Pros
Great for two players
High replayability
Engaging and challenging
Enhances communication
Easy set-up and clean-up
Good value for the price
Multiple rule sets and difficulty levels
Mission map adds variety
Compact and easy to store
Can mix with original Codenames for more word options
Cons
Steep learning curve for some players
Potential frustration with difficulty
Not suitable for younger children
Main Product Advantages
10 Replayability
High replayability due to the mission map, variety in word combinations, and different rule sets.
10 Cooperative Mechanics
Excellent cooperative gameplay where both players need to work together to win.
10 Two-Player Focus
Designed specifically for two players, making it an excellent choice for couples or small gatherings.
9 Gameplay Challenge
Offers a significant challenge with strategic gameplay and the risk of hitting assassin tiles.
9 Price-Value Ratio
Affordable cost with high entertainment value.
9 Strategic Depth
Requires creativity, planning, and strategic risk-taking, offering depth beyond basic rules.
8 Set-up Ease
Easy and quick to set up, making it convenient for frequent play.
8 Portability
Small and easy to store, making it portable for travel or quick play sessions.
7 Component Quality
Generally well-made with a minor issue of occasional typos on word cards.
6 Audience Suitability
Suitable for adult players familiar with word games, less suitable for younger children due to difficulty.
Product Review: Codenames: Duet - The Two Player Word Deduction Game by CGE Czech Games Edition
Codenames: Duet keeps the basic elements of the original Codenames game. The goal is to give one-word clues to try to get your partner to identify your agents among the cards laid out on the table. However, in Codenames: Duet, you are working together as a team rather than competing against each other.
Gameplay and Setup
To set up play, lay out 25 word cards in a 5x5 grid. Place a key card in the holder so that each player sees one side of the card. Each player sees a 5x5 grid on the card with nine squares colored green, representing your agents, and one square colored black, representing an assassin. The assassin is in different places on each side of the card. Additionally, three of the nine agents will overlap between sides.
The objective is to reveal all fifteen agents without revealing either assassin or too many innocent bystanders before time runs out in order to win the game. Either player can decide to give a one-word clue to the other player, along with a number. Whoever receives the clue places a finger on a card to identify that agent. If correct, they can attempt to identify another one.
If they identify a number of agents equivalent to the number stated by the clue giver, they can take one final guess if desired. Identifying a bystander ends their guessing turn. Identifying an assassin results in an immediate loss for both players.
Conclusion
Codenames: Duet is a thrilling cooperative spin on the original Codenames game. Its combination of word deduction and teamwork creates an engaging and challenging experience. This game is perfect for two players who enjoy strategy and communication-based games.
