Game Dev Indonesia

Once Upon a Kingdom — A Blend of Strategy, Cards, and Ancient Myths in One World

Jagaddhita Arya

Okt 22, 2025 · Updated: Okt 29, 2025 · 4 min read
tamnel once upon a kingdom
tamnel once upon a kingdom

Once Upon a Kingdom is a game developed by Indonesian studio Cliffbite Game, combining elements of city building, tower defense, and a card deck system. A demo released on Steam in August 2025 has begun to attract attention for its unique approach to the classic strategy genre.

A World Inspired by Myths and Legends

This game immerses players in a world steeped in mystery, where the great stories of ancient civilizations play a central role. From legends about the Egyptian pyramids to tales of the Great Flood and the secrets behind settlements on the Moon, Once Upon a Kingdom explores history and myth with a stunning visual style.

Each chapter in the game seems designed to rekindle the imagination of a “forgotten world.” This thematic approach makes Once Upon a Kingdom not just a strategy game, but a journey to retrace the roots of human civilization.

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Card Based Strategy

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card based mechanism

Rather than simply building a city, players must strategize through a deck system. Each card has a function from building infrastructure and strengthening defenses to summoning special units. How to arrange and play cards is the core of the game.

The right combination of cards can determine the success of a kingdom. Therefore, Once Upon a Kingdom requires players to think tactically and adapt quickly to changing conditions. This makes it more than just a typical strategy game.

City-Building and Tower Defense Mechanisms

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tower defense mechanism

One of the game’s main strengths is its balance between city-building and defense. Players must expand their territory, manage resources, and defend their kingdom from various threats.

The tower defense system isn’t just a sidebar; it’s a crucial part of the gameplay. Players need to decide when to focus on strengthening their economy and when to prepare their fortifications to defend against attacks. These decisions create a dynamic that makes every play session thrilling.

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Visuals with an Artistic Touch

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visuals

Once Upon a Kingdom features a classic fantasy visual style with painterly tones and soft colors. Every map, card, and building has artistic details that reflect the mythology of the world it’s inspired by.

Despite being developed by an indie studio, the visual quality is mature and consistent. The warm color palette and expressive illustrations help create an immersive atmosphere that reinforces the story’s themes.

Huge Potential of Local Developers

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once upon a kingdom

Cliffbite Games shows strong ambition by creating a game that’s both entertaining and full of identity. The success of its stable, engaging demo on Steam proves that Indonesian developers can compete on a global scale.

Once Upon a Kingdom also marks a promising step for Indonesia’s gaming scene especially in the rarely explored strategy genre with the potential to become a new milestone supported by its growing community.

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Strategy, History, and Imagination in One World

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once upon a kingdom

Once Upon a Kingdom isn’t just a kingdom-building game, but also a reflection on how past myths and civilizations can come to life through interactive media. It combines strategic ingenuity with narrative and visual beauty, creating a unique and meaningful gaming experience.

If you’re a fan of games like Kingdoms and Castles or Cultist Simulator, then Once Upon a Kingdom should be on your playlist. Try the demo right now on Steam and experience how strategy, cards, and legends combine into one breathtaking adventure.

References:

Cliffbite Game – Website

Once Upon A Kingdom – Steam

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Jagaddhita Arya

Contributing Writer

Gaming enthusiast and content creator.

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