Codenames: Board Game Buying Guide and Spin-Offs

Codenames: A Comprehensive Guide to the Word-Association Game

Codenames' simple rules and fast playtime have made it a popular party game. Unlike many party games limited to a small number of players, Codenames excels with four or more. Beyond the original, several versions cater to different player counts and preferences. While each version shares a similar core, minor tweaks differentiate them. Some are better suited for younger players, others for older, and themed versions leverage popular franchises like Marvel, Disney, and Harry Potter.

The Core Experience: Codenames

• MSRP: $24.99 USD
• Age: 10+
• Players: 2-8
• Playtime: 15 mins

Codenames involves two teams, each with a spymaster. 25 codenames are arranged in a 5x5 grid. Spymasters see a key card revealing their team's codenames and the assassin. They give one-word clues to help their team identify their codenames. The challenge lies in providing clues that only point to their team's words, avoiding the assassin and opponent's codenames. The number of codenames to guess adds strategic depth. While playable with 2-8 players, it shines with even-numbered groups of four or more.

Expanding the Gameplay: Codenames Spin-offs

Codenames: Duet

• MSRP: $24.95 USD
• Age: 11+
• Players: 2
• Playtime: 15 mins

Codenames: Duet is a cooperative two-player version. Both players act as spymasters, using different sides of a shared key card to guide each other. The objective is to uncover 15 codenames without encountering an assassin card. It includes 200 new cards compatible with the base game.

Codenames: Pictures

• MSRP: $24.95 USD
• Age: 10+
• Players: 2-8
• Playtime: 15 mins

Codenames: Pictures replaces words with images, broadening descriptive possibilities and potentially lowering the age requirement. It uses a 5x4 grid but otherwise maintains the core gameplay. Cards can be mixed with the original game.

Themed Editions:

• Codenames: Disney Family Edition: (Image) Features Disney words and images, playable with words, pictures, or a mix. Offers an easier 4x4 mode without an assassin card.
• Codenames: Marvel Edition: (Image) Uses Marvel words and images, playable like the base game or Codenames: Pictures.
• Codenames: Harry Potter: (Image) A cooperative two-player game similar to Duet, using Harry Potter-themed words and images.

XXL Versions: Codenames, Duet, and Pictures are also available in XXL versions with larger cards for better visibility. (Images: XXL versions, (/uploads/64/173907362367a828570611c.jpg), (/uploads/76/173907362367a8285794a45.png))

Online Play: A free online version is available through Czech Games Edition, allowing for remote play.

Discontinued Versions: Note that some versions, like Codenames: Deep Undercover and Codenames: The Simpsons Family Edition, are no longer in print.

Conclusion:

Codenames offers a versatile and engaging word-association experience. Its various editions cater to different group sizes and preferences, making it a valuable addition to any board game collection. Check for deals online to find the best prices.