Navigator Lana

The Family Cove

Navigating Spy X Family: Mission for Peanuts

Designed by Anthony Thorp
Published by Kess Entertainment

Spy x Family: Mission for Peanuts is a deduction game where players assume the different roles of the show, Spy x Family, and try to build the best duo (or trio) of cards! With quick-paced rounds and minimal cards, each decision matters as players try to outwit each other.

Key Coordinates

Players: 3-5
Ages: 10+
Play Time: 20-30 minutes per game

Mapping the Mechanics

Setting up and learning the game was an absolute breeze in Spy x Family. To set up, remove the Spy Card, Loid, shuffle the deck, and deal two cards to each player. Then, the players choose one card to be their “Role” to begin the game, and one card to hold in their hand. Shuffle the Spy card back into the deck of remaining cards.

Taking a turn is simple:

• Draw a card
• Discard a card from your hand, and take the ASSIST action of the card
• Discard your Role, then replace it with a new Role and take the DEPLOY action.

Play continues until one of three things occurs:

• If a player has the Spy, the Telepath, and the Assassin on their turn, they instantly win
• Last Man Standing
• No remaining cards in the draw deck, the player with the highest valuable combination wins the round.

The winner of the round collects a peanut token, and then rack up again for the next round until someone receives 2 or 3 peanut tokens, depending on the player count.

Navigator’s Notes

I loved how easy it was to learn and teach Spy x Family. For whatever reason, I went in thinking this would be a game that would be completely lost on me. I’m not overly familiar with the anime, but Christopher has watched it before and enjoyed it. When he spotted Spy x Family, he really wanted to try it. Now, of course, being the board game fanatic I am, who am I to deny his request to try a game?

It has a hint of the Love Letter or Power Hungry Pets feel, where you pick a card, discard it, and perform an action. Easy, straightforward, and yet so strategic. Do you want to play that card now, or hold it for later? Do you think your opponent has the Spy card you need to complete the Forgers family? These are the kind of strategic card games that I enjoy.

While the game says 10+, Christopher is only 9 and was able to pick up on the concept quickly. There’s some reading involved for a younger child, but nothing overly complicated. My thought is that the deduction side is what brings this game up to a higher age level, but it was still an excellent opportunity to practice memory skills and reasoning. Christopher also won, so of course he was thrilled!

Who Should Embark?

With how easy Spy x Family was to learn, anyone who is a fan of the show would enjoy the game. If you aren’t familiar with Spy x Family, and have someone who is, then don’t be intimidated by not knowing the IP. I knew very little and still had a great time playing this one.

The Navigator’s Chart

Calm Coastline: A light and easy-to-learn game, perfect for casual play.

End of the Voyage

Kess Entertainment/Games does such a great job with IP games. They have found a knack for understanding how to take a known brand, make it fun without being overwhelming. If you’re at all familiar with the show, or just like deduction games, definitely pick this one up!

A special thanks to Kess Entertainment for providing a copy of Spy x Family.