- Publisher : Iello
- Author(s): Christian Kudahl, Laura Kudahl
- Artist(s): Fanny Pastor-Berlie
- Players : 2–4
- Playing time: 10–20 min
- Weight BGG : 1.35
What's this?
Your goal is simple: discover your opponent’s secret identity by catching their Spy token on the board before they catch yours . To do this, you’ll need to recruit informants in your neighborhood .
How do you play?
🔁 Game round
Each round follows 3 steps:
1. Play
The active player plays 2 Agent cards from his hand:
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1 visible face,
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1 hidden face (they must be different).
👉 Optional: you can discard a card to draw another (4 times max in the game).
2. Recruit
The opponent chooses one of the two cards played and recruits it (it becomes visible in front of him).
The active player automatically recruits the other.
Each player then moves their pawn according to:
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of the type of agent recruited,
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the number of identical copies he already has in play (this modifies the number of squares to move forward or backward).
3. Finish the tour
We check the end-of-game conditions:
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🏁 Immediate victory :
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You catch up with or overtake the opposing pawn.
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You have 3 Cryptologists in play.
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Some Black Market cards (advanced mode) also offer other special conditions.
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💥 Immediate defeat :
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You have 3 Risk-Alls in play.
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In the event of an empty hand and an exhausted draw pile, the player closest to the opponent wins. In the event of a tie, the active player wins.
⚙️ Additional modes
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Advanced Mode : Introduces Black Market cards , collected by stopping on specific spaces on the board. These cards offer unique powers (immediate or permanent) and enrich strategies.
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Team Variant (3-4 players) : Teammates share a pawn and the cards in play, but not their hand. Communication is limited, making decisions even more challenging.
Is it good?
Agent Avenue is a great success , ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced and dynamic bluffing games. The “ I split, you choose” mechanic creates a subtle interaction, based on bluffing and reading the opponent’s game. It’s perfect for fans of constantly tense duels. You have to try to read the other person’s mind, and if you play with someone you know well, it’s even more enjoyable.
The game features simple rules and short games, making it easy to play, even with beginners. It’s ideal for chaining rematches and playing multiple games.
The Black Market card variant adds depth to the game without complicating the rules. This adds variety to the strategies, but also introduces a bit more chaos and randomness, which can sometimes drastically shorten some games. I recommend adding this variant once you’ve thoroughly explored the base game. The team mode also works very well, and offers a nice fresh take on the 3- or 4-player experience.
The material is of good quality, with original and expressive illustrations in a very successful “animated” style.
One point of caution, however: the randomness of the draw pile can be frustrating, especially with certain cards that lead to instant wins or losses. The game relies more on seizing opportunities than on a turn-by-turn strategy, which may displease expert players looking for total control.
In summary , Agent Avenue is an excellent choice for those who enjoy accessible bluffing and deduction games that are quick to learn, yet offer real psychological tension. If you enjoy observing, anticipating, and manipulating your opponent’s intentions, this is the game for you.
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Agent Avenue Review
Positives
- Very successful bluffing and reading of the opponent
- Simple rules and quick games
- Good replayability (Advanced Mode + Team Variant)
- Original illustrations and careful material
- Accessible to beginner players
- Constant tension, ideal for dynamic duels
Negatives
- Chance of the pick sometimes frustrating
- Some cards trigger abrupt game endings
- Less suitable for players seeking in-depth strategic control
