Wonder Tales (2019) Board Game

Wonder Tales is a 2-player card game released in 2019 by Button Shy. Designed by John Kean and illustrated by Marty Cobb, this game falls under the categories of Card Game, Fantasy, and Print & Play. With a runtime of 15–30 minutes, Wonder Tales is suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Game Components of Wonder Tales

17 double-sided game cards featuring fairy tale characters with different colored highlights

Expansions: Rumplestiltskin (4 cards for solo play), Magic and Mayhem (2 cards with magical items)

Vinyl wallet or card sleeves for storage

How To Setup Wonder Tales

To set up Wonder Tales, one player flips a card to determine the color each player will use for the game. Each player is then dealt two cards face up, which they flip to their assigned color. The first player starts by placing a card in the center of the tableau, and then players alternate turns. The game consists of 2-3 rounds, with each round featuring a different grid shape.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile-Laying: Players place cards on a shared tableau.

Set Collection: Points are scored based on combinations of characters and colors adjacent to each player’s cards.

Variable Setup: The tableau shape changes each round.

Objective: Win two rounds by scoring more points than the opponent in each round.

Player Experience

Wonder Tales is designed for two players and is suitable for ages 8 and up. The game lasts between 15-30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a quick, strategic family game. Players must strategically place cards to maximize their points, taking into account the special abilities of certain characters like the stepmother and the witch.

Pros

Portable: Comes in a compact vinyl wallet.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for parents and children or two adults.

Strategic Depth: Simple rules but engaging strategic decisions.

Expansions Available: Adds variety with solo and additional item cards.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Only designed for two players.

Short Playtime: Some players might find the game too brief.

Personal Thoughts on Wonder Tales

Wonder Tales is perfect for those looking for a light yet strategic game that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Its fairy tale theme and easy-to-understand mechanics make it an excellent introduction to board games for younger players. The game’s portability and quick playtime also make it a great addition to any gamer’s collection, especially for those who enjoy two-player games. If you’re a fan of set collection and tile-laying games with a touch of strategy, Wonder Tales is definitely worth checking out.

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