Once Upon a Galaxy

Honestly one of the best auto battlers I've played in a long time, seems simple but so much depth also reminds me of story book brawl.

Another excellent f2p game ruined by monetization that crosses the very clearly defined "P2W" line. Don't waste your money supporting devs that are clearly signaling they prefer a quick buck over long term game health and audience relationships.

Developed and published by Million Dreams Games, Once Upon a Galaxy presents a creative spin on the auto battler genre by merging fairy tale inspirations with a sprawling science-fiction backdrop. Rather than relying on traditional fantasy kingdoms or gritty futuristic settings, the game imagines a universe where legendary figures and storybook personalities travel through space in search of victory. This unusual combination gives the title a memorable identity from the very beginning, helping it distinguish itself from the crowded landscape of multiplayer strategy games available on Steam. At its core, the game revolves around assembling a team of heroes under the command of a Captain, whose unique abilities influence every decision throughout a match. Players recruit companions, discover magical artifacts, and cast spells while adapting to constantly changing circumstances. The gameplay is intentionally easy to understand, making it approachable for newcomers, but beneath its accessible surface lies a respectable amount of strategic depth. Building effective combinations, managing resources, and responding to opponents' tactics become increasingly important as players gain experience. The six-player competitive structure keeps matches dynamic, ensuring that no session unfolds exactly the same way twice. The game's greatest strength is its commitment to variety. Each Captain encourages different playstyles, while the extensive roster of units and items opens the door to countless combinations. Whether players prefer aggressive strategies, defensive setups, or carefully engineered synergies, Once Upon a Galaxy provides the tools to experiment. This replayability is further enhanced by the unpredictability of each run, as available recruits and treasures can dramatically shift the direction of a match. While chance plays a role, skilled players who understand the game's systems will consistently find opportunities to improve their odds and outmaneuver competitors. Visually, Once Upon a Galaxy embraces a colorful and inviting presentation that complements its whimsical premise. Character designs are expressive and distinctive, making it easy to identify favorite units while appreciating the game's playful interpretation of folklore in a cosmic setting. The interface is clean and functional, allowing players to focus on strategic decisions without unnecessary distractions. Combined with energetic animations and a lighthearted atmosphere, the game succeeds in creating an experience that feels welcoming without sacrificing its competitive edge. As a free-to-play title, the game benefits from a model that encourages players to jump in with minimal commitment. Million Dreams Games appears committed to supporting the experience through updates and seasonal content, which is particularly important for maintaining a healthy multiplayer community. Ongoing additions and balance adjustments have the potential to keep the metagame evolving over time, giving long-term players fresh reasons to return. However, those seeking a heavily narrative adventure may find the game's emphasis on multiplayer progression and replayability somewhat limiting. Similarly, newer players may initially struggle against veterans who have mastered optimal strategies and unit synergies. Once Upon a Galaxy ultimately succeeds by delivering an imaginative and polished take on familiar mechanics. Its combination of auto battler gameplay, collectible card elements, and fairy tale-inspired worldbuilding results in a package that feels both accessible and rewarding. While it occasionally leans on genre conventions and carries the expected learning curve of competitive strategy games, its charm, replay value, and strategic possibilities make it an enjoyable experience for fans of multiplayer titles. For players interested in discovering a distinctive blend of fantasy and science fiction wrapped in a fast-paced competitive format, Once Upon a Galaxy proves to be a worthwhile journey among the stars. Rating: 7/10