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Fairytale Gloom (2015) Board Game

ByMichail

Fairytale Gloom is a card game that was released in 2015 and designed by Jaume Fabregat. It is published by Atlas Games and falls under the categories of card game, fantasy, and humor. The game is designed for 2-5 players, with a recommended player count of 3. Players are tasked with creating the most miserable fairy tale characters possible and guiding them through unfortunate events until they meet a tragic end.

Game Components of Fairytale Gloom

  • Two 55-card decks** of transparent cards
  • Rules sheet**
  • Double-width tuckbox** for storage
  • Fairytale characters** such as Jack, Gretel, Puss in Boots, and Little Red Riding Hood
  • Modifier cards** to alter characters’ states
  • Unhappy Ending cards** to lock in points

    How To Setup Fairytale Gloom

    To set up Fairytale Gloom, each player selects their own collection of fairytale characters. Players start by drawing a hand of cards and placing their chosen characters on the table. The game includes transparent cards that stack atop each other, allowing players to hide and reveal the Self-Worth scores from the cards below. The setup is straightforward, focusing on distributing the character cards and shuffling the decks of Modifier and Unhappy Ending cards.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Number of Players:** 2-5
  • Age:** 13 and up
  • Play Time:** 60 minutes
  • Mechanics:** Hand Management, Storytelling, Take That
  • Objective:** Ensure your characters suffer the greatest tragedies possible before they meet their unhappy endings. The player with the most miserable collection of characters wins.
  • Gameplay:** Players place Modifier cards on their characters to increase their misery and on other players’ characters to increase their happiness. Unhappy Endings are used to lock in the points, and the game ends when all characters have met their demise.

    Player Experience

    Fairytale Gloom offers a unique blend of dark humor and creative storytelling. Players weave tales around the misfortunes that befall their characters, such as Jack becoming a beast or Little Red Riding Hood crying wolf once too often. The transparent card mechanism allows for strategic planning and clever manipulation of character states. The game encourages social interaction through the ‘take that’ mechanics, where players can sabotage each other’s characters.

    Pros

  • Unique Theme:** A dark and humorous twist on classic fairy tales.
  • Creative Storytelling:** Encourages players to weave their own tales of woe.
  • Strategic Depth:** Hand management and strategic card placement are key.
  • Compatibility:** Can be played standalone or combined with Gloom second edition and its expansions.
  • Visual Appeal:** Transparent cards with tongue-in-cheek fairytale art.

    Cons

  • Complex Card Interactions:** Some card effects can be confusing and require clarification.
  • Luck Factor:** Random card draws can significantly impact gameplay.
  • Theme:** May not appeal to players looking for more traditional or light-hearted games.

    Personal Thoughts on Fairytale Gloom

    Fairytale Gloom is perfect for players who enjoy dark humor, creative storytelling, and strategic card games. It’s ideal for groups looking for a game that combines social interaction with a unique theme. However, it may not be the best fit for younger players or those seeking a more light-hearted gaming experience. The game’s complexity and sometimes ambiguous card effects make it more suitable for experienced players who enjoy delving into the nuances of card interactions.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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