90

Codenames is a social word game where two rival spymasters give one-word clues to help their teammates identify their agents among 25 codename cards. Teams compete to see who can make contact with all of their agents first while avoiding the opposing team's agents and the assassin card.

90

The Verdict

based on 43 reviews

Positive 0%
Mixed 0%
Simple and easy to teach rules that allow new players to jump in quickly.
High replayability due to the large number of word cards and random key cards.
Engaging and interactive team play that encourages communication and laughter.
Accessible to a wide audience, including families and non-gamers.
Quick playing time allows for multiple games in one sitting.
The Spymaster role can be stressful and intimidating for some players.
There can be significant downtime as the Spymasters think of clues.
The random assortment of words can sometimes lead to unbalanced or frustrating rounds.
May not appeal to players who dislike word association games or think more literally.
100
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
GeekDadArticleTop List

The reviewer found Codenames to be an incredibly fun, quick-playing, and highly replayable party word game. It was easily the favorite at Gen Con, praised for its simple setup and engaging teamwork dynamics, despite requiring a good spymaster.

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100
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
GamingTrendArticle

Codenames is an exceptionally elegant, creative, and tense word game that successfully bridges casual and hardcore players alike, delivering endless fun and memorable moments.

100
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Game Boy Geek, Dan KingVideo

The reviewer enthusiastically praises Codenames as an unbelievable and fantastic word-based party game, highlighting the unique synergy developed with a partner over time and the rewarding feeling of successful clue deduction. He considers it one of the best party games he has ever played.

100
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Play Board GamesArticle

Codenames is a clever, high-tension party game that easily bridges gamers and non-gamers alike through smart word associations and massive replay value. Despite occasional downtime while spymasters think, it delivers an engaging challenge that practically begs for immediate rematches.

100
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
BoardGameCo, Alex MacklinVideo

This video from BoardGameCo offers a review of the Codenames board game, affirming its status as one of the best party games ever created. The review delves into the game's mechanics, highlighting both its strengths and minor drawbacks.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Slate, Ruth GrahamArticle

The reviewer enthusiastically praises Codenames as an amazing family party game that transcends typical genres, appealing to a wide range of players. They highlight its simple yet intense gameplay, where spymasters agonize while teammates collaborate, making it highly addictive and replayable.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Polyhedron Collider, SteveArticle

Codenames is a clever, highly engaging word association party game where spymasters give multi-word clues to help their team find agents while avoiding an assassin.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Board Game Brawl, Board Game BrawlVideo

This video reviews Codenames, a physical party game focused on word association and deduction. Players act as spymasters giving one-word clues to their team to identify secret agents on a grid while avoiding opponents and an assassin. It's a quick, social game that can be challenging for clue-givers.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Shut Up & Sit Down, QuinnsArticle

Codenames is a brilliant, simple, yet deep team-based party game by Vlaada Chvatil that creates immense satisfaction and hilarious frustration. The reviewer highly recommends it for its engaging gameplay and strong replayability.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Opinionated Gamers, Dale YuArticle

Codenames is a clever and challenging wordplay party game that brilliantly rewards vocabulary and shared context, though it plays best with groups of similar skill levels.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Board Game FamilyArticleTop List

The review highly recommends Codenames as a fantastic and unique party game, ideal for families and highly replayable. It excels at drawing players in with its quick games and deep word association challenges, scoring very high on their 'let's play again' meter.

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95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
boardgamecloset, JimmyVideo

This video offers a review of the physical board game Codenames, evaluating its gameplay, components, and overall experience. It likely discusses both positive and negative aspects, providing a critical assessment of the game.

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