Tales from the Loop: The Board Game

Free League Publishing · Board game · 2022
1–5 · best 3 Solo 90–180 min Weight 3.4/5
7.0 rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 55.97
7.0 rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy a cooperative adventure with a nostalgic feel and engaging narrative, this game is for you! The cooperation is super fluid, and the 80s vibe with bizarre technology is a real highlight.

Highlights
  • Dynamic cooperation, no downtime
  • Engaging and immersive narrative
  • Nostalgic 80s vibe
  • Captivating exploration and mystery
Keep in mind
  • Moderate language dependency
  • May require constant reading
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for a cooperative adventure packed with mystery and nostalgia! In 'Tales from the Loop: The Board Game', you and your friends step into the shoes of curious kids in an alternate 1980s where advanced technology coexists with the quiet life on Swedish islands. The goal? Investigate strange phenomena that pop up out of nowhere – sometimes threatening the neighborhood, other times just the local video store – and sort them out before dinner and homework! Each day starts with the school bell, but as soon as classes end, adventure calls. You'll need to use your action points wisely to explore, gather clues (the famous 'Diary cards' are essential!), and unravel the secrets behind each scenario. The game shines in its fluid cooperation: player actions are integrated, meaning there's no downtime waiting for others' turns. You can react instantly to what happens and work as a team in a super dynamic way. You can play solo, controlling two kids, or gather up to five friends to solve these enigmas. Each mission lasts between 90 and 120 minutes, perfect for an afternoon of investigation and fun.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

7 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–5 players
1 REC
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC
5 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Admin: Better Description Needed! Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Game: Tales From the Loop – The Board Game
Publisher Free League Publishing
Designer Martin Takaichi, Rickard Antroia
Artist Reine Rosenberg, Simon Stålenhag

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can play?
The game is for 1 to 5 players. You can have fun solo or with a group!
How long does a game session take?
Each scenario takes 90 to 120 minutes to complete, so set aside a good afternoon to unravel the mysteries.
Do I need to know English to play?
The game has a moderate language dependency. It's recommended to have the cards and rulebook translated or use a helper spreadsheet.
Is it a difficult game?
The weight on BGG is 3.35, indicating medium complexity. It's not super simple, but cooperation helps a lot.
Is it more focused on story or mechanics?
It balances both well! The narrative is the main draw, but the action points and dice rolling mechanics are well integrated to support the story.
Is there a lot of reading involved?
Yes, as it's a narrative game with paragraph-based choices, expect a fair amount of reading, especially if you're playing with the original version.

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