Covert

Covert is a game that really surprised me. It's a mix of strategy, dice rolling, and a touch of luck, all set against a backdrop of Cold War espionage. I was expecting something a bit more straightforward, but Covert offers a surprising depth of play. The dice placement mechanic is unique and creates a lot of interesting choices. It forces you to think ahead about your moves, and the potential for blocking your opponents adds an element of strategic tension.

The game also features a unique decoder mechanic, where you physically manipulate a device to break codes and acquire valuable intel. It's a great way to add a hands-on element to the game. The artwork is beautiful and really captures the Cold War spy theme. The components are high quality, and the game is well-designed.

I've read some criticism of the rulebook being a bit convoluted, and I agree, it did take me a few tries to grasp the full mechanics. But once I understood the basics, the game felt very intuitive. There are a lot of different paths to victory, and I enjoy how the game rewards both strategic planning and quick thinking. Covert is a game that I keep coming back to.

However, I do agree with some reviewers that the game feels less engaging with fewer players. It's definitely more fun with at least 3, where the competition for resources and missions becomes more intense.

Overall, Covert is a great game for anyone who enjoys a strategic board game with a unique twist. The Cold War theme is well-executed, the game is well-designed, and the mechanics are engaging. It's definitely worth a look if you're looking for a new game to add to your collection.