Maquis (2013) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Maquis is a print and play board game that was first released in in 2013. It is a solo game set in World War II, where players take on the role of French resistance fighters trying to overthrow the Nazi occupation. The game was designed by Jake Staines and features artwork by Ilya Baranovsky, Jake Staines, and Mark Tuck.

Game Components of Maquis

A board representing a map of the town

Multiple types of cardboard chits and tiles

Wooden meeples and cubes

A deck of cards, including Mission Cards and Patrol Cards

Resource pieces (money, food, intelligence, explosives)

Two boards: a main board and a card-shaped board for tracking

Milice and soldier figures

Spare room tiles for adding new resource spaces

How To Setup Maquis

Setting up Maquis is straightforward and quick. Players choose two Mission Cards, which are placed at the top of the board to ensure their path icons connect to the pathway. The player then places three of their five workers at the Safe House location and the other two near the Café location, though these two are not active at the beginning. The Patrol Deck is shuffled, and the three different cubes are placed on their respective tracks (Turn Track, Morale Track, and Soldier Track).

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Worker Placement: Players place their operatives on the map to gather resources or perform actions.

Risk Management: Managing the risk of Milice patrols and maintaining Morale.

Deduction: Anticipating and reacting to the Milice patrol movements.

Game Objective

Complete two Mission Cards within 15 rounds (days) before running out of time or losing all operatives.

Protect operatives from Milice patrols.

Maintain high Morale among the agents.

Use resources and unique actions to complete missions and survive.

Player Experience

Playing Maquis is an immersive experience that captures the theme of a clandestine resistance during WWII. Each round, players must strategically place their operatives, manage resources, and avoid Milice patrols. The game features a simple yet engaging gameplay loop, with the constant threat of arrest and the strain of maintaining Morale adding to the tension. The game’s design encourages smart decisions and planning, particularly in securing safe routes back to the Safe House to avoid losing operatives.

Pros

High Replayability: With multiple Mission Cards and the ability to mix-and-match them, the game offers a lot of variety.

Thematic and Immersive: The game’s theme of resistance fighters in WWII occupied France is well-executed and engaging.

Quick Setup and Playtime: Games last between 20-40 minutes, making it easy to reset and play again.

Simple yet Deep Gameplay: Easy to learn but challenging to master, with a balance between simple gameplay and immersive theme.

Cons

Rulebook Clarity: Some players have found the rulebook to be unclear on certain points.

Component Organization: The box could be better organized, with some components feeling miscellaneous.

Resource Pieces: The resource pieces are flimsy and visually the weakest aspect of the game.

Personal Thoughts on Maquis

Maquis is a gem for solo gamers and those who enjoy worker placement and risk management games. It offers a tight, simple gameplay loop that remains compelling and challenging. The game’s theme and artwork, reminiscent of pulp magazine covers, add to its charm. While it may not suit everyone due to its repetitive early turns and high level of difficulty, Maquis is an excellent choice for those looking for a solo game that packs a lot of depth into a small package. For those who enjoy the challenge and thematic depth, Maquis is a must-have in their solo game collection.

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