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Covert (2016) Board Game

ByMichail

Covert is a board game released in 2016, designed by Hokunin and Chris Ostrowski. Published by Renegade Game Studios, it falls under the categories of card games, dice games, and spies/secret agents games. With a runtime of 45-90 minutes and suitable for players aged 13 and above, Covert is a strategic game that challenges players to think like a spy and complete missions through careful planning and execution.

Game Components of Covert

  • Game board
  • 20 dice (5 each in 4 colors)
  • 12 Agent pawns (3 each in 4 colors)
  • 60 Intel cubes (15 each in 4 colors)
  • 4 Reroll tokens (1 each in 4 colors)
  • 48 Agency cards
  • 60 Mission cards
  • 6 Character cards
  • 4 Player screens
  • 4 Turn Order tokens
  • 12 Cipher tokens
  • 40 Code cards
  • 16 Special Operations tokens
  • Cloth bag.

    How To Setup Covert

    To set up Covert, each player receives a set of pieces in their color: 5 dice, 3 agents, 15 intel cubes, a player shield, and a reroll token. Each player also gets a character card with a special ability. The agency cards are shuffled, and each player draws three cards, placing an agent in each matching city. Six Agency cards are placed face-up at the bottom of the board, and the rest form a deck. Mission cards are shuffled, and each player draws three, keeping two and returning one to the deck. Code cards are shuffled and dealt to players, with the rest placed near the board. Cipher tokens are randomly placed on the decoder grid, and special operations tokens are put in the bag.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics:

  • Dice Placement:** Players roll their dice and allocate them to different action circles on the board, such as moving agents, acquiring Agency cards, taking Mission cards, and completing missions. Dice must be placed numerically adjacent to existing dice.
  • Code Breaking:** Players use Cipher tokens to match numbers on their Code cards, which can provide equipment or points.
  • Dice Resolution:** Players take actions based on their placed dice, resolving missions and using equipment and Agency cards.

    Objective:

    The goal is to score the most points by completing missions and cracking codes. The game ends after any player completes their sixth mission, with final scoring determining the winner.

    Player Experience

    Covert offers a complex and engaging gameplay experience, combining elements of worker placement and set collection with the tactical use of dice. Players must manage their agents, acquire necessary equipment, and complete high-value missions while thwarting their opponents’ plans. The game requires strategic planning, as players need to balance short-term goals with long-term mission requirements. The inclusion of special abilities on Character cards and Agency cards adds depth and variability to each game session.

    Pros

  • Engaging Theme:** The game’s Cold War espionage theme is well-implemented, with detailed components and a immersive setting.
  • Strategic Depth:** Combines simple concepts with deep gameplay mechanics, allowing for complex strategies and card combos.
  • Interactive Gameplay:** Players can significantly impact each other’s plans through dice placement and code breaking.
  • Variable Player Powers:** Character cards provide unique abilities, enhancing replayability.

    Cons

  • Dice Roll Variability:** The game starts with a dice roll, which can sometimes limit flexibility in action selection.
  • Imbalanced Player Powers:** Some character abilities are more powerful than others, which can affect game balance if not managed carefully.

    Personal Thoughts on Covert

    Covert is ideal for fans of strategic board games who enjoy a mix of worker placement, set collection, and tactical dice management. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games with depth and replayability, as well as those fascinated by the espionage theme. While it can be enjoyed with two to four players, the designer notes that it is particularly enjoyable in a two-player setup, making it a great option for couples or duos looking for a mid-weight gaming experience.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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