Stuffed Fables

Note: This is a short really early legacy review before I started posting longer form review in our Facebook Group.

Toby(3) fell asleep on the way back from the in-laws today so I agreed with Jack(6) that we could play an “older” board game while Toby has a nap (he officially stopped napping a year ago but manages to fall asleep for an hour or so most days).

That game is Stuffed Fables a coop adventure game where you play toys of a little girl and your job is to protect her from “things that go bump in the night”.

Tonally I can best describe it as the scary bit from Toy story crossed with the bedroom scenes of monsters inc and something a bit like the Nightmare Before Xmas.

Some caveats (and big ones at that).

Firstly this is not a children’s game but as it is coop and you can help with their turns it can be easily played with children and this is the third time Jack(6) and I have played. Jack has however grown up with games and is very capable above his age.

Secondly, while Jack finds the tone and theme cool I could very much imagine a more sensitive child being scared by the relatively dark theme especially when it involves the child being scared by the monsters.

Finally, I have taken the time to paint my set. The miniatures you would receive in the game are grey and not painted like these are,.

The gameplay follows a choose your own adventure book type vibe and is well written and engaging. As you navigate the world whether you fail or achieve certain criteria affect the story and the eventual outcome. Combat is fun and fast and it is generally very doable for a child as long as they are interested and engaged.

The rules are a little unusual in places but watching a video playthrough online before you play with your child helps (i might also suggest a dummy play on your own.

Would I recommend Stuffed Fables? Yes, 100% but only if you know what you are buying. This is definitely not for everyone and it is aged well above my kid’s age but as long as you yourself understand the rules and are a competent storyteller you can use the game as a way of bringing an engaging story to life.

*Yes for older kids or younger kids when used as a Storytelling Tool