—
rating
Ludopedia
6.5
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
For those who love dark fairy tales and quick card strategy!
Highlights
- Engaging gothic theme
- High replayability via settings
- Fast and intense gameplay
- Excellent timing strategy
Keep in mind
- Moderate language dependency
- May require extra translation
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About the game
What you do in a play session
You know those fairy tales your parents used to tell, but with a much more sinister and dark twist? That is exactly the vibe of Dark Tales. Forget happy endings and bright, enchanted forests; here, the atmosphere is one of mystery and creatures you'd rather not encounter. The game plunges you into a universe where classic characters take on disturbing outlines and every decision can mean the difference between glory or total disaster.
The core mechanic is a game of card chess. It's not enough to just have the strongest cards; the real trick is timing. You will need to manage your hand with mastery, deciding whether to save that magic sword for a critical moment or use an unexpected event to sabotage an opponent. The interaction between magic items and characters dictates the pace, and the coolest part is that the game never plays the same way twice. Thanks to the setting cards, the value and power of the items you collect change every single game. This means the strategy that worked last time might be a fatal error next time!
It is a fast-paced game, perfect for those who want a dose of tension and strategy without needing three hours of explanation. If you enjoy set collection and love a gothic, immersive theme, Dark Tales belongs on your table. Just prepare yourself, because the stories here have teeth!
The core mechanic is a game of card chess. It's not enough to just have the strongest cards; the real trick is timing. You will need to manage your hand with mastery, deciding whether to save that magic sword for a critical moment or use an unexpected event to sabotage an opponent. The interaction between magic items and characters dictates the pace, and the coolest part is that the game never plays the same way twice. Thanks to the setting cards, the value and power of the items you collect change every single game. This means the strategy that worked last time might be a fatal error next time!
It is a fast-paced game, perfect for those who want a dose of tension and strategy without needing three hours of explanation. If you enjoy set collection and love a gothic, immersive theme, Dark Tales belongs on your table. Just prepare yourself, because the stories here have teeth!
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
3
REC
4
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
DV Games, Edge Entertainment, Hobby World
Designer
Pierluca Zizzi
Artist
Dany Orizio
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How long does a game last?
It's quite dynamic, taking about 30 minutes per round.
How complex is it?
It's light-to-medium. Easy to learn, but requires careful timing of your cards.
Do I need to know English?
Yes, there is a moderate language dependency. A translation or reference sheet is recommended.
What is the ideal player count?
It works great for 2 to 4 players.
Is the game repetitive?
Not at all! The setting cards change item powers, ensuring every game feels different.
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