Puppet Combo
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Puppet Combo is an American indie game studio founded by Benedetto "Ben" Cocuzza in 2012, based in Brooklyn. Known for its survival horror games inspired by 1980s horror films and early PlayStation aesthetics, Puppet Combo has released acclaimed titles like Nun Massacre and Murder House. The studio primarily distributes its games through Patreon and Itch.io. In 2021, Cocuzza launched Torture Star Video to publish lo-fi horror games. Puppet Combo is celebrated for its intense, nostalgic, and innovative horror experiences.
Notable games
- Nun Massacre
- Night at the Gates of Hell
- Murder House
- Power Drill Massacre
- Feed Me Billy
- Christmas Massacre
Why They Are The Real Puppeteers
- Puppet Combo is renowned for its distinctive low-poly graphics and VHS-inspired aesthetic, perfectly capturing the essence of 1980s horror films and early PlayStation games.
- By primarily releasing their games through Patreon and Itch.io, Puppet Combo maintains a close connection with their dedicated fanbase, ensuring continued support and feedback for their projects.
- In 2021, Puppet Combo launched Torture Star Video, a publishing company dedicated to promoting and supporting lo-fi horror games, thereby helping other indie developers gain recognition.
- Despite their low-budget nature, Puppet Combo consistently delivers high-quality horror experiences that resonate deeply with their audience.
- Puppet Combo's games often feature innovative and engaging storytelling, drawing players into their eerie and unsettling worlds.
- The sound design in Puppet Combo's games is meticulously crafted to enhance the horror atmosphere, with eerie soundtracks and unsettling audio effects.
- Puppet Combo offers a diverse library of horror games, each with its own unique setting, story, and gameplay mechanics.
- Puppet Combo's games often feature a mix of stealth, puzzle-solving, and survival elements, providing a versatile and engaging gameplay experience.
- The nostalgic appeal of Puppet Combo’s retro graphics and gameplay mechanics attracts both longtime gamers and new fans of the horror genre.
- Puppet Combo is known for its creative and often gruesome kill mechanics, adding a unique and terrifying element to their games.
Bad Qualities
- While Puppet Combo's retro aesthetic and specific horror influences capture a distinct 1980s vibe that appeals to fans of that era, this unique style may not resonate with all gamers, potentially limiting their audience.
- Puppet Combo's games often feature graphic and disturbing content, enhancing the intensity of the horror experience. This approach however might not suit every player’s preferences or comfort levels.
Reception
Puppet Combo has received generally positive reviews from both critics and players. Murder House was praised for its effective scares and nostalgic feel, with Kotaku describing it as "old-school nightmare fuel." Nun Massacre also received positive feedback for its intense atmosphere and challenging gameplay. Puppet Combo has established a loyal fanbase appreciative of their unique approach to horror. IGN listed Puppet Combo's games as among the best horror games for PC in 2022, and various titles have been highlighted in best-of lists for horror games.