Every so often I’ll be highlighting some of the spy games I’ve picked up from various second hand stores over the years. I haven’t played most of these yet, as finding willing spy game participants can be tricky, but I’m hoping to road test some of these as the kids get older.

Once upon a time, in a long ago time called the 1980’s people enjoyed throwing parties where they would gather their friends to host a “mystery” party. Each guest would take on a role and try and solve the mystery or find a killer.

Into this arena came TSR Games, best known to spy fans as the company behind the spy themed role playing game Top Secret. They created a sub brand called “PartyZone” focused on the murder mystery game market.

They may have over played their hand from the start with the name “PartyZone” which brings to mind Animal House style bros shouting out “Welcome to the Party Zone!!!” while doing keg stands and shots.

There first attempt was Spy Ring a spy themed game. If you can round up the 20 or so people willing to spend the night paying Spy games it should be a fun night.

They released two more games in the series, with more of a focus on mysteries rather than spies, before stopping. Was it because of a lack of spies in the later games? I guess we’ll never know.