Heimlich & Co. (1984) Board Game
Heimlich & Co., also known as Top Secret Spies, is a classic board game designed by Wolfgang Kramer and first released in in 1984. It is a game of bluffing and deduction where players take on the role of spies trying to gather information while keeping their true identities hidden.
## Game Components of Heimlich & Co.
– 7 Secret Agent Playing Pieces
– 7 Scoring Tokens
– 7 Secret Agent Passport Cards
– 1 Safe Playing Piece
– 8 Playing Pieces Stands
– 1 die
– 1 Game Board
– Instructions
– Expansion Pack (26 Top Secret Cards)[5).
## How To Setup Heimlich & Co.
To set up the game, each player is assigned a Secret Agent Passport Card, which indicates their secret identity. The game board is placed in the middle, and the Safe Playing Piece is positioned on a building. Each player’s scoring token is set at the starting point on the scoring track. The game includes Free Agents that are not assigned to any player, adding an extra layer of complexity to the game.
## Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
### Mechanics:
– Roll and Move: Players roll a die to determine how many movement points they have.
– Bluffing: Players must conceal their true identities while moving agents around the board.
– Deduction: Players need to deduce the identities of their opponents.
### Objective:
– The goal is to score the most points by positioning your agent favorably when the safe is opened.
– Players move any agent they choose using the movement points from the die roll.
– When the safe lands on a building, all agents on that building score points.
– The game continues until a scoring token reaches or passes a certain point on the track, at which point players reveal their identities and calculate final scores.
## Player Experience
Heimlich & Co. offers a fast-paced and engaging experience, perfect for families and adults alike. The game requires a mix of strategy, deduction, and misdirection, making each game unique and challenging. Players must balance their need to score points with the necessity of keeping their identities hidden, adding a layer of intrigue and bluffing to the gameplay.
### Pros
– **Simple to Learn:** The game has straightforward rules, making it easy for new players to join.
– **High Replayability:** The combination of bluffing and deduction ensures that no two games are alike.
– **Family-Friendly:** Suitable for players aged 8 and above.
– **Award-Winning:** Won the Spiel des Jahres award in 1986, a testament to its quality and appeal.
### Cons
– **Luck of the Die:** The roll of the die can significantly influence the game, adding an element of luck.
– **Short Game Time:** Games are relatively short, lasting about 30 minutes, which may not be as satisfying for players seeking longer gaming sessions.
## Personal Thoughts on Heimlich & Co.
Heimlich & Co. is an excellent choice for anyone who loves a blend of strategy, mystery, and social interaction. It is particularly suitable for families or groups looking for a game that is easy to learn but challenging to master. The game’s ability to maintain its appeal over decades is a testament to its timeless design and engaging mechanics. If you are looking for a game that combines cleverness with fun, Heimlich & Co. is definitely worth considering.
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