KIWIWALKS has released the first trailer for Shade of the Marionette: The Story of Piyorita. The game is a 3D story-driven action RPG set in the WitchSpring universe, and the newly released video highlights main protagonist Piyorita's combat, exploration, and crafting systems.
Shade of the Marionette: The Story of Piyorita depicts the journey of Piyorita, a doll born without emotions or memories. Guided by a familiar voice, she explores spaces beyond the mirror and absorbs the life force of other dolls to become a complete masterpiece. Depending on which room is unlocked first, the cutscenes and narrative progression change. The video also reveals scenes offering a glimpse into the game's mood and story, including various rooms connected by mirrors and a girl in a black dress sharing the exact same face as Piyorita.
Combat is fast-paced, centered around unlimited dashes and swordplay. Each weapon possesses distinct attack speeds, ranges, and unique skills, allowing players to swap weapons mid-combat or deflect enemy magic. The game offers dynamic, three-dimensional combat utilizing field structures such as cover, elevation differences, and movement paths. Defeating bosses under specific conditions allows players to turn those bosses into dolls and use them in battle. In the actual video, players can see Piyorita battling a giant boss doll and summoning defeated dolls to fight alongside her.
Materials acquired during exploration can be brought back to the Room of the White Nest—the base where Piyorita first awakens—to craft new magic, weapons, and traps, or to upgrade equipment and skills. The game's defining feature is its seamless blend of crafting, character growth, and doll collection into combat.
While sharing the universe of WitchSpring, Shade of the Marionette: The Story of Piyorita presents a new protagonist and a standalone story. The game is currently in development with a target launch in the second half of 2027 on PC and console platforms.
