Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Fans of the original Codenames will love this Malaysian-themed version! It's the game we know and love, with an extra flavor that entertains and educates.
Highlights
- Rich and new cultural theme
- Maintains Codenames fun
- Great for vocabulary learning
- Ideal for mixed groups
Keep in mind
- Requires cultural knowledge
- It's still Codenames, right?
- May have unfamiliar words
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready for a Malaysian cultural immersion with Codenames: Malaysia Edition! This version brings the charm and spice of the Asian country to the already established Codenames formula. If you enjoy a good team-based word-guessing game with a dash of tension and fun, you're in for a treat. The core gameplay remains the same: two teams, a spymaster on each, and a grid of words. The goal? Your spymaster gives a single-word clue and a number, indicating how many words on the grid relate to that clue. Your team tries to guess the correct words, avoiding the opponent's words and, of course, the dreaded assassin word that ends the game instantly! What makes this edition special are the 200 new themed cards, packed with references to Malaysia's rich culture, cuisine, and slang. Think Nasi Lemak, Durian, Petronas Towers, and much more! It's a unique opportunity to learn a bit about Malaysia while having fun with friends and family. With super accessible rules, it's perfect for livening up any gathering, from seasoned gamers to newcomers to the hobby. Communication between the spymaster and their team is key, and the tension mounts with every guess. Can you decipher the clues and lead your team to victory? Codenames: Malaysia Edition adds a local flavor that will win over those looking for something new within an already beloved game. It's Codenames with an exotic and educational twist!
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
OK
3
OK
4
OK
5
OK
6
OK
7
OK
8
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Where to Buy
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Orangutan Games
Designer
Vlaada Chvátil
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
72owners
5wishlist
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many people can play?
Codenames: Malaysia Edition is super flexible! It works well with 2 players (each controlling a team) and up to 8 or more, by dividing into two large teams.
How long does a game take?
Games are quick, usually lasting between 15 to 30 minutes. Perfect for playing multiple rounds in one evening!
Is it difficult to learn?
Not at all! The basic rules are the same as the original Codenames, super easy to grasp. The challenge comes from giving and guessing clues.
Do I need to know Malaysian culture to play?
It's not required, but it helps! The fun is precisely in learning about Malaysia while playing. If you're unfamiliar, it can be a great introduction.
What's in the box?
It includes the word grid, spymaster cards, identity cards, markers, and of course, the cards with Malaysian-themed words.
Is it good for people new to board games?
Absolutely! It's an excellent gateway game. The interaction is high, and the fun is guaranteed, even for beginners.
What's the difference from the original Codenames?
The main difference is the words on the cards, which are all inspired by Malaysian culture, cuisine, and slang, bringing a thematic freshness.
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