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A Juggler's Tale

A Juggler's Tale

|Germany|Platform, Puzzle

8.8 /10

Aww Great!

Hot

2.3k ratings
Time to beat
Main
2h
Main + extras
2h
Complete
2.3h
Trailers & screenshots
Why play it

A Juggler's Tale is a 2021 Platform, Puzzle, Adventure, Indie game rated 8.8/10 from 2.3k ratings, with a main story of about 2h, available on Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S.

Lead Abby the string puppet through a bruised, but beautiful world in this poetic 3D adventure. Solve riddles, evade traps, and shake off pursuers on your way to find freedom. Can Abby take control of her own fate and make a difference with all the strings attached?

Story and worldbuilding

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Come in, come in! In the mood for a story, are we?" Abby is an artiste held captive at a circus: She spends her days entertaining the audience and her nights in a cage, longing for freedom. One day, she escapes the circus and gets to explore a mystical world. Alas, freedom comes at a cost and Abby soon finds herself dragged into the dangers this world has to offer: In a war-torn, medieval fairytale, surrounded by ravaged, starving citizens and hunted by the relentless cut-throat Tonda, Abby has to cross raging rivers, make it through bandit camps and around traps. Her adventure is always accompanied by the lyrical rhymes of puppet master Jack, who is telling her story while holding the strings of his puppets firmly in his ever-helpful hands. Who can Abby trust? Can she find a way to truly break free? Despite dangling from her threads, will Abby learn that she can still influence her destiny? "Abby, can't you see? The strings holding you up also hold you back!"

Game highlights
Rating momentum

Aww Great!: 8.8/10 across 2.3k ratings. Word of mouth is strong — if you like the genre, go for it.

Play style

Leans into Platform, Puzzle, Adventure, with a main story around 2h. Check if that style and time commitment fit you.

Reviews

20 media reviews

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Push SquareLiam Croft · 29 Sep, 2021
6/10

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.

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Nintendo LifeOliver Reynolds · 10 Oct, 2021
6/10

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.

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Indie Games DevelFrancesco Mastrodicasa · 21 Dec, 2021
8/10

A Juggler’s Tale is the new project by kaleidoscube: a small German studio that transports us to the unfortunate life of the puppet Abby

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VGamingNewsAndrew O'Donnell · 13 Dec, 2021
7/10

Other than length I have very few real criticisms of A Jugglers Tale; Kaleidoscube have knocked it out of the park. What they’ve made is a very tight experience which is both harsh and beautiful, I just wish there was more of it.

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JVLSheitaniña · 20 Nov, 2021
6.5/10

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.

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Rapid Reviews UKAlan Holloway · 2 Nov, 2021
8/10

It is amazing how the gaming industry has taken the simple concept of going from left to right on a screen and created so many wonderful games from it. A Juggler’s Tale is yet one more, combining some tried-and-tested ideas with some new ones thrown in. The resulting experience is an interesting and intriguing game of puppetry and adventure, starring a puppet called Abby.

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WellPlayedJames Wood · 30 Oct, 2021
5.5/10

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.

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BaziCenterOmid_Lennon · 24 Oct, 2021
8/10

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.

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Pure Dead GamingCraig · 23 Oct, 2021
8.5/10

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.

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Checkpoint GamingLisa Pollifroni · 19 Oct, 2021
8/10

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.

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