Review on Atlas Games ATG1030 Once Upon by Bobby Cantu

I came across Once Upon a Time over the holidays of 2012 and was dying to have my own copy. I've played a few 2nd edition games and a few 3rd edition games. Both are comparable in enjoyment, but the rules of the third edition are much clearer and simpler. For all newcomers, Once Upon a Time is played by a group of players trying to reach the finale by taking them to the map early in the game while progressing through characters, items, events, aspects, and locations. The "game" in Once Upon a Time is telling a story, and having players try to take the story in different directions as they walk by and interrupt each other with cards in hand makes the game fun. Once Upon a Time is very creative, friendly and fast-paced entertainment. The game's developer, Atlas Games, has published a PDF containing the rules and card list on their website: Game Purchase Decision. The PDF rules are a digitally printed version of the rules that you receive in the box, along with three plastic-wrapped decks containing the three sets of 55 cards described in the card list. These plastic-wrapped decks come "free" in a box that has no brackets to hold the cards. (I'm using three plastic snack bags to prevent the cards from getting mixed up in the box; you'll need to find a parallel solution.) This version of the game includes some cards from the 2nd Edition expansion for a richer gameplay experience. However, it *doesn't* contain blank cards like previous editions, so I can't give five stars to the third edition. The addition of blank cards really spices up the game, and their absence feels like a downgrade from previous versions. On the outside, a beautiful box also needs an insert for storing cards. However, I would wholeheartedly recommend Once Upon a Time to anyone with creative friends or family.