Kiwiwalks is set to launch Shade of the Marionette: The Story of Piyorita, a new action RPG, on Steam in the second half of 2027.
The title introduces a doll-like protagonist navigating a labyrinthine world called “the Nest,” blending fast-paced melee combat with magical progression and complex doll-recruitment mechanics.
Kiwiwalks Shifts from Turn-Based Roots
The developer is pivoting away from the turn-based systems that defined earlier entries in the WitchSpring franchise, such as 2024’s WitchSpring R. Shade of the Marionette adopts a real-time combat architecture, prioritizing fluid swordplay and spellcasting.
Players control Piyorita, a silent protagonist built without memory or emotion. Her progression loop relies on a resource-gathering system where she absorbs the life force and physical components of defeated “doll” enemies. This mechanic serves as a core progression gate; by scavenging parts, Piyorita matures, unlocking new skill trees that dictate her combat efficacy.
The Nest Uses Mirrors and Summoning to Mimic Kingdom Hearts
The game’s structural design centers on “the Nest,” a segmented labyrinth that functions through a gateway system. Players traverse between disparate sections of this environment using mirrors, a traversal mechanic that Comic Book Resources notes is reminiscent of the world-hopping architecture seen in the Kingdom Hearts series.
This spatial design is complemented by a summoning system. Much like the ally-call mechanics popularized by Square Enix’s flagship RPG, Piyorita gains the ability to recruit boss dolls into her party after defeating them. These companions are not static; players must utilize crafting systems to enhance their individual stats and core abilities, effectively turning the party into a modular build-out.
Non-Linear Pathing and Protagonist Status Drive the Narrative
The story of Piyorita is non-linear, dictated by how the player moves through the Nest. Rooms are selectable in any order, creating a branching narrative structure where specific pathing influences the game’s resolution.
The conflict is fueled by the status of the protagonist. As a “Baby Bird,” Piyorita is viewed with hostility by other dolls within the Nest. This tension is not merely thematic; it drives the combat encounters, as the game pits Piyorita against both humanoid and non-humanoid foes that possess unique AI behaviors based on their “failure” status.
The 2027 Multi-Platform Deployment
While the Steam release is the primary focus for the PC market, Kiwiwalks has indicated a wider console footprint. Promotional materials for the game currently feature logos for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
The game remains in active development, with Kiwiwalks positioning it as a significant expansion of the WitchSpring universe. The transition from the witch-hunting narrative of Pieberry to the doll-centric existentialism of Piyorita marks a distinct evolution in the franchise’s thematic scope. The title is currently scheduled for release in the second half of 2027.
