Maquis
Anecdote
A small solo masterpiece by Jake Staines, published by Side Room Games, Maquis puts the player in the role of a resistance leader in an occupied French village between 1944 and the Liberation. Each turn, the player places agents — saboteur, recruiter, forger — to carry out missions, evade German patrols, and complete objectives assigned by the Allied command. The system is minimalist yet remarkably rich in strategic depth, with a modular map and rules contained in a booklet of just a few pages. A game is completed in thirty to forty minutes, making it an ideal companion for short evenings or travel. The learning curve is very gentle, and the title will also appeal to fans of abstract games who are curious about history. Staines wanted to deliver a claustrophobic experience faithful to the reality of the maquis, where every decision can send a comrade before a firing squad. The illustrations are restrained, almost graphic, in the manner of a resistance poster. The game rests on a system of random patrols that superbly simulates the constant uncertainty of clandestine life. Praised for its economy of means and evocative power, Maquis received nominations in several solo and thematic game categories. Its re-edition by Side Room Games with the Resistance Pack expansion broadened the game with new scenarios and new agents. The title's influence is felt in the micro-wargame solo movement, which has been growing steadily since 2015. A French version remains rare and prized among French-speaking collectors. The game has also inspired designers such as Tom Russell and David Thompson in their approach to worker placement with historical themes. Maquis proves that a great resistance game can fit in a small box, and that historical emotion depends neither on the number of counters nor on the length of the rules.
Popularity & reception
Distinctions — Golden Geek - Best Solo Board Game nomination (2014)
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