Once Upon a Time: The Storytelling Card Game
Once Upon a Time: The Storytelling Card Game at your next game night?
Add Once Upon a Time: The Storytelling Card Game to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Richard Lambert , Andrew Rilstone , James Wallis
- Publisher Atlas Games , AMIGO , Angry Lion Games , asmodee , Darwin Project
- Illustration Richard Lambert , Florence Magnin , Sophie Mounier , Omar Rayyan , Andrew Rilstone , Franz Vohwinkel
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
Players collaboratively create a fairy tale story using cards with typical story elements. One player acts as the Storyteller, guiding the plot toward their own ending, while others can interrupt to take over storytelling. The first to play all cards and finish with their Happy Ever After card wins.
Who Is This Game For?
Suitable for families and players who enjoy creative storytelling and interaction. With a minimum age of 8 and about 30 minutes playtime, it is an accessible party game requiring no advanced experience. The rules are simple and emphasize fun and improvisation.
How It Works
Each player holds cards featuring fairy tale elements they must weave into the story (Hand Management). The current Storyteller narrates and tries to play all cards. Other players can use Interrupt cards to seize the storytelling role. Voting determines who becomes the new storyteller. The goal is to play all cards and end with the Happy Ever After card.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Richard Lambert, Andrew Rilstone, and James Wallis, Once Upon a Time was nominated for the Meeples Choice Award in 1995 and the Origins Awards Best Family, Party or Children's Game in 2013. It belongs to the Storytelling Card Game family and stands out with its cooperative yet competitive narrative style.
Awards
1996
- 2013 Origins Awards Best Family, Party or Children's Game — Nominated
- 2013 Parents' Choice Recommended — Recommended
- 1995 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Encourages creative, collaborative storytelling
- Short playtime around 30 minutes
- Simple rules suitable for families
- Interactive mechanics like Interrupts and Voting
Contra
- Less suitable for players not interested in improvisation
- Comfort with storytelling may vary despite age 8+
- Limited to 2-6 players
Setting & atmosphere
Set in the world of fairy tales and classic stories, featuring familiar characters and motifs brought to life by the cards and player narration.
Tips for beginners
Stay flexible in your storytelling and pay attention to other players' interruptions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No, Once Upon a Time is designed for 2 to 6 players and does not support solo play.
How long does a game really take?
A game lasts about 30 minutes, perfect for short sessions or parties.
What prior experience do I need?
No special experience is required; the game is easy to learn and family-friendly.
How does this compare to similar games?
Unique for combining storytelling with Hand Management and Interrupt mechanics in real-time.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it's suitable from age 8 and has simple rules making it family-friendly.
What mechanic makes it special?
The use of Interrupts and collaborative storytelling are central mechanics.
Fazit
Once Upon a Time is recommended for groups wanting to blend storytelling with card game mechanics. It suits players open to creative interaction and narrative improvisation.
Once Upon a Time: The Storytelling Card Game at your next game night?
Add Once Upon a Time: The Storytelling Card Game to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Once Upon a Time: The Storytelling Card Game to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
