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

Codenames Pictures is the sibling of the award-winning word-game Codenames. But instead of words you are giving clues for pictures.

Codenames Pictures Rules Description:

Codenames Pictures plays a lot like the original Codenames, but there are some differences. You still give one-word clues and the number of cards you are connecting. Your team must guess which cards belong to them without guessing the assassin. Guessing the other team’s card or a neutral one ends your turn and the team to find all their cards first wins.

In Pictures the grid is 4 x 5 cards and instead of looking for 8 or 9 spies you only need to find 7 or 8. This means more of the cards are spies so you have a greater chance of picking your opponents’ card or the assassin.

There are also no limits on what you can say. This makes it easier in some ways but you need to use a different part of your brain. Especially as the pictures are fairly wacky and open to some creative interpretation.

You can also combine this with the original to create a different experience. In this variant you must be aware of the words in the grid and try to connect them with pictures.

A Quick Review of Codenames Pictures:

Codenames Pictures is a nice way to challenge your brain in a different way than the original. Some people find it easier while others think it is harder. It might have to do with how you think.

The components for this game are well done. Everything is durable and the rules are easy to follow and teach.

Since you don’t need to be able to read to play Codenames Pictures it increases the game accessibility. Younger kids can play which is nice.

Also with the grid being smaller you have less things to connect so the game is a bit simpler and goes faster.

All in all I really like Codenames Pictures it is a nice switch from the original game. That said I still enjoy the original better. It was fun mixing the two games and it is nice to have both.

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 5 out of 6
Overall 5 out of 6