Developer: kaleidoscube
Publisher: Mixtvision Games
Release Date: 29th September 2021
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S & Nintendo Switch
Reviewed on: Xbox Series X
▫️ Review code provided by the publisher ▫️
A Juggler’s Tale is the latest in a slew of puzzle-based side-scrolling platforming games, this time from developer kaleidoscube. The story revolves around Abby, a juggler and acrobat in the circus. Life is not all glitz and glamour though, outside of performing, poor Abby is kept in a cage by the wicked Ringmaster. Not happy with her current situation, she sacks this off, escapes and heads out into the world. The bulk of your journey revolves around you trying to put distance between yourself and your disgruntled former employer, spanning several beautiful locales.
The game is narrated by Jack, who acts as the puppet master. His performance throughout is stellar and does an excellent job of adding depth to the story. The subtle nuances in the narration as the game progresses are a joy and this is what I will remember most from the experience. It would have been easy for this to become an unwelcome distraction, like in Biomutant, but instead it ends up absolutely integral to the design.
The game takes clear inspiration from the likes of Limbo, Little Nightmares and even Unravel. The twist though is that Abby, our protagonist, is a puppet. Part of being a puppet is that you are controlled by strings, and so when navigating the world and the various obstacles, you need to clear the path for your strings too. This added mechanic is used to great effect throughout the game and really added an extra layer to the already stellar formula.
Controls are basic but functional and they will be instantly familiar to fans of the genre. X/A to jump and R2/RT to grab or interact with objects. Puzzle elements are well implemented and never frustrating. I am at a point in my life now where I’m quick to consult a guide if I get stuck, but the intuitive level design meant that was never necessary during the two-hour runtime. The game does a great job of introducing different wrinkles to the gameplay each chapter, like the use of a flame torch to clear the path that can only stay lit for a limited time in the rain.
Locations are varied and beautiful. From a dark forest to a sprawling countryside and lots more inbetween. The landscapes are a sight to behold, coupled with some outstanding lighting effects. While the various puppets do not have faces, their actions (with help from the storyteller) convey their motivations well. I also had no technical issues throughout my time with the game, including no performance dips.
In terms of trophies/achievements, this is a fairly straightforward list. Unfortuntely on PlayStation there is no platinum, but 1000G is on offer in the Xbox version. Half of the requirements involve misc objectives in the world, so it may be worth consulting a guide beforehand if you don’t want to re-play certain areas. For example ‘On Dry Feet’ tasks you with completing the whole of Act II without falling into the water.
Overall, a Juggler’s Tale is a joy to play from start to finish. Gorgeous visuals, fun gameplay with puzzles that don’t frustrate and a narrative that plays out uniquely through the lens of the storyteller. If you enjoyed games like Limbo, Little Nightmares and others of a similar ilk, this is definitely one to add to your collection.
-Craig 🧐
