Origin Story
Origin Story at your next game night?
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- Designer Jamey Stegmaier , Pete Wissinger
- Publisher Stonemaier Games , Arclight Games , Delta Vision Publishing , Feuerland Spiele , Ghenos Games
- Illustration Clémentine Campardou
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
You develop your hero over five chapters, revealing backstory, gathering gadgets and allies, and powering cards on your tableau. Each round adds a new card to your player mat that you charge and use to score points. The game mixes trick-taking with tableau-building, variable player powers and events for tactical choices. Playtime is around 45 minutes, offering a compact narrative progression.
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at hobby gamers and superhero fans aged 14+, Origin Story suits players who enjoy medium-weight games with tactical depth. It supports solo play, so it's also playable alone. Some familiarity with trick-taking or tableau mechanics is helpful but not required.
How It Works
Over five rounds (chapters) you add cards to your tableau and charge them to trigger abilities. Trick-taking phases decide interactions between players while Events modify the flow. Variable Player Powers and Variable Set-up change starting conditions and keep each game fresh. The goal is to use charged cards and their effects to outscore opponents.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Jamey Stegmaier and Pete Wissinger, the game stands out by blending trick-taking with tableau-building and variable set-ups. The chapter structure frames gameplay as an unfolding origin story. Events and variable player abilities add strategic variety.
Pro
- Compact playtime (~45 minutes) with meaningful decisions
- Unique blend of trick-taking and tableau-building
- Variable Player Powers and Variable Set-up increase replayability
- Supports solo play (1 player)
Contra
- May feel dense for casual family players (age 14+)
- Learning the interplay of charging and trick phases takes a few games
Setting & atmosphere
The theme centers on superheroes: creating your origin, recruiting allies and gadgets, and building a rivalry with an archenemy. The comic-strip category underlines the narrative chapter flow.
Tips for beginners
Focus first on how charging and activating tableau cards work; the trick-taking interactions become clearer with experience.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes. The game supports solo play (1 player) according to the player range.
How long does a game really take?
Playtime is about 45 minutes; expect the first game to run longer with explanation and setup.
What prior experience do I need?
Familiarity with trick-taking or tableau-building games helps, but it's not mandatory.
How does this compare to similar games?
Origin Story pairs trick-taking with tableau-building and variable powers, rather than focusing on just one mechanic.
Is this suitable for families?
Better for families with older or experienced players due to its medium-weight complexity (14+).
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Trick-taking and Tableau Building alongside Variable Player Powers defines the experience.
Fazit
Origin Story is recommended for players who like concise, thematic medium-weight games that merge trick mechanics with tableau development. It's a focused 45-minute experience with solo support.
Origin Story at your next game night?
Add Origin Story to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Origin Story to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
