Enigma: Beyond Code (2020) Board Game

Enigma: Beyond Code is a board game that delves into the world of espionage and code-breaking during World War II. Players take on the roles of spies and secret agents, working together to decipher enemy codes and complete missions. Designed by Sergey Pritula and published by CrowD Games, this game offers a unique blend of bluffing, deduction, and hidden role mechanics.

Game Components of Enigma: Beyond Code

Mansion cards: 9 cards that form a 3×3 grid, representing different rooms in the mansion.

Secret identity cards: Each player receives a card with their hidden role and mission.

Player aides: Handy guides explaining what each room does and what each role needs to win.

Tokens: Including silence tokens, triumph tokens, and various action tokens.

Hourglass token: For tracking time.

High-quality illustrations: Featured on the cards and other components.

Spiral bound notebooks: For note-taking during gameplay.

How To Setup Enigma: Beyond Code

To set up the game, start by shuffling the nine mansion cards and placing them face down in a 3×3 grid. Each player is then dealt a secret identity card. The rules suggest a specific setup for the first play, but subsequent games can use a more random distribution of cards. One player takes on the role of the time keeper and moves the hourglass token to the first yellow hourglass spot to begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Secret Identity: Players have hidden roles with different objectives.

Deduction: Players must deduce the layout of the mansion and the actions available in each room.

Investigation: Players take turns looking at mansion cards and performing actions based on the room they claim to have seen.

Bluffing: Players can lie about the room they saw, but risk being accused and silenced.

Time Management: The game includes a time track; if time runs out, chaos wins unless a saboteur is present.

Game Objective: Each player must fulfill the requirements of their secret identity to win. The first player to win three rounds achieves the overall victory.

Player Experience

In **Enigma: Beyond Code**, players immerse themselves in a mysterious Victorian mansion during World War II, tasked with breaking the Enigma code while navigating supernatural forces. The game is easy to learn but offers deep gameplay as players understand the motives and moves of others. Each turn involves exploring rooms, collecting tokens, and potentially deceiving other players. The dynamic mansion layout and hidden roles ensure high replayability and a thrilling experience.

Pros

Fast-paced gameplay: Quick setup and short playing sessions.

High-quality components: Well-made cards, tokens, and player aides.

Strong theme: Engaging narrative set in a Victorian mansion with supernatural elements.

Replayability: The game becomes more interesting with repeated plays.

Solo mode: Supports single-player gameplay.

Cons

Silence mechanism: Can be frustrating if a player is silenced frequently.

Room card handling: No write-on wipe-off notes, which could have enhanced gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Enigma: Beyond Code

**Enigma: Beyond Code** is perfect for fans of deduction and social deduction games. It’s ideal for groups of 3-5 players looking for a game that combines logic, investigation, and bluffing. The game’s short playtime and easy-to-learn mechanics make it a great filler game, while its depth and replayability ensure it remains engaging over multiple sessions. For those who enjoy games like **Coup**, **Enigma: Beyond Code** offers a similar blend of strategy and deception in a unique and compelling setting.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.