Paper Tales
- Players
- 2-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 30 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.2 / 5
- Year
- 2017
About the game
Paper Tales is a simultaneous drafting card game spanning two fantastical centuries of expansion and combat. Each round, players draft five units to recruit into their kingdom, if they can afford them, shaping their strength in battle, income, buildings, and legend points. Only four hiring positions are open each of the four rounds, and your recruited units age and eventually depart, so timing your recruitment matters as much as what you recruit. Designed by Masato Uesugi, it rewards adapting your kingdom's shape to the opportunities and restrictions each round presents.
Hobbli's Notes
Paper Tales packs a satisfying drafting puzzle into a 30-minute box, with the aging-unit mechanic forcing you to constantly reassess your kingdom's direction. The simultaneous drafting keeps downtime low even with a full table. It's an easy recommend for fans of card drafting who want something quicker than 7 Wonders but with a similar drafting itch.
What we like
- Simultaneous drafting keeps downtime low even at higher player counts.
- Aging units mechanic adds a clever timing puzzle.
- Quick 30-minute playtime with real strategic decisions.
- Attractive art and theme wrapped around solid drafting mechanics.
Keep in mind
- Limited hiring positions can create frustrating card droughts.
- Drafting luck affects available options each round.
- Depth may feel modest for veteran strategy gamers.
Who it's for
Fans of card drafting and set collection who want a quick, engaging kingdom-building game; best for 2-5 players, ages 12 and up, in about 30 minutes.
