Once Upon a Jester

 Switch
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Gaming Age
    Apr 5, 2023
    100
    Once Upon A Jester isn’t like too many other games out there, but if you’re willing to give it a chance, you’ll find that it does what it sets out to do incredibly well.
  2. Pure Nintendo
    Dec 12, 2022
    90
    Once Upon a Jester is a classic hero quest told through some creative gameplay and writing. There are plenty of touching moments mixed in with the humor, which I wasn’t expecting. The music sets the scenes perfectly as well. What I love about Once Upon a Jester is that the creators took a lot of risks, from the story to the voice acting, and even the mechanics for putting on a show. And all of these features stick the landing. This game is everything I love about the indie scene.
  3. NintendoWorldReport
    Nov 14, 2022
    85
    From the live-performed songs to the funny writing and memorable characters, Jester and Sok's journey is one I would heartily recommend and makes my Dutch heart incredibly proud.
  5. Impulsegamer
    Nov 24, 2022
    80
    With an original story, charming characters, and some killer music, there’s just so much to love about Once Upon a Jester. With so much passion put into this game by such a small group of incredibly talented people, Bonte Avond has given us a unique, enjoyable, and memorable adventure that I couldn’t recommend enough. If you love music, humor, and just simply having fun, then please do yourself a favor and play this game.
  6. TouchArcade
    Nov 22, 2022
    70
    I applaud the creative spirit behind Once Upon a Jester, and I had a decent time playing through it. I’d love to see these characters again, and I hope to see more from this developer in the future. The game thankfully reaches its conclusion before the novelty wears out completely, but some parts of it get a little repetitive even within that span of time. It’s an affable affair, and its quirky charms are worth experiencing even with a few shortcomings in tow.
  7. Metro GameCentral
    Nov 15, 2022
    70
    A fantasy musical adventure which has big laughs to match its big heart, while being built around charming, if shallow, gameplay mechanics.
  8. Switch Player
    Jan 3, 2023
    60
    A whimsical and light-hearted tale that’s also fairly light on gameplay, Once Upon a Jester is an enjoyable three-hour romp, with colourful silliness for children and irreverent humour for parents to keep both engaged as they play together.

Awards & Rankings

81
#81 Best Switch Game of 2022

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 1 out of 4
  1. Elite_Institute
    Nov 25, 2022
    7
    "At the end of the day, it’s the amusing performances and catchy songs that are going to sell you Once Upon a Jester. Not the repetitive"At the end of the day, it’s the amusing performances and catchy songs that are going to sell you Once Upon a Jester. Not the repetitive gameplay, not the unlockable stickers, but simply the sheer charm of the main protagonists and the cute shows that they do. If the trailer sold you on the concept, you may very well have a good time with the game – if not, then the gameplay probably won’t do much to win you over."

    https://theeliteinstitute.net/2022/11/25/once-upon-a-jester/    … Full Review »
  2. Dr_Kirb
    Nov 14, 2022
    10
    Once Upon A Jester is a whimsical, charming adventure! Sok & Jester were such a goofy duo and grew a lot from their Diamond stealing ways toOnce Upon A Jester is a whimsical, charming adventure! Sok & Jester were such a goofy duo and grew a lot from their Diamond stealing ways to actually love theatre. Together they worked really well and I enjoyed them greatly… Full Review »
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