Once Upon a Time Game

The Once Upon a Time card game, like Enchanted Forest, has been around for several years, first released in 1996. I have had many teachers and families tell me that they have enjoyed this game over the years. It's the one I've had the most feedback for so I didn't want to neglect it during my postings about games and toys with fairy tale themes this month. This game is for older children and up. It generally doesn't easily adapt well for the pre-reading set.

Here's the official description:

Once Upon A Time is a game in which the players create a story together, using cards that show typical elements from fairy tales. One player is the Storyteller, and creates a story using the ingredients on her cards. She tries to guide the plot towards her own ending. The other players try to use cards to interrupt her and become the new Storyteller. The winner is the first player to play out all her cards and end with her Happy Ever After card.

There are also two expansion packs, one with additional themes that are called "dark" by the producer, Atlas Games, but not generally considered as such by players. Several have complained that the elements aren't dark enough and expect different elements but still like having more cards to use all the same.

There is also a "draw your own" pack for those who like matching sets but want to add their own elements to the game.


Once Upon a Time: Dark Tales


Once Upon a Time: Create-Your-Own Storytelling Cards