The Glass Staircase casts players into the fragile lives of four young servant girls: Helen, Betty, Dorothy, and Margaret bound to a decaying mansion by promises of freedom that will never come. Their days are consumed by eerie chores and the constant presence of silence, broken only by strange commands from their unseen master. As the mansion swallows each girl one by one, Margaret becomes the last survivor, forced to confront not only the truth of her captivity but also the monstrous creations lurking in the shadows. With nothing but her determination and a rifle to defend herself, she must descend into the nightmare that has claimed the others and fight for her only chance at escape.
Developed by Puppet Combo and released in 2019, The Glass Staircase is a survival horror experience steeped in dread and mystery. The game reveals that the mansion belongs to Dr. Edward Sullivan, a decorated veteran of World War I whose return from the battlefield left him not so good in the head. He had visions of an Otherworld god. Obsessed with these hallucinations, Sullivan began experimenting with surgery and resurrection, twisting the dead into grotesque mockeries of life. Supported by a fanatical cult, his failed experiments now haunt the underground laboratories beneath the estate. The story unfolds like a slow descent into madness, weaving themes of trauma, body horror, and cosmic obsession into its chilling narrative.
Gameplay
Gameplay in The Glass Staircase emphasizes exploration, puzzle-solving, and limited combat. Players control different characters as the story progresses, each navigating portions of the mansion and uncovering its secrets. Resource management plays a key role, with ammunition and healing items kept scarce, forcing careful decisions in moments of panic. Enemies range from grotesque creatures to the looming presence of the mansion’s hidden masters, creating a sense of vulnerability throughout. The deliberate pacing and clunky combat mechanics serve to amplify tension, echoing the design philosophy of classic survival horror games.
Visuals & Style
The game employs a lo-fi, retro 32-bit visual style designed to mimic the look of PlayStation 2 and late PlayStation 1 era horror games. Its grainy textures, fixed camera angles, and VHS-like filters create a sense of unease that feels both nostalgic and alien. Sound design is equally integral, with chilling ambient noises, distorted voices, and oppressive silence used to ratchet up dread. The blend of retro visuals with grotesque imagery gives The Glass Staircase a dreamlike, almost feverish quality that heightens its disturbing themes.
Importance in Survival Horror History
The Glass Staircase is significant in survival horror history as part of Puppet Combo’s ongoing effort to preserve and reinvent retro horror aesthetics. At a time when indie horror was dominated by first person experiences, this game boldly leaned into fixed perspectives and tank style controls to capture the spirit of early survival horror. Its strong cinematic influences and unflinching tone also highlight the enduring power of low fidelity visuals to unsettle players, proving that atmosphere and imagination can be as terrifying as cutting edge graphics.
Reception vs Historical Value
Reception to The Glass Staircase was mixed to positive, with many praising its atmosphere, storytelling, and retro authenticity, while some criticized its dated mechanics and high difficulty. Despite this, the game has built a loyal following, especially among fans of Puppet Combo’s grindhouse-style catalog. Historically, it stands as a distinctive experiment in blending narrative-driven psychological horror with retro survival gameplay, cementing its place as a cult favorite in the indie horror community.
Availability & Collectibility
The Glass Staircase was released digitally for PC through Puppet Combo’s official storefront and later made available on platforms such as Itch.io. It received a limited physical version available through Puppet Combo’s Itch.io page. Its limited availability and cult status contribute to its appeal among collectors of niche indie horror, ensuring it remains a sought-after title within Puppet Combo’s growing library.
Get it on:
Itch.io : The Glass Staircase by Puppet Combo
Via Puppet Combo’s Patreon: PUPPET COMBO | Creating 80’s HORROR GAMES | Patreon
Trailer: