100.0
rating
Ludopedia
7.5
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
Perfect for history and espionage buffs, featuring an innovative resolution system that removes the randomness of dice.
Highlights
- Very clever suit system
- Excellent narrative solo mode
- Fast and fluid game pace
- High thematic immersion
Keep in mind
- High language dependency
- Strategic weight may intimidate beginners
RECOMMENDED
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Imagine yourself in the heart of France between 1943 and 1944, where every corner could hide an ally or a traitor. In the Shadows is a card-driven wargame that puts you in command of two opposing sides: the French Resistance, fighting desperately for freedom, or the Occupation Forces, trying to maintain control at all costs. The game isn't just about moving pieces on a map, but about winning the hearts and minds of the French people.
Gameplay revolves around a clever suit system (Resistance Cross, Victory Cross, and Iron Cross) that determines the cost and effectiveness of every action. This creates a constant strategic dilemma: you might have resources in Paris, but need to perform sabotage in Vichy, forcing tough decisions on where to commit your efforts. While the Resistance tries to recruit new members and undermine Nazi authority, the Occupation hunts for clandestine cells and carries out arrests to silence the revolt.
One of the biggest highlights is the replacement of traditional dice with a thematic resolution deck, represented as period newspapers. This reduces the reliance on pure luck and shifts the focus to strategy, making the matches more fluid and fast-paced. If you're playing alone, the game shines with a narrative solo mode. In this mode, you take on the role of different Resistance leaders, each with their own flavor, facing a challenging Occupation automaton. It's essentially having two games in one box: a tense strategic duel or an immersive espionage campaign.
Gameplay revolves around a clever suit system (Resistance Cross, Victory Cross, and Iron Cross) that determines the cost and effectiveness of every action. This creates a constant strategic dilemma: you might have resources in Paris, but need to perform sabotage in Vichy, forcing tough decisions on where to commit your efforts. While the Resistance tries to recruit new members and undermine Nazi authority, the Occupation hunts for clandestine cells and carries out arrests to silence the revolt.
One of the biggest highlights is the replacement of traditional dice with a thematic resolution deck, represented as period newspapers. This reduces the reliance on pure luck and shifts the focus to strategy, making the matches more fluid and fast-paced. If you're playing alone, the game shines with a narrative solo mode. In this mode, you take on the role of different Resistance leaders, each with their own flavor, facing a challenging Occupation automaton. It's essentially having two games in one box: a tense strategic duel or an immersive espionage campaign.
GALLERY
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In English
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Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
GMT Games
Designer
Daniel Bullock, Joe Schmidt
Artist
Terry Leeds
Is the game too complex for someone who doesn't play wargames?
It has a medium weight (2.125), so it's more accessible than traditional wargames, but still requires attention to card and suit rules.
Can I play it solo?
Yes! The solo mode is a highlight, featuring different characters and a challenging automaton for the Occupation.
How long does a game take?
Between 30 to 45 minutes, which is quite fast for the genre, making it ideal for shorter sessions.
Is there high language dependency?
Yes, the game has extensive language dependency, especially in event and narrative cards.
What replaces dice in the game?
The game uses a resolution deck (styled as newspapers), making the experience more strategic and less random.
Who is this game for?
For WWII fans, espionage enthusiasts, and solo players looking for an immersive experience.