Each of these head has an unique abilty that can only be used in certain parts of of the game. Usually to activate optional events or gain bonus items.

And trust me, you will want to see all of these optional events because most of them are a show on their own.

KUTARO will also obtain other times that will grant him special abilities, such as a shield to deflect enemy attacks and throwable ninja bombs. However, KUTARO'S main weapon is a pair of magical golden scissors named 「CALIBRUS」 which he can use to attack enemies and move around anything that can be cut.

But that's not all of it. With the help of the right analog stick you can control a secondary character which will let you examine and activate stuff hidden in the background, of which there's a whole lot to find.

In the beginning your partner will be a cat named YING YANG, but later he will be replaced with the sun princess PIKARINA.

PIKARINA is sort of like ISSUN in OKAMI, only a whole lot more hilarious. And her unique and funny banter is just one of the game's many highlights.

Boss battles so far (im only in ACT 3) have been easy yet immensely enjoyable. The whole game is just immensely gratifying for that matter. Because the game is set up like a puppet show, hearing the audience react accordingly to each one of your feats and mishaps really gives out an awesome feeling.

PUPPETEER is a fantastic experience that's unlike anything else out there. As just mentioned, I'm only in the third act out of the seven that can be selected, and I've already been blown away by the incredibly charming visuals and the memorable narrative and cast of characters.

Thus I can't emphasize enough that if you're a PS3 owner you MUST give PUPPETEER a try. Games like this don't come by very often.

(C) SCE JAPAN STUDIO 2013