2-8 players (~15 minute playtime)

Agent, this is mission control. We need for you to identify your fellow agents in the field. This connection isn't secure, but I can give you a hint...

Codenames is a party game of epic and yet simple proportions. I'll begin by saying this: the amount of people that can play the game is limitless, though I'd imagine it might begin to get unwieldy for every player added after a tenth.

In Codenames there are two teams, each with a spymaster. The two spymasters each sit on the same side of the table, and are able to look at the game key. The key is a small square with biege, blue, and red squares arranged in a grid, indicating which spys belong to which team. Along with these there's also a black square, indicating the dreaded assassin. If either team chooses the assassin that team loses and the game is over.

The genius of codenames comes in the descriptions that the spymasters must give to their teams. They can only use one word and one number (to indicate the number of words laid down that the hint refers to). It's such a mind twister of a game, and endless addicting fun even for those who don't normally consider themselves board gamers. This is a certified party game, and I'd take it over a dreary game of charades any day.

The game is so elegant, so simple.... that there really isn't much more to say about it. I think that's a good thing. When you're trying to sell a group of people on a board game, the easier it is to explain, the better. Codenames is a brilliant game made by none other than the oh-so-brilliant Vlaada Chvatil.

Buy If:

1.) You want a game that can take a LOT of people (especially if you're people who know each other well, i.e. family or old friends).

2.) You want a game that'll be a hit at parties.

3.) You want a game that'll be easy to explain.

Don't Buy If:

1.) You don't have a lot of friends, or have trouble getting them all in one place. It's a four player minimum, and I know (from experience) that even if you have plenty of loved ones, getting them all to sit down at the same time and do something can be difficult.

Conclusion:

If I were you, I'd probably just go ahead and add this little gem to my collection. It's cheap, and when the time comes to play it you'll be really, really, happy you did. However, if parties or mid to large gatherings aren't your thing, maybe give some of my previous reviews a gander for a better fit.

But if you can spare a little coin or have lots of people you know, then pick it up, give it a shot, and watch your back. Good luck, agent.

Follow: @jenkinrocket