Control your network of spies, gather intel, and break codes in Covert, a game of tactical dice placement, set collection, and timing set in Cold War Europe. Players race to complete high risk Missions by deploying their agents and acquiring the necessary equipment, all while keeping an eye on the needs of future missions and the advances of rival agencies.
Each round, players roll their hand of dice and in turn allocate them to different actions, like moving their Agents, acquiring Agency Cards, completing and acquiring new Missions, and more. Dice are placed on action circles that require players to place their dice numerically adjacent to dice that have already been placed, allowing for rival agencies to thwart their plans — but a good Agent always has a backup plan, and there are ways around everything that stands in your way.
Covert combines simple concepts with a depth of play that allows players the freedom to combine special abilities and card combos to complete their Missions and overcome obstacles. Utilize your assets. Make your move. Don't let anyone stand in your way.
- strong thematic feel with espionage flavor
- interesting spatial movement and puzzle elements
- dynamics around hidden information and teamwork vs. individual goals
- requires heavy cognitive load and planning
- longer play sessions can lead to fatigue or analysis-paralysis
- interaction can feel narrow at times
- spy missions, covert movement, and information management
- Cold War Europe with espionage and clandestine operations
- puzzle-driven, information-rich
- Pandemic
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- dice placement — Dice are used to perform actions and to enable movement and mission fulfillment; timing and slotting matter.
- Mission-based objectives — Players attempt to complete missions by moving spies, collecting items, and decoding or locating goals.
- Multi-use cards — Cards function as objects, movement options, or special abilities; players manage resources and triggers.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a great gateway game and it plays quickly
- the artwork is really nice and the sheep are cute
- I found Covert interesting but it requires careful discussion and can be long
- Near & Far is a big pass for me due to its disconnect between theme and gameplay
- the map book in Near & Far is gorgeous and adds a lot, even if the rest doesn't land for me
References (from this video)
- spy intrigue
- Cold War Europe (London focus)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- I’m really excited to check this one out
- the Networks ... my most anticipated game
- box art ... London's Southbank
- the artwork is just phenomenal
- how the theme is brought to life through mechanics