Kiwi Walks, the developer behind WitchSpring R, has released the first official gameplay trailer for Shade of the Marionette: The Story of Piyorita, showcasing its real-time combat, weapon-switching mechanics, boss summoning and crafting systems. The story-driven 3D action RPG is targeting a release in the second half of 2027 for PC and consoles.
Released on November 11, 2026, the trailer provides the most detailed look yet at Kiwi Walks’ first action RPG. Set within the established WitchSpring universe, the game introduces a new protagonist and a combat system focused on movement, weapon variety and tactical positioning rather than the traditional RPG gameplay associated with the studio’s previous titles.
Players control Piyorita, a mysterious doll born without memories or emotions. Guided by a familiar voice, she travels through interconnected rooms beyond a mirror, defeating other dolls and absorbing their life force in pursuit of becoming the Masterpiece.
Combat takes place in real time, with different weapons offering distinct attack speeds, ranges and abilities. Piyorita can switch weapons during encounters, reflect incoming magic and exploit openings in enemy attacks. The trailer also demonstrates jumping attacks that take advantage of elevated terrain, allowing players to approach encounters from different positions.
One of the newly demonstrated mechanics involves turning defeated bosses into allies. After absorbing a boss doll’s life force, Piyorita can summon that character to assist her during subsequent battles. The game’s Steam description further confirms that captured boss dolls can be managed and upgraded using materials collected during exploration, with coordinated combat abilities available alongside these companions.
Kiwi Walks is also incorporating targeting assistance and unlimited dashes, allowing players to perform fast-paced attacks without memorizing complicated command inputs. Environmental features such as cover, elevation and movement routes will play a role in combat encounters.
Outside battle, players return to the White Nest Room, the location where Piyorita first awakens. This central base serves as a preparation area where collected materials can be used to craft weapons, spells and traps. Players can also upgrade equipment, strengthen abilities, manage captured bosses and change Piyorita’s costume before beginning another expedition.
Exploration will influence how the story develops. Players can choose the order in which they unlock rooms beyond the mirror, changing the sequence of narrative events and character encounters. The trailer introduces several dolls inhabiting these areas, including Straccio and a mysterious girl dressed in black who shares Piyorita’s face.
Shade of the Marionette builds upon the world established by the WitchSpring series while introducing a different gameplay approach. Kiwi Walks previously developed WitchSpring R, which has surpassed 300,000 copies sold worldwide across PC and consoles, according to the studio.
The game is currently planned for PC through Steam and unspecified PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo consoles. Kiwi Walks is aiming for the second half of 2027, although a specific release date has not been announced and launch timing may vary between platforms.
Shade of the Marionette: The Story of Piyorita is already available to wishlist on Steam, where its store page includes additional gameplay details, screenshots and preliminary PC system requirements.
