CGE Czech Video games Version Codenames Boardgame

So much fun & replayability crammed in a small box!
I put off trying this game for so long because the premise didn’t really interest me; I’m not normally a huge fan of word games. However, I regret not buying it when I first heard about it.The Good: This game is comprised of a stack of double-sided codenames cards, stack of key cards, cardboard agent/bystander cards, a plastic card stand, and a timer. That’s it, and there’s nothing wrong with any of it. Cards are easily readable from either side of the table, colors on the “key” cards are vibrant, and the cardboard cards are solid with good artwork. Setup is super quick – lay out a grid of 25 codenames, separate the agent/bystander cards, and draw a key card – done. Instructions are easy to understand, and easy to teach to new players. We take this game almost everywhere we go and have taught countless people to play, both gamers & non-gamers alike. Gameplay is team-based, and your experience can vary widely (in a good way) depending on the group you play with. As a spy master, you are playing to your teammates. Sometimes that’s super thinky, other times fairly simple. While sometimes a really close or thinky game can last for a while, I’ve never once gotten this game out and stopped at a single game. The design of the key cards & random layout of the codenames cards means the game has virtually unlimited replayability.The Bad: If I had to pick something, I would say the downtime while the spymasters come up with their clues. This will also depend on your group. While there isn’t much for teams to do while spymasters think, our groups typically use that time to sow confusion among the other teams, so it’s rarely a dull time.The Indifferent: I definitely consider this a party game. I don’t feel it can be played at anything less than 4 players, and really shines at 6 and up. If you want a 2-player version, try Codenames: Duet.If you’re considering this game, all I can say is “buy it”. Play it, and I don’t think you’ll regret it. It’s one of those games that is really hard to explain what it is that grabs you, but once it does you’ll want to keep playing. I watched countless reviewers singing this game’s praises, but still didn’t think it sounded like something I would enjoy. How wrong I was. You can find this game on sale anywhere from $10-$20, and I can think of very few games that bring as much fun and replayability at such a low cost.

Soo fun! Makes you use your brain
We first played with new friends on a catamaran cruise. We had a BLAST! from there we have purchased for our family, friends, and selves. The gameplay takes a bit of time as the code masters have to first figure out their clue then the team having to consider the clue and the cards. This could be good education game for young teens finding the similarities of things being the same similarity and different as a word can have many meanings. Super easy to learn and nice size for traveling to parties or small spaces like boats or RVs.

I don’t think it lives up to the hype
This is a very good game don’t get me wrong but I feel like it’s a bit overhyped. This was on almost all lists when I was googling party games. My group didn’t really ask to play again, it was always kind of like a “well we could play Codenames again”.Pros:-When playing with people from very different backgrounds it is hilarious to see which connections they make. You might have a hint that could get you 3 cards but makes 0 connections with your team. This caused a lot of playful squabbles.-The game is very easy to setup and teach. No one really needed further explanation once we got started.-The game design in terms of it’s pieces is very solid. After the first board you just flip the cards and draw a new spymaster card and you are back in the game.-I will say this is a game where you feel like you got your money’s worth. I paid $15 and you get a very complete game for that price.Cons:-We played this sober and then after drinking for a while. I will say this is probably not a game for a party with drinking. Its just a bit too cerebral and not really that funny for a drinking crowd.-There aren’t really those surprise moments like other social deduction style games. This is probably the game you start with to transition into other games.Overall the price of this game makes it hard to turn away. I don’t think this will be your favorite game in the genre but I think its a safe game to pick up. I feel like if you could make your own cards (which is easily possible) you could make a hilarious version of this game for older crowds.

Bought it in 2018, got consistently out of my collection about once or twice per year. Always fun to get out.Used to play a lot more in the beginning when I got it though !Best at 6 persons, good at 4 or 8. Ok-ish if uneven <8 persons.More it becomes a bit messy, but still technically doable up to infinite amount of people !Highly recommend. In my top 20 games for sure !

Must purchase for parties

It’s an excellent game and very creative but there are som difficulties in explaining some rules to people. How do you, for example, since you are playing on the same team, not give away the answer when someone is guessing out loud without making the actual “guess”