Once a Tale

About

Once a Tale is a single player simulation game. It was developed by Carcajou Games and was released on April 19, 2024. It received very positive reviews from players.

"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.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

92%

Audience ScoreBased on 50 reviews

story8 positive mentions

The game features a unique stop-motion art style that enhances the gameplay experience and creates a charming atmosphere.
Puzzles are well-designed and provide a fun challenge, making it an enjoyable adventure for players of all ages.
The narrative is engaging and emotionally resonant, with a focus on storytelling that captivates players throughout their journey.

Controls can be frustrating due to awkward camera angles and lag, which may hinder the overall gameplay experience.
Some players found the graphics to be underwhelming and reminiscent of older titles, detracting from the visual appeal.
The lack of voice acting was noted as a missed opportunity to enhance the storytelling experience.

story
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
50%
14%
The game's story is described as captivating and innovative, unfolding in a beautifully crafted world that resembles a vibrant storybook. Players appreciate the humorous storytelling, engaging puzzles, and unique artistic style, making it a compelling experience for story-driven enthusiasts and fairy tale lovers alike. Overall, the narrative successfully hooks players with its intriguing lore and character fates.
- “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 ol' tales we all know and loved as kids.”
- “The storytelling is another aspect of the game.”
- “Beautiful video game adaptation of a classic story!”
- “Would recommend this game for story-driven enthusiasts and fairy tale lovers!”
graphics
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
43%
14%
The graphics are characterized by a unique and vibrant artistic style that captivates players, reminiscent of a storybook and breathing life into classic fables. While many praise the gorgeous motion picture art style, some criticize the controls and note that the graphics feel dated, resembling mid-2010s visuals. Overall, the game's visuals are a standout feature, enhancing the 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.”
- “Unique artistic impression in the graphics.”
- “Poor controls, ugly (mid 10's graphics) and locked at 60fps.”
gameplay
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
62%
13%
The gameplay is praised for its originality and the unique charm of stop-motion puppets, providing an engaging experience with plenty to explore. While some camera angles may initially complicate controls, players find the mechanics manageable after a short adjustment period. The puzzles are well-crafted, offering a satisfying challenge without being overly difficult.
- “The game is original and the stop-motion puppets bring flavor to the gameplay experience.”
- “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.”
music
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The music in the game is highly praised for its impeccable production and beautifully curated soundtrack, which enhances the narrative's emotional depth. Reviewers highlight how the soundtrack, combined with the visual style and atmosphere, creates a captivating experience, making the game feel like a true gem. Additionally, the incorporation of music with collectible elements adds an enjoyable layer to the gameplay.
- “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 pearl!”
- “The music is beautiful, and the collectibles that are inspired by different tales are fun to catch.”
atmosphere
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The game's atmosphere is consistently praised for its beauty and immersive quality, enhanced by a captivating soundtrack and engaging puzzles. Reviewers describe it as a standout feature that significantly contributes to the overall experience, making the game feel like a true gem.
- “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.”
emotional
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is praised for its compelling and emotionally resonant narrative that captivates players throughout, making it an engaging experience for families. Its unique art style enhances the storytelling, bringing classic fables to life in a wholesome manner.
- “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.”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is highlighted through its engaging storytelling, which adds a comedic element to the fun and challenging puzzles. Players appreciate the blend of humor and gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.
- “The puzzles are fun and challenging, and the storytelling is quite funny.”