NewSpeak (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

NewSpeak is a board game released in 2021, designed by David Thor Fjalarsson and illustrated by Inside the Box Board Games LLP (ITB). It falls under the categories of bluffing, deduction, real-time, spies/secret agents, and word game. With a playing time of 30-60 minutes and suitable for 3-6 players aged 14 and above, NewSpeak offers a unique gaming experience combining elements of strategy and social interaction.

Game Components of NewSpeak

Player cards: Each player has a card with code word pairs.

Location cards: Nine locations that the Dissidents aim to hack.

Code cards: Used for cross-referencing words to decipher the target location.

Moderator cards: For the Moderators to keep track of their deductions.

How To Setup NewSpeak

To set up NewSpeak, players are divided into two teams: the Dissidents and the Moderators. Each Dissident receives a code card with pairs of words, while the Moderators get their respective cards. The nine location cards are placed face down on the table. The Lead Dissident secretly chooses a target location, and the game begins with the Dissidents communicating in code to reveal their target without alerting the Moderators.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Team Division: Players are divided into Dissidents and Moderators.

Code Communication: Dissidents use code words to communicate the target location.

Deduction: Moderators listen to the conversation to decipher the code.

Location Selection: After the conversation, Dissidents reveal their target, and Moderators reveal their protected locations.

Winning Condition: The team that successfully locks down three locations first wins.

Code Cards: Players use code cards to cross-reference words and figure out the target location.

Player Experience

NewSpeak is a game that requires creative and quick thinking. Players must balance giving enough clues without revealing too much to the opposing team. The game starts with a learning curve, but as players get accustomed to the code system, it becomes more engaging and challenging. The game is best enjoyed with a group, as multiple Dissidents and Moderators make the conversations and interactions more interesting.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: Requires creative thinking and quick deductions.

Immersive Theme: Set in a dystopian future with a strong thematic element.

Social Interaction: Encourages active communication and teamwork.

Replayability: High replay value due to the dynamic nature of the code system.

Cons

Learning Curve: Initial games can be rough as players adjust to the code system.

Player Sensitivity: Some players may feel self-conscious about creating coded sentences.

Optimal Player Count: The game shines best with four or five players, rather than three.

Personal Thoughts on NewSpeak

NewSpeak is ideal for fans of social deduction games like Codenames, Decrypto, and Spyfall. It adds a unique layer of complexity with its dynamic code system, making it a deeper and more involved game than its counterparts. This game is perfect for those who enjoy mental gymnastics and creative communication, particularly suited for late teens and adults due to the complexity of the code talking. It’s a great addition to any board game collection for those who love a good puzzle and a bit of subterfuge.

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