- Publisher: Crunching Koalas
- Release Date: Oct 24, 2025
- Also On: PC, Switch, Xbox Series X
- Summary:
- Developer: Bonte Avond
- Genre(s): Adventure, General
- # of players: No Online Multiplayer
- Cheats: On GameFAQs
- More Details and Credits »
Score distribution:
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Positive: 3 out of 5
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Mixed: 2 out of 5
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Negative: 0 out of 5
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Oct 24, 2025Once Upon a Jester feels curated to be improvisational, much like the theater performances in the game. Bonte Avond obviously had a plan, they mapped out a game with art and writing and programming. But in a way, it feels almost guerilla-style. They are throwing players into their tour bus and taking us all along for the ride, performing to an eager group who just want to be a part of the fun. While short and maybe a bit silly, Once Upon a Jester succeeds because it strives to be different, personable and, ultimately, fun.
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Oct 24, 2025Once Upon a Jester is surprising game for me and I do recommend it, especially if you are looking for something comedic and that is only a few hours long. It might be over rather quickly, but will stay with you for quite a while.
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Nov 24, 2025A whimsical, irreverent and eccentric adventure game centred on musical theatre and improvisation, Once Upon A Jester is a pleasurable game that doesn't outstay its welcome. It might be a bit too simplistic for some, but the light-hearted, fun loving vibe of the game is a refreshing change of pace in a market over-populated by grimdark soulslikes.
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Nov 24, 2025Once Upon a Jester is certainly worth playing. Whilst the interactivity is light, the humour and writing do a wonderful job of creating a heart-warming story. It's twee, cheeky but tactfully performed. The on-stage stuff can hinder the pacing but, even within those segments, there's a playful tone that can produce some smiles.
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Dec 10, 2025Once Upon a Jester starts off on a positive note, thanks to its humour and its, initially, charming visuals. However, those simplistic visuals soon become tiring and uninspired, and the lack of any meaningful gameplay turns the experience into a slog. The story could have been its redeeming factor, but unfortunately the game falls short even in that regard.