Decrypto
Spy-themed deduction board game
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Decrypto is a 2018 espionage-themed party game designed by Thomas Dagenais-Lespérance and published by Le Scorpion Masque in which two teams of players attempt to decode three-digit codes using clues about secret numbered words and determine the secret words of the opposing team.
- Fabien Fulchiron
- Nicolas Rivet
- Manuel Sanchez
| Designers | Thomas Dagenais-Lespérance |
|---|---|
| Illustrators |
|
| Publishers | Le Scorpion Masque |
| Publication | 2018 |
| Genres | |
| Players | 3–8 |
| Playing time | 15–45 minutes |
| Age range | 12+ |
| Website | www.scorpionmasque.com/en/decrypto |
Gameplay
Two teams of players each draw a set of four cards showing a selection of secret words, called "keywords", which are numbered from one to four. In each round, a member of each team assumes the role of Encryptor and attempts to help their team guess a three-digit number code without the opposing team intercepting the code by giving clues referring to their team's keywords with the corresponding numbers.[1][2]
Before the Encryptor's team can guess the code, the opposing team has a chance to do so following the first round. If the intercepting team succeeds in guessing the other team's code, they win an Interception Token. If a team manages to win two Interception Tokens, that team wins.[1] Following this, the Encryptor's team can attempt to guess the code. If a team isn't able to guess the code given by their own Encryptor, they receive a Miscommunication Token. If a team manages to win two Miscommunication Tokens, that team loses. Otherwise, the game continues until one of these two win conditions is met.[2][3]
In the event of a tie, each team says the four words they think are the opposing team's keywords. The team with the most correct guesses is the winner.[2]
Expansions and editions
The Decrypto Laser Drive expansion was released in 2019 and added a set of optional rules. In each round, a category card is called and at least one of the Encryptor's clues must match the given category. If all three clues match the category the Encryptor's team receives a Laser Token, which can be spent to guess the opposing team's keywords to receive an Interception Token.[4]
In 2023, the Decrypto: 5th Anniversary Edition was released, which featured updated cover art and a new set of secret words.[5]
Reception
In 2022, Polygon listed Decrypto as one of the "best party games," with contributor Charlie Theel writing that "Decrypto is a very unusual party game that promises dramatic highs and lows. It captures a light sense of espionage and the payoff is tremendous."[6] Owen Duffy, writing for The Guardian, called the game "an addictively brainy challenge, and a brilliant light and simple game for big groups" and praised it for its innovative gameplay in the espionage-themed board game genre.[1]
Decrypto was nominated for Best Party Game in The Dice Tower's 2018 Gaming Awards[7] and was a finalist for Best Multiplayer General Strategy Game in the International Gamers Awards.[8] It was the winner of the 2019 UK Games Expo Best Party Game People's Choice Award[9] and the 2019 Årets spill Best Party Game Award.[10]