A Juggler's Tale (Switch) Review
Publisher: Mixtvision
Developer: Kaleidoscube
Platform: Windows, Switch (reviewed) PlayStation, X-Box
Release Date: September 29th, 2021
Price: $17.99
A Juggler’s Tale tells the tale of Abby, a string puppet, as is everyone else in her world. She performs in the circus; day after day, only to be caged when not performing. You can probably guess where this is going. One day, Abby has had enough; and breaks out and flees. I’m not certain how this works with the strings, but just go with it.
Welcome to the Circus, we’ve got fun and games.
Accompanied by the voice of the narrator and puppet master, Abby ventures out and has to overcome obstacles, puzzles, and other puppets searching for her. Since Abby is on strings dangling from high above, she can’t just walk under objects without getting tangled, which adds an interesting mechanic to the game.
The Norwegian Blue prefers kipping on his back!
Even at its darkest, walking through a dark, wet forest, or hiding out in a shed, A Juggler’s Tale looks beautiful. The game overall is well paced, so you can enjoy the sights without being so slow as to be tiresome. Aside from the visuals, the narration also stands out. Told in rhyme, the narrator sets the stage telling the tale of Abby, but the mood of his poetry is off somehow. You see, he’s not simply telling the tale; he’s responding to Abby’s actions. I won’t say anymore, but there is a well done twist, that builds so well that it doesn’t come as a shock. I know that might sound contradictory, but the game is simply well written and executed. Interestingly, I was very sympathetic toward Abby as a character. Game protagonists are usually oppressed and downtrodden to the point of desensitizing the player. But I do admit a soft spot for Abby.
No glib remarks here, the game is just gorgeous.
My maid beef with the game is that I played through in about 90 minutes, this was the only real let down in the whole thing. Replay is fair to middling, but the game did appeal to everyone in the family, who all not only tried it, but took the time to play through.
Bottom line, A Juggler’s Tale is an intelligent game that’s worth the time. Great art, writing, and a haunting poetic narration combined with an unexpected ending.
The Good:
Original concept
Excellent execution
Wide appeal
The Bad:
Short
Limited Replay
Did I mention short?