A downloadable game

Introduction

Imagine you're sitting on the couch with your friends, staring at the ceiling out of boredom: A board game would be too much effort to play, but doing nothing wouldn't be an option either...care to try our game Codenames? It's easy - all you need? 

4 friends, 4 devices and a touch of ambition, and you're all set.

Gameplay

Setup

The gameboard consists of 25 random word cards in a 5x5 grid. Split into two teams - red and blue. Each team has a Spymaster and an Operative. 



Description

Spymasters give a one-word hint followed by a number  (the button "Give a Hint"). Operatives guess words on the board based on the hint of the Spymaster in their team.  If you're not sure which team is at turn right now - look at the frame!

On the left, you can see the score (how many words need to be guessed by each team) and your current role. The team that begins, will get one additional card. On the right, there's the chat  in which every word, every hint etc. will be shown.

Correct guesses allow more guesses (up to the number given +1). A wrong guess ends the turn immediately.  What could be a wrong guess?

  • you pick a neutral card
  • you pick a card from the opposing team - that would make them lead by one card (since you revealed one of theirs)

If you want to mark a card - press via short tap on a card. If you want to lock in a card - press via long tap. 


In case you're wondering: you can unmark the cards via short tap or shaking your phone, would be a fun way to unmark them as well.

But don't worry - if you (as Operative) can't seem to take the hint, given by your Spymaster and you don't want to risk it, then you can press the "Skip" button.

But beware - guessing the assassin card  ends the game - and your team loses!

What are valid clues?
  • must be exactly one word (no special characters allowed!)
  • cannot be or contain any word on the board - or else it would be cheating
  • homonyms and proper nouns are allowed if both teams agree beforehand
"Expose!"-Button

You may have noticed one particular button - the "Expose!"-button. If the Spymaster from the opposing team gives a hint which does include a word on the board, then you can press the "Expose!"-button.


When you press "Yes", the game will check if the opposing team is cheating. If so, they will be given an additional card from the board (which means, they would fall behind by 1) and your team would be on turn now. But beware - if you falsely accuse them of cheating , then your team will receive an additional card.

End of the game

The game ends when..

  • a team finds all its agents
  • the assassin is guessed
  • the team cheated way too many times and they receive so much cards - more than on the available board!


Some tips that might help you
  • Spymasters must remain expressionless
  • Operatives must not seek non-verbal cues - or else it would ruin the game experience
  • Have fun!!

Wanna know the magic behind all this?

Check it out! 

https://github.com/SE2-Codename

More information