Spy Alley
Pubisher: Spy Alley Partners L.L.P.
For more information or to order: www.spyalley.com

Move over James Bond!  Thanks to the makers of Spy Alley, everyone can join the world of suspense and intrigue!

One time was all it took for Spy Alley to move to the top of our family's "Favorite Game" list.  Utilizing deductive reasoning, strategizing, and a bit of bluffing, each player works to hide their identity while acquiring the spy tools needed to win the game.  In this game everyone is a spy - each from a different country.  If you're the French spy, you'll need to collect the French spy equipment, marking each piece with a peg on your playing card.  Of course, to keep everyone guessing you'll also want to purchase items belonging to other nationalities and mark those with pegs on your card too.  In this fashion, when another player looks at your card it is hard for them to tell which spy you really are.  Collect all your tools (password, disguise, codebook and keys) and head toward your Embassy in Spy Alley…but watch out, someone might decide to guess your identity.  If they're correct, you're out of the game and THEY get all your money, items and the opportunity to use your identity instead of their own.  The game is made all the more interesting with the addition of "free gift" cards, special spaces on the board and more.

Spy Alley usually takes our family of four about an hour to play.  It can be played by 2 - 6 players and is ideal for kids (8 years and older) and adults.  In fact, this is one game where adults really have little advantage over the kids, making it even more fun for everyone.  Spy Alley is made of durable materials and is easy to set up.  The game rules are surprisingly simple and yet there are so many twists and turns that it can become quite suspenseful.  One of my favorite things about Spy Alley is that it's a different game every time you play - and that's a good thing, since my kids ask to play at least once a week!

Making the grade: A+
Cost: $27.98
Value for your homeschool dollar: 10
Reviewed by Cindy Prechtel, Editor