Fairy Tale
- Designer Satoshi Nakamura
- Publisher Yuhodo, Inc. , Z-Man Games , Edge Entertainment , Heidelberger Spieleverlag , HUCH!
- Illustration Mariano Iannelli , Yoko Nachigami , Satoshi Nakamura
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Fairy Tale, players simultaneously draft and play cards over four rounds to score points while interfering with opponents. Card abilities flip other cards face-up or face-down, creating dynamic interaction. At the end, each player scores based on their visible cards. The game blends strategic drafting and hand management in a fast-paced setting.
Who Is This Game For?
Fairy Tale is a family-friendly game for ages 10 and up, supporting 2 to 5 players. With a 30-minute playtime, it suits quick game sessions. The game requires no extensive experience but offers tactical depth through simultaneous actions and hand management.
How It Works
Each round, players receive five cards and simultaneously select one to keep while passing the rest (closed drafting). After all cards are distributed, players simultaneously play three cards and discard two. Card abilities can flip other cards face-up or face-down. After four rounds, players score points from their face-up cards.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Satoshi Nakamura, Fairy Tale was nominated for the Meeples Choice Award in 2004 and Japan Boardgame Prize Best Japanese Game in 2005. It combines closed drafting, simultaneous action selection, and hand management in a short fantasy card game. It belongs to Z-Man Games' Deluxe Card Game series.
Awards
2005
- 2004 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Short playtime of about 30 minutes
- Combination of closed drafting, hand management, and simultaneous action selection
- Nominated for Meeples Choice Award 2004 and Japan Boardgame Prize 2005
- Fantasy theme with fairy tale creatures and anime style
Contra
- No solo mode, requires 2-5 players
- Light complexity, less suited for expert gamers
- Simultaneous actions might confuse new players
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game features a fantasy theme with creatures like fairies and elves. Its art style is influenced by anime and manga, fitting its Deluxe Card Game series context.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on understanding card abilities and how your choices affect other players.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Fairy Tale supports 2 to 5 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game lasts about 30 minutes, suitable for quick sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is family-friendly with light complexity and requires no extensive prior experience.
How does this compare to similar games?
Fairy Tale uniquely combines closed drafting with simultaneous action selection and hand management in a short fantasy card game.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it is recommended for ages 10 and up with a short playtime, making it family-friendly.
What mechanic makes it special?
Its combination of closed drafting, simultaneous action selection, and hand management stands out.
Fazit
Fairy Tale offers a compact tactical card experience with interaction and strategy. Recommended for players who enjoy drafting and simultaneous actions in a short playtime.






