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Spies! (1981)

Spies!

“Spies!” is a board game published by Simulations Publications, Inc. (SPI) in 1981, designed to simulate international espionage in Europe in the years leading up to World War II. The game was designed by John Prados and Lenny Glynn, with graphics and design by Redmond A. Simonsen. In 1982, TSR took over SPI and republished several popular SPI titles, including “Spies!”.

Why is Spies! Popular?

“Spies!” is a popular game because it combines the themes of espionage and intrigue with strategic gameplay. Players enjoy the challenge of hiding their identities and completing missions while trying to uncover their opponents’ secrets. The game has gained significance in the board gaming community for its innovative mechanics and its historical setting.

Game Components of Spies!

  • Map: 22″ x 34″ map of Europe
  • Event Tiles: 50 tiles capturing significant events leading to World War II
  • Counters: 200 die-cut counters
  • Rules: 4-page standard rules and 4-page Long Game rules
  • Display: 11″ x 17″ display
  • Action Chits: Used for various actions during the game
  • Secrets: 7 random Secrets per player, placed facedown on cities within their territory

    How To Setup Spies!

    To set up the game, the board and display are prepared with the Year marker on 1933. Each player chooses a Great Power (France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, or Russia), and if there are fewer than five players, some players take on more than one country. Players draw Event Tiles, Action chits, and 7 random Secrets, placing them facedown in their cities. Police are deployed in their cities, and spies are placed facedown in any cities on the map. Any remaining Secrets are placed in neutral cities.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Player Order: Germany, Italy, Russia, France, Britain
  • Turn Actions:
    – Discard or play Event Tiles based on the current game year
    – Rearrange police
    – Search for enemy spies
    – Move spies to search for or move secrets
    – Cash in secrets

  • Objective: Protect your own secrets while gathering those of your enemies. The game ends in 1939, and Victory Points are calculated based on secrets, captured spies, and sanctioned markers. The player with the most Victory Points wins.

    Player Experience

    **Spies** offers a dynamic and engaging experience, combining espionage, strategy, and historical context. Players navigate the complexities of pre-war Europe, managing spies, police, and secrets while responding to significant historical events. The game is praised for its clear rules, making it easy to learn within 30 minutes, and its high replay value due to the diverse Event Tiles.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn: Simple yet not shallow gameplay with clear rules
  • High Replay Value: 50 Event Tiles capture various historical events, ensuring different experiences each time
  • Educational: Provides a newfound appreciation for the complexities of pre-war European politics
  • Dynamic Gameplay: Fast-paced and challenging, with each action having potential repercussions

    Cons

  • Geographical Errors: Some historical locations are inaccurately placed on the map
  • Expensive: Initially considered expensive, though still a good value for gaming clubs

    Personal Thoughts on Spies!

    **Spies** is ideal for those interested in geopolitical intrigue, historical context, and strategy. It’s a great game for anyone looking to learn about the pre-World War II era in an engaging and interactive way. The game’s unique mechanics and historical accuracy make it a standout title from SPI, still worth playing today. If you have friends or family interested in 20th-century European history, **Spies** is an excellent choice to spark their interest and provide hours of enjoyable gameplay.

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