A Prophecy of Dragons in an exciting new instalment, pushing storytelling to the next level using Time Stories unique interactive narrative. Each player must ‘read the room’ and choose their next action carefully, as one wrong move could cost them valuable time.
In this story, the caissons return our receptacles to the middle ages to repair a temporal fault that has occurred. Working as a team, the receptacles must explore, investigate and survive whatever each location throws at them. Only then will they discover if they have what it takes to face the cause of the fault and repair it once and for all.
The combination of RPG elements and tough decisions throughout the adventure are more than enough to keep any fantasy lover engrossed throughout. And with a wide variety of characters to choose from, players can work together to build a specialized team of receptacles to take on this new adventure. But, don’t think it’ll be easy; challenges could be hiding under any card.
What Treasure Awaits
Awaiting you inside the box of A Prophecy of Dragons, are three decks of cards that are full to the brim with adventure. One of which has strict instructions not to open until you’re prompted, so hands off! Elements such as this provide a great sense of excitement, knowing that there’s still something exciting waiting just around the corner to discover.
Anything else that you might need is already provided in the core game box, which you need in order to play this expansion. From there, simply follow the introduction, choose your characters and work your magic!
On the topic of the core game, I really recommend playing through the base scenario and previous expansions before moving onto this one. Although it’s not necessary, some themes and references do carry over and you’ll get the most out of your experience if you follow the timeline through.
Can It Be Played Solo
Much like the base game scenario, this expansion can be played solo, with the player taking control of all four receptacles. You can build your team of characters to your own design and take charge of the adventure in your own personal playstyle.
That being said, there are elements of the game that may lose their charm with only one person. Playthroughs may take longer, and you have 4 characters to control rather than one, and a lot more responsibility to account for. If you can find another player, or three, your experience will be all the better for it.
Second Time Around
Unfortunately, much like the other Time Stories adventures, this expansion has limited replayability. The main replay value comes when you run out of time during your first playthrough. You gather any resources that you can carry over, reset the board, and then start your adventure again; this time, with more knowledge and items.
However, once your adventure is completed, the replay value runs dry, and the game has given all it has to offer. You could always run through the adventure again with different characters, but the variation is very limited.
Therefore, get all you can out of your first playthrough even if it takes a few play sessions to complete. Talk your ideas through with other players, plan each more carefully and use everything you have available at your fingertips. By doing so, you’ll lose yourself in the story and truly get the most out of this expansion
Final Thoughts
I absolutely loved the theme of the story in this Prophecy of Dragons, and the way the characters' abilities encourage you to approach certain puzzles in a specific way. However, it feels like it falls a little short in comparison to earlier instalments. It feels more polished than previous expansions, and begins to explore new mechanics and ideas; but still lacks the charm that the first mission caught me with.
It’s worth noting that this expansion does contain more cards than previous instalments have had, which definitely adds more value to the box. Especially when you consider that certain decks are locked until you reach a certain point in the adventure. This almost acts as a pile of treasure just waiting to be explored, and spurs you on through each location and playthrough.
All things considered, I not only recommend taking on this adventure but using your time wisely to explore everything it has to offer with caution. Not all stones need to be turned..