Rory's Story Cubes Classic Review: A Game or a Toy?
Nine dice printed with pictures instead of numbers, packed in a small magnetic box. Roll them, then tell a story that uses every image.
Yes, for families, teachers and anyone who likes to make things up. It is a pocket game with no board and no rules to learn [1], and a round takes minutes. Skip it for people who want points and a winner.
By Andrew Pataleta, GiftX founder · Updated October 29, 2026 · Sources
Specs at a glance
| Contents | 9 picture dice [1] |
| Images | 54 different pictures [1] |
| Players | 1 or more [1] |
| Ages | 6 and up [1] |
| Play time | About 10 minutes [1] |
| Box | Compact magnetic box [1] |
Pros and cons
- No winner, which bores competitive players
- Quiet people may find it awkward at first
- Small dice are easy to lose
Nine dice and once upon a time
The rules fit in one sentence. Roll all nine dice, look at the pictures and tell a story that starts with once upon a time and uses every image [1].
With fifty-four different pictures across the dice, no two rolls give the same story [1]. One roll might give a key, a tower and a sleeping face; the next a bee, a bridge and a magnifying glass.
That is the whole game, and that is why it lasts.
Other ways to use the cubes
The instructions add several variations: take turns adding one cube each to a group story, play it as an improv game, or use it alone to break writer's block [1].
Teachers use the dice for writing prompts, and parents use them at restaurants while waiting for food. The box is compact enough for a coat pocket [1].
The listing puts the average round at about ten minutes and the age at six and up, which matches how flexible it is [1].
When it falls flat
There are no points and nobody wins. Competitive players may find it pointless after one round.
It also depends on the group. Shy players can freeze, and it works best when one person starts with a silly story to set the tone.
And the dice are small; keep the magnetic box closed in a bag.
As a small Christmas gift
It is a cheap, unusual gift that gets used on Christmas Day itself, while everyone waits for dinner.
From this guide, pair it with the Hanayama Enigma for a stocking of clever small things, or with the Gift Republic movie poster for a family that likes evenings at home.
For a child who loves stories, add a blank notebook so the best ones get written down.
FAQ
How do you play Rory's Story Cubes?
Roll all nine dice and tell a story that begins with once upon a time and uses all nine pictures [1]. The instructions also include group versions where players take turns, and solo uses such as writing prompts. A round usually takes about ten minutes [1]
What age is Rory's Story Cubes for?
The listing says ages six and up, with one or more players [1]. Young children tell short, funny stories, while adults tend to get competitive about plot twists. It works well as a family game that spans grandparents and kids at the same table [1]
Is Rory's Story Cubes good for adults?
Yes, especially for writers, teachers and people who like improv. Adults use the dice to break writer's block or spark ideas, and it works as a quick party warm-up. It is less fun for people who only enjoy games with scores and a clear winner [1]
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Sources and how we checked
- Amazon.com listing for Rory's Story Cubes Classic
Source check: Amazon prices and contents above were checked on October 29, 2026. We did not test these products hands-on. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, Amazon listings and the reasons people actually give these gifts.
As an Amazon Associate, GiftX earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change, so check Amazon for the current price.