Once a Tale
- April 19, 2024
- Carcajou Games
Get on Steam"Once a Tale" is a story-rich narrative game inspired by classic fairy tales, where players guide Hansel and Gretel through a beautifully handcrafted world, experiencing the adventure through cinematic camera angles. As they search for their way home, players will solve puzzles and interact with various creatures using the siblings' unique abilities. The game offers a family-friendly, magical experience in a stop-motion style world.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a unique stop-motion art style that enhances the immersive experience and brings the story to life.
- Puzzles are well-designed and provide a fun challenge, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults.
- The narrative is engaging and emotionally resonant, with a charming atmosphere and lovable characters.
- Some players experienced issues with controls and camera angles, making gameplay frustrating at times.
- There are reports of technical problems, including lag and system errors that detracted from the experience.
- The lack of voice acting was noted as a missed opportunity to enhance the storytelling.
- story11 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The game's story is presented in a captivating, storybook-like format, enhanced by stunning graphics and innovative storytelling techniques that engage players with its lore and character fates. Reviewers praise the humorous and challenging puzzles, as well as the unique artistic style that breathes new life into classic tales, making it a must-play for story-driven enthusiasts and fairy tale lovers. Overall, the narrative experience is described as both immersive and visually enchanting.
“From the moment you begin your journey in its vividly crafted world, the stunning graphics captivate you, painting every scene with a palette that feels like it's straight out of a vibrant storybook.”
“The way the story unfolds is both innovative and captivating, ensuring that every player is hooked on the lore and the fates of the characters they meet.”
“Very interesting art style and an interesting story with a fresh take on good old tales we all know and loved as kids.”
“The storytelling is another aspect of the game.”
“Would recommend this game for story-driven enthusiasts and fairy tale lovers!”
“Beautiful video game adaptation of a classic story!”
- graphics7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The graphics are characterized by a unique and vibrant artistic style that captivates players, reminiscent of a storybook. While some reviews mention poor controls and outdated visuals, the overall impression highlights the stunning and imaginative design that enhances the game's storytelling and puzzle-solving experience.
“The motion picture art style is gorgeous.”
“From the moment you begin your journey in its vividly crafted world, the stunning graphics captivate you, painting every scene with a palette that feels like it's straight out of a vibrant storybook.”
“Poor controls, ugly (mid 2010s graphics) and locked at 60fps.”
“Unique artistic impression in the graphics.”
“Fun puzzle solving with a unique and refreshing art style.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its originality and the unique charm of stop-motion puppets, offering an engaging experience with plenty to explore. While some camera angles may initially complicate controls, players find the mechanics rewarding once mastered. The puzzles are well-designed, striking a balance between challenge and satisfaction.
“The game is original, and the stop-motion puppets bring flavor to the gameplay experience.”
“While some camera angles can make controls a little tricky at first, once you get used to the mechanics, there is lots to explore in 'Once a Tale' with hours of fun.”
“Speaking of gameplay, the puzzles are brilliantly designed, challenging enough to be satisfying but never feeling insurmountable.”
“While some camera angles can make controls a little tricky at first, once you get used to the mechanics, there is lots to be explored in 'Once a Tale' with hours of fun.”
“The game is original and the stop-motion puppets bring flavor to the gameplay experience.”
- music4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its impeccable production and beautiful composition, effectively enhancing the narrative and overall atmosphere. Players appreciate how the soundtrack complements the gameplay, contributing to a captivating experience alongside engaging puzzles and collectibles.
“The sound production is impeccable, with a perfectly curated soundtrack that complements the highs and lows of the narrative.”
“Lovely puzzles, a great atmosphere, and a beautiful soundtrack all come together to help this game become a real gem!”
“The music is beautiful, and the collectibles that are inspired by different tales are fun to catch.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised, characterized by lovely puzzles, a beautiful soundtrack, and an overall immersive experience that enhances gameplay. Reviewers consistently highlight the game's captivating ambiance as a standout feature.
“Lovely puzzles, a great atmosphere, and a beautiful soundtrack all come together to make this game a real gem!”
“Amazing atmosphere.”
“I really like the atmosphere of the game.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its engaging and emotionally resonant narrative, which captivates players throughout. Its unique art style enhances the experience, bringing classic fables to life, making it a wholesome choice for family play.
“It weaves a compelling narrative that is both engaging and emotionally resonant, keeping you invested from start to finish.”
“This is a great wholesome puzzle game that I play with my kids. The unique art style breathes life into these classic fables.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its engaging storytelling, which adds a comedic touch to the fun and challenging puzzles.
“The puzzles are fun and challenging, and the storytelling is quite funny.”
“The humor in the game is clever and keeps you engaged throughout.”
“I found myself laughing out loud at the witty dialogue and hilarious situations.”
