CGE Czech Games EditionCodenames Boardgame

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.

It's a party game, and everyone can play -- even the kids.The concept is simple: get your team to guess which words on the board belong to your team using single-word clues before your opponents do the same. Infinite replay possibilities. You could even add your own words if you wanted to get creative.One of the great things about this game is that players can come and go, or get distracted. We often play it with a large group where some of the players are even cooking meals, so they leave and come back and it doesn't disturb the game.We throw this game into the car whenever we travel, but I wouldn't recommend trying to actually play it IN the car. You need a proper table that isn't going to get bumped or knocked-over, or the whole game is ruined.

This is a really fun game for groups of people. You can play on teams with several players on each, and both adults and kids can contribute and have fun. It is very challenging to be the code master, but for those on the guessing side, when there are multiple team members it's not stressful and even pretty young kids can enjoy it. A very fun game, and you learn more about words and their meaning while having a great time.

Classic board game that will be in the cycle forever. Almost all my friends have this game and I finally got my own for when I host. This game is easy to teach and learn, perfect for competitive people!!

Super fun game for the whole family or friends. Packaged well with no marks.

I bought this and a simpler game for a night in with friends and after opening the box and attempting to read the instructions, we decided to play the other game instead. However, I have heard nothing but good reviews for the game and maybe if we spent time to learn before people arrived we would enjoy it so I'm giving it 4 stars

The family loves playing this game. Team effort.

Every time I play this game people seem to have a good time.I've played with people from around 20-70, and while some cultural/generational gaps come up, those can still be fun to discuss or learn about even if they result in a missed guess.I find it humorous that whenever I describe the game to someone I feel like I can hear them thinking "doesn't sound that interesting" and it kinda doesn't when you talk about it. But it plays really well, so for such a simple game it gives you a chance to think real hard or just a little, and can be a good time either way :)