Once Upon a Line (2024) Board Game

Once Upon a Line is a cooperative deduction board game that was released in in 2024. Designed by Bastien Boulai, Alexandre Gimbel, Adrien Gion, Romain Mottier, and others, this game falls under the categories of adventure, card game, deduction, exploration, murder/mystery, and science fiction. With a runtime of 120–180 minutes, Once Upon a Line is best played with 1–2 players, but can accommodate up to 5 players. The game features a unique blend of narrative choice, role-playing, and legacy game elements.

Game Components of Once Upon a Line

Game board with scratch-off sections

Story cards

Character tokens

Giant insect tokens

The Butterfly’s Breath expansion (in some editions)

How To Setup Once Upon a Line

To set up the game, players start by preparing the game board, which involves placing the scratch-off sections in the correct positions. Each player chooses a character token and places it on the starting point on the board. The giant insect tokens are also placed according to the instructions. The story cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Scratch-off Mechanic: Players scratch off sections of the game board to reveal words that continue the story.

Storytelling: The objective is to find the words that will advance the narrative and lead the players to their goal.

Solo/Cooperative Play: Players can play alone or work together to navigate the story.

Post-apocalyptic Theme: The game is set in a world overrun by giant insects, adding a unique twist to the narrative.

Player Experience

In Once Upon a Line, players are immersed in a dynamic storytelling experience where every scratch of the board reveals a new piece of the narrative. The game combines interactive elements with a compelling story, making each playthrough unique. The post-apocalyptic setting with giant insects adds an element of challenge and urgency to the gameplay.

Pros

Unique Storytelling Mechanic: The scratch-off feature creates a fresh and engaging way to tell a story.

Replayability: Each game offers a different narrative path due to the random reveal of words.

Immersive Theme: The post-apocalyptic world with giant insects is both intriguing and challenging.

Solo and Cooperative Options: Players have the flexibility to play alone or with friends.

Cons

Limited Control: The scratch-off mechanic can sometimes feel random, giving players limited control over the story’s direction.

Repetitive Gameplay: Some players might find the repetitive action of scratching off sections to be monotonous.

Complex Setup: The initial setup can be a bit intricate, especially for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Once Upon a Line

Once Upon a Line is ideal for players who enjoy narrative-driven games and are looking for a unique storytelling experience. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate interactive elements and a dynamic, post-apocalyptic setting. While it may appeal more to fans of solo or cooperative games, it also offers a compelling experience for players seeking a game with high replayability. However, those who prefer games with more strategic depth or direct control over the narrative might find this game less appealing.

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