A Juggler's Tale Reviews
A charming puzzle platformer which makes great use of its puppet show concept but falls short in longevity.
A Juggler's Tale is a good, if short, puzzle platformer with an enjoyable narrated story. Bugs do need ironing out even as rare as they are, but if you're a looking for something to occupy you for a couple of hours, A Juggler's Tale is worth giving a go for fans of the genre.
A small production, visually intriguing and with some interesting gameplay ideas. Maybe a little too short, leave with an appetite in your mouth in the hope of having more gameplay. However, it remains an experience to try.
Review in Italian | Read full review
If it all proves too much, at least many of the vistas and scenes will soothe your mood with lovely visuals — especially as the sun sets. They don't quite look photo-realistic; there's a dash of flair and care that makes for a very pretty little title. It won't set the world on fire, but A Juggler's Tale has a pleasing aura that may resonate with folk who know what they're getting themselves in for.
A Juggler's Tale drops the ball some with its design, but puts on a worthwhile show due to its presentation and story.
A Juggler's Tale tries to find its space in the wide spectrum of similar games by impressing the audience with a truly suggestive and inspired aesthetic, a gorgeous front cover for a solid game. In just a couple of hours, it tries to establish a dialogue with the player, pushing it to reflect on serious themes such as freedom and free will, at the same time being aware of the paradoxes embodied by its mechanics. A good debut for kaleidoscube.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Not free of flaws, A Juggler's Tale manages, over time, to reach the sensitivity of the most hardened among us. The themes addressed are common to all children who have become adults today and are an irremediably reminder of how fragile the human condition is.
Review in French | Read full review
A Juggler's Tale is enjoyable for what it is, but it doesn't quite reach the particularly memorable nature of similar indie games it so obviously takes inspiration from. There's a great introspective narrative with some brilliant themes regarding personal freedoms and cutting the strings of toxic relationships throughout, but a short runtime and occasionally obtuse puzzles and mechanics leave it feeling a bit more tangled up than it should by the end.
At just two - three hours in length, A Juggler’s Tale is a lean experience with little fat on the bones (though may still be a tad on the short side for some). Nevertheless, it’s a shame that the developer leant on the same type of puzzle for much of the game, as it makes certain areas feel repetitive as a result. If you’re a fan of games like Limbo and Inside, this is a nice alternative; just don’t go expecting a game of the same calibre or quality.
A Juggler’s Tale isn’t a long game, it will only take you a few hours to complete. However, its length is refreshing in a time where we are surrounded by massive open-world games that can leave us exhausted just by looking at their playtime... this puppet’s tale will make you realise that strength comes in all sizes, even in the shape of a little marionette whose only real talent is juggling.
Join string puppet Abby on an adventure, where you'll help her escape to freedom, but it doesn't come that easily. Solve puzzles, overcome enemies, and help Abby to not let her strings - and whatever else the world throws at her - hold her back.
A Juggler's Tale is a polished title, delivering a smooth gameplay flow that's over too quickly for its launch price. Anyone can appreciate the visual presentation and voiced story. Meanwhile, enthusiasts will enjoy the blend of puzzles (albeit easy ones) and action. It's a unique game in many ways and one that leaves an impression. But, it also leaves you wanting more. I hope to cheer on Abby in a sequel, one whose price better matches its length.
A Juggler's Tale is an uneven medley of indie platforming tropes and philosophical chin-scratching but a beautiful art direction make it almost worth it.
A Juggler’s Tale is very short, but worth playing once. It has decent visuals, clever puzzles, and the story is original. There are even a few moments where the game reaches greatness, and almost goes beyond expectations; before it swiftly lands back on its feet. The game just does not go far enough with its concept, and will leave gamers feeling hungry.
Although short, A Juggler’s Tale is an intelligent game well worth spending a few hours with. Its visuals are spectacular, and its haunting poetic narration – although jarring at times – provides an excellent and unexpected ending. Abby might not speak, but you’ll be rooting for her each step of the way.
The only real issue I experienced were some readability problems when it came to figuring out what certain puzzles expected of me, but I was always able to figure it out on my own in the end. A playthrough goes quickly, only lasting around two to three hours, so it doesn't overstay its welcome nor does it feel too brief. If you enjoy a good puzzle platformer, A Juggler's Tale is a worthy addition to your collection, no strings required.
A Juggler's Tale is short but beautiful, and despite some minor shortcomings can still entertain, even if it's only for a brief period of time.
Review in Persian | Read full review
The game hits the right story beats to bring home a winner. Once I started playing it, I did not want to put down the controller until I discovered Abby’s fate. The narrative and narration are top-tier, the world-building and gameplay are phenomenal.
In conclusion, A Juggler’s Tale is a compact but perfectly formed cinematic experience. It is beautiful to look at and has an immersive atmosphere with a level of detail that pulls the player into its world. The focus here is on story with the game being pretty relaxing to play for the most part. It also offers a unique gameplay mechanic in the form of a puppets strings limiting traversal options within a puzzle platformer environment. At only £12.99 this tale of empowerment and hope is well worth investigating.
You really shouldn’t dismiss A Juggler’s Tale as just another Limbo or Inside clone. I might even consider it as good, if not better, than its main sources of inspiration. Not only does it feature gameplay elements that take advantage of its unique setting, but it also has a really engaging story that captivates you right away thanks to some superb voice acting.