Stats:
No. of players: 2-8
Amount of time to play: 15-30 min
Age requirements: 10+
Set-up time: minimal

Codenames is a party, word game of deduction. Can you find your missing agents and lead your team to victory before your opponents?

Codenames Rules Description:

In Codenames you are a spymaster, giving clues, or guessing the whereabouts of your spies. The group is split into two teams each with one spymaster.

You set up a 5 x 5 grid of cards. Each card has one word on it. The two spymasters have a key that shows them which cards in the grid belong to both teams, which cards are neutral and which one is the assassin.

The spymasters take turns giving one word clues and the number of cards that the clue refers to in the grid. Then their team may guess which cards they think the spymaster is referencing until they are wrong or wish to stop.

If you choose a card that is neutral or belongs to the other team the game continues. But if you choose the assassin your team automatically loses.

For example if the words eagle and hawk are in the grid and both belong to your team, you could say, “bird, 2”. But if chicken is also in the grid and belongs to the other team you might say “raptor, 2” instead.

Once one team has found all their cards they win. Or if a team chooses the assassin they lose and the game is over.

A Quick Review of Codenames:

Codenames is a fun party game that can be taught in minutes. It has tension, excitement and some a-ha moments everyone can enjoy.

The components for this game are nice. Everything is durable and well made. The rules are easy to read, follow and teach.

I am not a big fan of party games but this is the best one I have played in a long time. It is very clever and though it might seem easy it can be tough especially as the spymaster. But everyone in my group loves that challenge.

There are 200 double-sided cards and the 40 key cards that can be turned on four different sides. That adds a ton of replay value to this game and it needs it. You will rarely sit and play just one game of Codenames. You usually want to play another game as soon as you are finished.

It is fun to find connections between words and see how other players make those connections. Sometimes you get on the same wavelength with your team and cruise to victory. But other times they zig when you zag.

I really like this game and the only bad thing about it is the downtime. Waiting for the spymasters can take a while but you can use a timer if you like. And as the game goes along and more cards are covered, there is usually less downtime.

I think everyone should have Codenames in their collection. It is that good. Just buy it. You won’t regret it. You can play with most anyone and most people will enjoy it. It is a party game that is fun for gamers and non-gamers alike.

Score and synopsis: (Click here for an explanation of these review categories.)
Strategy 3 out of 6
Luck 3 out of 6
Player Interaction 6 out of 6
Replay Value 6 out of 6
Complexity 3 out of 6
Fun 6 out of 6
Overall 6 out of 6