Once Upon A Plunder (2021) Board Game

Once Upon A Plunder is a board game released in 2021 by Gigamic. Designed by Matt Greenleaf and illustrated by Barbara Lucas, this game falls under the adventure category and is suitable for players aged 8 and above. The game pits 3-6 players against each other in a team-based adventure where they must navigate the high seas to plunder treasure.

Game Components of Once Upon A Plunder

Game Board: Represents the dragon’s lair.

Hero Player Tokens: Multiple heroes with unique abilities.

Dragon Token: The antagonist controlled by one player.

Treasure Tokens: The objective for the heroes to collect.

Action Cards: Used by both heroes and the dragon to influence gameplay.

Rulebook: Guides players through setup and gameplay.

How To Setup Once Upon A Plunder

To set up the game, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each hero player chooses a token and places it at the starting location on the board. The dragon token is placed in its designated area. Shuffle and distribute action cards according to the rulebook instructions. Determine which player will control the dragon and ensure all other players understand their hero’s unique abilities.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Asymmetric Gameplay: One player controls the dragon, while the others play as heroes.

Cooperative Play: Heroes must work together to achieve the objective.

Action Point Allowance System: Players take turns using action points to perform actions.

Objective: Heroes aim to collect two treasures and escape the lair without being scared away by the dragon.

Conflict Resolution: The dragon tries to scare the heroes away using its actions and abilities.

Player Experience

Once Upon A Plunder offers a fun and accessible experience, making it an excellent introduction to cooperative gameplay for families. The game is easy to learn, allowing younger players to quickly grasp the mechanics and join in on the adventure. The asymmetric element adds a layer of excitement as the dragon player tries to outsmart the heroes.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for families with younger children.

Cooperative Fun: Encourages teamwork and collaboration.

Dynamic Gameplay: The dragon’s actions keep the game exciting and unpredictable.

Cons

Limited Complexity: May not appeal to experienced gamers seeking deeper strategy.

Replayability: Some players might find the game repetitive after several plays.

Personal Thoughts on Once Upon A Plunder

Once Upon A Plunder is ideal for families and new gamers looking to dip their toes into cooperative board games. It serves as a great introduction to teamwork and strategy without overwhelming players with complex rules. While it may not offer the depth that seasoned gamers crave, it is a delightful and engaging game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages.

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