Thames & Kosmos - "Spy Labs: Spy Location Tracker"

Photo above is property of Thames & Kosmos

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Company:  Thames & Kosmos

Game:  Spy Labs: Spy Location Tracer

Country:  USA 🇺🇸

Language:  English

Type of Game:  Tabletop Games 📬

Genre:  Adventure

Date Played:  May 30, 2025

Difficulty (based on 2 players):  N/A

Size of Team:  1 Player to set up, 1+ Player to find (Ages 8+)

Time:  N/A

Price:  $44.95

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A Spy Adventure Awaits!

The Spy Location Tracker from Thames & Kosmos isn’t just a puzzle game; it’s a spy-themed tool ready for action! I decided to fold it into a surprise mini-date for Dave. Picture this: a sweet little “spycapade” leading him across the property to uncover clues. The grand reveal? A cozy setup with a two-person camp chair, a warm blanket, snacks, and hot cocoa. His final challenge? Using the Tracker to find the cocoa! I’m thrilled to report he secured it without needing backup.

But wait, that’s just one way to use it! You could incorporate it to find a treasure chest, lead someone to a secret meeting point, or even track a moving “suspect.” The possibilities are endless!

Video above is property of Thames & Kosmos

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What’s in the Box?

Built from sturdy plastic, the Tracker feels solid in hand. It’s clearly designed with younger spies in mind (the box says 8+), but it doesn’t feel like a toy. Instead, it’s more like “kid-friendly field gear” than secret-society steampunk. It’s functional, surprisingly hefty, and has a modern aesthetic. Think James Bond, not Da Vinci Code.

The device features LED lights for tracking. These lights show up well in most conditions but may require a hand-shield in bright sunlight. Just a heads up: there’s no indication of water resistance, so keep it away from unexpected drizzle or damp foliage. One delightful touch? The manual includes educational facts about bats and their use of ultrasound. It’s a charming way to tie the tech into nature!

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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How Does It Work?

Here’s the scoop: once powered on with a small switch, the transmitter sends out a silent ultrasonic signal. You then press a trigger on the handheld receiver to scan for a signal. When it picks one up, it displays directional guidance using LEDs on a display. A yellow LED lights up in the center to indicate scanning, regardless of whether it’s receiving a signal.

Now, here’s where it gets a tad tricky. The display can feel slightly counterintuitive. The left side of the receiver always uses red LEDs, while the right side uses green. Whichever side lights up tells you which direction the signal is coming from. Once you get used to that logic, it’s straightforward and super fun to feel like you’re honing in on your target!

The stated range is up to 50 feet (15 meters), but in our testing, it performed best at around 25-30 feet with a clear line of sight. My original plan was to have the picnic set up in the woods, but the signal wasn’t strong enough to reach somewhere not immediately visible. Even a thin blanket could block the signal unless we were very close. Both crowded and empty spaces can lead to some bounce, and there was occasional flickering of the LEDs. Overall, while it may not have surgical precision, it’s functional and fun at smaller distances with clear lines of sight.

A word of caution: ultrasonic signals can affect pets and wildlife, so it’s best to steer clear of animals while playing!

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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The Puzzling Potential

While it’s not a puzzle game in itself, it’s a gadget that powers one! The puzzling is up to you!

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Final Thoughts on the Spy Labs Tracker

"Spy Labs: Spy Location Tracker" is a simple, tactile tool that adds a satisfying layer of hands-on exploration. It makes any puzzle or roleplay scenario feel more real. There’s something instantly gratifying about pointing the device and watching the lights flicker as you close in. Whether you're planning a family scavenger hunt, a secret-agent-inspired date night, or an immersive quest for friends, this little device brings a touch of spy-fi energy and lets you play the part. It’s a high-charm gadget that can turn an ordinary search into something a little more cinematic.

Its limitations (range, signal bounce) mean it’s best treated as a close-range mechanic, not a long-range GPS replacement. And keep it away from the animals! But once you know how to wield it, the device functions reliably and adds a genuinely fun layer of discovery.

Would I use it in a future mission? Absolutely! Would I keep a spare set of batteries and a clear field in mind? You bet! It earned its place in our puzzle challenge arsenal, and I’m already scheming up ways to integrate it into the next mission for the kids. For anyone who enjoys planning “missions” or explorative games—whether for kids or the young at heart—this little gadget could be just the signal boost you need.

Note: This is part of Thames & Kosmos’ extensive Spy Lab series, which has lots of other fun little mission gadgets. It requires 2 AA batteries for the receiver and 2 AAA batteries for the transmitter, along with a small Phillips head screwdriver.

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Check out our interview with the creators to understand more about the development side of the game:

Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

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(If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!)

Disclosure: We thank Thames & Kosmos for providing us with samples of the game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.

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