SpyMaster (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

SpyMaster is a board game released in 2019, designed by Andrew Hepworth and published by Calliope Games. The game falls under the categories of Science Fiction and Spies/Secret Agents, and it is suitable for 2-6 players, with a recommended player count of

The game is designed for players aged 8 and above, with a runtime of 30-60 minutes.

Game Components of SpyMaster

Global Operations Board

6 Agency Boards

18 Special Agent meeples

18 Freelance Agent meeples

Spymaster Card and Pawn

100 Intelligence cards

60 Mission Cards

Rulebook.

How To Setup SpyMaster

To set up SpyMaster, start by placing the Global Operations game board on the table. Each player chooses an Agency board and corresponding colored Agent pawns, then places their Agents on the board. Freelance Agent pawns are randomly placed across the board. Shuffle the Mission cards and deal one face down on each mission card space, then place another face up on top. Intelligence cards are shuffled and divided into five decks based on the player count. The player with the most IDs starts as the first SpyMaster.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Worker Placement: Players use Intelligence cards to move agents and complete missions.

I Split, You Choose: The SpyMaster divides Intelligence cards into files, which players then choose in a specific order.

Game Objective

Gather Intelligence: Players collect Intelligence cards divided by the SpyMaster.

Operations: Use Intelligence cards to move agents, control areas, and complete mission requirements.

Complete Missions: Fulfill mission card requirements by gathering the necessary agents and Intelligence cards.

Scoring: The game ends after five rounds; players score points from completed missions and bonus points for holding the highest value of specific Intelligence card types.

Player Experience

SpyMaster engages players through its clever “I split, you choose” mechanism and evolving spy-themed missions. The game is designed for players of all experience levels, featuring beautiful and evocative artwork that immerses players in a high-tech spy world. Each round consists of two phases: Gather Intelligence and Operations, ensuring a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of worker placement and “I split, you choose” keeps the game exciting and strategic.

Beautiful Artwork: The game’s presentation is highly appealing, making it enjoyable for players.

Accessible: Suitable for players of all experience levels.

Dynamic Gameplay: The game’s phases and mission requirements keep players actively engaged[4.).

Cons

Complex Setup: Setting up the game can be time-consuming due to the several components and steps involved.

Limited Table Space: Players need to ensure they have enough table space to lay out all the Intelligence cards, which can be a challenge.

Personal Thoughts on SpyMaster

SpyMaster is ideal for those who enjoy strategic planning and area control games. It is perfect for groups of 2-6 players and offers a gameplay experience that is both challenging and rewarding. The game’s design makes it accessible to novice players while still providing depth for experienced gamers. If you’re a fan of spy-themed adventures and enjoy games with a mix of strategy and luck, SpyMaster is a great addition to your game collection.

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