Board Game Gems: Codenames & Its Offspring Unveiled

Codenames: A Comprehensive Guide to the Word-Association Game

Codenames' simple rules and quick playtime have made it a top choice among party board games. Unlike many games that struggle with larger player counts, Codenames excels with four or more players. Beyond the original, several versions exist, including the cooperative two-player Codenames: Duet. This guide navigates the various Codenames iterations. While each version shares a similar core, minor tweaks cater to different age groups and preferences, with some featuring popular franchises like Marvel, Disney, and Harry Potter.

The Core Game: Codenames

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

Codenames pits two teams against each other. Each team selects a spymaster who provides one-word clues to help their teammates identify their secret agents (codenames) on a 5x5 grid. Spymasters must carefully craft clues to avoid accidentally revealing the opposing team's agents or the assassin. The number of codenames to guess adds a strategic layer, balancing risk and reward. While playable with 2-8, it shines with even-numbered groups of four or more.

Codenames Spin-offs

Codenames: Duet

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

A cooperative twist on the original, Codenames: Duet features two players working together as spymasters, using a shared key card. The goal is to identify 15 agents without triggering the assassin cards. It includes 200 new cards compatible with the base game, making it a standalone option.

Codenames: Pictures

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

Replacing words with images, Codenames: Pictures offers a visually engaging experience. The imagery expands descriptive possibilities and potentially lowers the age barrier. It's a standalone game, but cards can be mixed with the original version.

Codenames: Disney Family Edition

• MSRP: $24.99 USD
• Age: 8+
• Players: 2-8
• Playtime: Varies

A family-friendly version featuring Disney characters and imagery. Double-sided cards allow for word or picture gameplay, or a combination of both. A simplified 4x4 grid mode without an assassin card enhances accessibility for younger players.

Codenames: Marvel Edition

• MSRP: $24.99 USD
• Age: 9+
• Players: 2-8
• Playtime: 15 mins

This Marvel-themed version uses Marvel characters and imagery. Teams represent S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA. Gameplay mirrors the base game or Codenames: Pictures depending on card selection.

Codenames: Harry Potter

• MSRP: $24.99 USD
• Age: 11+
• Players: 2
• Playtime: 15 mins

A cooperative two-player game following the Duet gameplay. Cards feature both images and words, offering greater variability.

XXL Versions

Larger-card versions (Codenames: XXL, Codenames: Duet XXL, Codenames: Pictures XXL) are available for players who prefer larger cards.

Online Play

A free online version is available through Czech Games Edition, allowing for online play with friends. A mobile app is also planned.

Discontinued Versions

Some versions, such as Codenames: Deep Undercover (an adult version) and Codenames: The Simpsons Family Edition, are no longer in print but may be found secondhand.

Conclusion

Codenames is a fantastic party game, easily taught and quickly played. While best with four or more players, Duet and the Harry Potter version offer excellent two-player experiences. Themed versions and XXL variants cater to various preferences, making Codenames a versatile and enjoyable game for many.