Re-invasion of Spain, 1944
Recap and Overview
Welcome back to the second article on the upcoming solitaire game on the Spanish Maquis: Resist! This is the newest game by trio designers: David Thompson, Trevor Benjamin, and Roger Tankersley and beautifully illustrated by Albert Monteys. The game is published by Spanish publisher Salt & Pepper Games and as of 5/12/22 available currently on Gamefound.
Given that I already posted a preview of the game from an overview and mechanical standpoint Here. I will focus this article on how the game actually plays by following the first Historical Scenario.
Game Types
Standard play
To recap, the game comes with two main styles of play. The first style is a push-your-luck style “beat the score” system. In this method, you assemble a mission deck that consists of 10 missions, 4 from the first era, 3 from the second era, and 3 from the third era. At the end of each round you decide if you want to keep playing or stop and add up the victory points of all the missions you have defeated that play session. Victory is measured by total points against this scale:
While this method is fun, I am always in search of anything to get a little more narrative out of gameplay, so when I saw the scenario book I was very excited to try these out.
Stand alone Scenarios
The included scenario book comes with two types of scenarios to play. First, there are 8 individual stand-alone scenarios. Each of these comes with a small narrative and a possible change to the standard game set-up which might specify certain missions for the mission deck and different end conditions.
Each scenario gives a special focus to the game. For example, one focused on eliminating as many enemies as possible, where you only win after removing enough enemy cards to shuffle the enemy deck twice. Another game mode that you focus on spy hunting, where you have to remove all four spymaster cards AND remove all the spy cards from the game (none in hand, hidden deck, or hidden discards).
Historical Campaign
The historical campaign is not terribly different than the stand alone scenarios. Each has a change to the set up, however instead of one off stories. This mode lets you recreate the historic campaign of the Maquis’ return to their homeland after WW2 and their increasingly desperate fight against Franco.
The difference here is you must complete 3 stand alone scenarios. Each scenario matches an era off the mission deck and is comprised of only missions from that particular era. to win the whole campaign you must defeat all three eras in order, starting with the first Re-invasion of Spain and ending with the Hunting of the Maquis in 1949-1952. As one might imagine a mission deck of only era three cards would be very difficult making this, in my opinion, the most challenging and narratively strong playstyle of Resist! So without further ado let’s get to the game!
Historical Scenario 1
Setup
As this scenario describes, the Maquis return to Spain at the end of WW2. Franco fearing this had over 4500 fortifications constructed in the Pyrenees and the fighting was focused in the border regions.
This scenario will consist of 6 of 8 era 1 cards, so we shuffle all the era 1 cards, remove 2 cards and reshuffle. Then we reveal the top four cards and shuffle then add the correct enemies to each mission while leaving the remaining two face down in the mission draw pile.
For this play I want to maximize my hand so I go with the drafting method of building my hidden deck. This method takes a bit longer as you deal out the whole Maquis deck out two at a time and decide which to keep in your hidden deck and the other goes into the recruit deck. After going through all 24 cards, shuffle the recruit deck, add three spies to the hidden deck and shuffle that one again.
A quick shuffle of the civilian deck and placing the remaining spies to the side and we are ready to begin.
First Hand
Planning phase
As World War II comes to a close, Spanish Maquis learned valuable lessons from their French Counterpart’s fight against Nazi Fascists and return home with renewed focus to free their country from the Nationalist regime of Franco. The first of our brave freedom fighters that volunteer to step up are Carlos, Adolfo, Manuel, and Marcelino. They were hoping for a fifth, but Franco’s spy network made it difficult to risk reaching out to any other known Maquis.
Knowing there are several missions, but not what the Francoist forces guarding each objective our first band of freedom fighters Manuel how he can help. Wanting to keep as low a profile to start with, Manuel was able to use some of his sources and press credentials to at least gather some intel on what enemies were guarding the mountain pass. He knew it wasn’t much but to do anything else would risk exposing himself as a Maquis. Unfortunately, it looked much too strong for our current cell.
Knowing the difficult road ahead, Marcelino was nervous to avoid direct confrontation at this point, he was old and while he was a good solider in his youth, against such tough forces he would be a liability. However, he did know a lot of people and was able to reach out and connect with his old friend Antonio, who through studying Franco radio communications though he found a way to sneak more reinforcements past the spy that earlier put a hamper on their plans.
He was able to find a new path back from France for more reinforcements through patrol patterns, however just as reinforcements were supposed to depart Francoist forces change the patrol routes. All that careful planning for nothing!
Attack Phase
Knowing the Mountain pass was too difficult for the team, the decision was made to blindly target the bunker in the mountains. We knew the bunker was relatively lightly guarded, but it was a difficult terrain. We wouldn’t be able to take the whole team for the attack.
With that Carlos bid us luck and went back underground until we needed him again. Adolfo began his attack and was able to visit the bunker with his status as a former war hero. He brought an improvised explosive and was able to sneak into the armory subdue one of the counter guerrilla operatives and plant the explosive there and set it to go off just as he was exiting the compound. He left some documents on the operative inside to make it look like a he was killed trying to plant the explosive and escape.
The story might have fooled the local garrison commander, but the idea of a Maquis infiltrating the military-led local spymasters to increase their network would only make future missions more difficult.
Second Hand
Planning Phase
The next group of Maquis to come together was Benigno, Ramona, Roberto, and Emilio. Again the Franco spy network limited any other Maquis from getting through. This time the cell decided to move straight in with little planning. They immediately decided to target the commanding officer of the regional garrison. While this is a risky move, it will cripple the growing spy network permanently.
Attack Phase
First up is Roberto. The mild manner Roberto while normally quiet, had a passion for firearms. Somehow he was able to locate a functioning Vickers machine gun. “Get me a good spot to set up near the commander’s home and I’ll rain fire upon his car as he returns in the evening.” The near mad glaze in his eyes nearly frightened the rest of us.
Next, Emilio also knowing that this mission would require sacrifice was able to remove the local spy master from the field, but this revealed his support for the Maquis and he was captured shortly afterwards.
Romana was a gifted smith. Knowing that this mission needed all the help it could get she used her tools to free Anastasio from a local jail. He was a great shot and they could use another sniper to remove another enemy from this mission.
Anastasio was able to silence the radio operator before she could call for reinforcements to the area. Luckily he was able to do this stealthily and remain hidden.
Lastly Benigno, supported the cell by providing watch and updates as he delivered food to the commander’s residence regularly.
This combined force was able to easily give Roberto the support he needed. When the commander returned home that night, he was waiting and unleashed a storm of bullets taking out the commander, his driver and escorts. While effective, it was anything but subtle and this mission would see losses to the Maquis.
Aftermath
The loss of the commander was a blow to the local spy network causing chaos and permanently limited their activities in the area. While not immediately important this would be good for long term operations for sure.
Unfortunately the price was high as Roberto, Emilio and Ramona were all discovered, captured, and imprisoned. Their sacrifices will not be in vain!
The defeat of this second mission also revealed the last of our 6 objectives. A barracks for the local garrison would be a good target to thin out the forces here allowing more of out brethren to join the fight!
Third Hand
Planning Phase
Our third group of Maquis came together hoping to keep up the momentum. Sadly, the spy network still interfered with limiting those Maquis that were able to break away to meet. This time Benigno again returned along with Manuela, Soledad, and Pilar.
Knowing that an attack on the barracks would cause the forces to call for reinforcements Pilar volunteered to sabotage the telephone lines to the building. She routinely worked on the barracks and would have easy access, though such a bold move so close to the attack would surely give her away. She was willing to risk it for the cause.
Next up was Manuela, She stayed hidden and was able to use her weathly status to smuggle another Maquis in, this time Carlos the Baker.
Attack Phase
As the team readied for the attack Soledad was able to trade some of her jewelry from her shop in the black market to get some Pilar a weapon she could smuggle in her tool bag. Hopefully it would help during the attack.
Carlos and Benigno while again staying hidden were able to provide some good intel given work they do together normally from grocer to baker and baker supplying bread to the barracks weekly.
The attack was able to take out all but one enemy before destroying the barracks for good.
Aftermath Phase
The Barracks were silenced, but in retaliation, one counter-guerilla that was able to get away attacked the town, punishing them for not turning in their fellow countrymen that supported the resistance. The loss of civilian life cut short the celebration for the Maquis. As did the loss of Pilar to the enemy. However only 3 missions stood between us and victory.
Fourth Hand
Planning Phase
This time the spy network stepped up even more. Only three Maquis came through: Anastasio, Adolfo, and Antonio.
It was obvious that the first move was for Antonio to again screen the radio traffic and look for an opportunity to bypass spy patrols and allow another resistance fighter to make their way to the meeting spot. This time it was successful and Manuel was able to make his way to the team.
Manuel was able to use some of his contacts to locate a spy and was able to follow him long enough to give his patterns to other Maquis operatives, however tailing such an operative was an easy way to be spotted by the Francoist supporters.
Attack and Aftermath phase
The team felt that the removal of all known spies that were on to them this turn it was time to focus on that mountain pass. It was heavily guarded but the remaining forces allowed them to strategically pick their targets.
Anastasio and Adolfo were tasked with silencing any counter-guerrillas first. They couldn’t afford a repeat of last time.
Luckily they barely had enough strength to mount a recon expedition on the mountain pass. The remaining two defenders were low value targets to the Maquis ignored them to focus on the mission at hand.
Intelligence gained there allowed the Maquis to discover what enemies were at the railroad bridge. This would vastly improve the final mission selection of the resistance. However Manuel was captured and would not return to the fight.
Fifth Hand
Planning Phase
The Franco forces must be cracking! For the first time all 5 operatives were able to make the rendezvous without spy interference. Marcelino, Juana, Benigno, Antonio, and Soledad.
Juana was able to sneak into the local jail and free Ramona, however Juana was captured during their escape. Ramona wouldn’t let her sacrifice go in vain but had to lay low for the time being.
However she didn’t have to wait long, Marcelino was able to sneak Ramona back to the base and get her back into the fight immediately.
Attack Phase
The team was ready to strike and chose to go after the railroad bridge cutting off a main supply source for Franco.
Still upset about Juana, Ramona returned to the Jail to see if she could free her. But this time she was able to free Consuelo instead who joined the fight.
Soledad, again was able to support the team from the shadows staying safe but still providing needed resources.
Antonio this time served as a runner to try and recruit more help for later. He was able to get a message to Ricardo, but as he tried to make it back he was stopped by a patrol and would likely not be seen from again.
Consuelo did what she could to support the team, but did not have any extra abilities to assist for this specific fight.
Aftermath Phase
The combined effort of the team this time allowed all targets to be eliminated! All the enemies as well as the mission were removed. This was important because it reduced the remaining Enemy force in the valley as some resources had to be moved to a convoy to get needed supplies. This would greatly assist the Maquis as they sized up their last target. A battle against Francoist forces in the valley! However the cost was high to lose Juana, Ramona, and Antonio.
Final Hand
Planning Phase
This was it. The last mission, hopefully, this attack would force Franco to push back. Perhaps some form of new government could take foothold in the border regions and it could pick up momentum for an overthrow.
This time 4 operatives were able to rendezvous. Ricardo, Anastasio, Adolfo, and Carlos. Adolfo was first to act. His past war experience he was able to lead a scouting party to the valley and discover what enemies lie in wait.
Knowing we needed all the help we could muster, Carolos was able to smuggle word to other operatives, and Manuela was able to make the rally point.
Attack phase
This time there is no decision, one mission left to victory! Time to pull out all the stops!
Ricardo had a knack for explosives, that would help against the coming fight. He outfitted the cell with plenty of explosives to use.
Anastasio’s rifle was able to pick off a guard from the patrol near the valley freeing the way for the others.
Finally Manuela was able to brake the spy network once more, though it had little effect at this point. The team was too far along.
Aftermath Phase and Victory!
Even though all of our Maquis knew they likely wouldn’t be coming back from this one they were able to totally obliterate all the enemies and defeat the last mission! The Francoists were on the run and the Maquis while they took heavy losses were able to survive this fight. Though all six missions were completed, only 4 Maquis operatives remained in the area for future fights. Hopefully they would be able to replenish and recruit new forces before Franco regrouped and the inevitable counter-attack. But for now it is time to celebrate a mission accomplished!
Conclusion and wrap up
Well, I hope you enjoyed this report on how narratively focused the scenarios can be in Resist! In fact, it is one of my favorite elements of the game, how the stories of these fighters and all of their unique skills from their careers can be used, both in secret or openly knowing the risk and the rewards.
If you were continuing with the historical campaign at this point you would move on to historical scenario 2, which would be the same, though the mission deck would be made of FIVE era two cards. You can see how the first scenario wasn’t a walk in the park and I look forward to continuing the campaign soon to see if I can finish it! Until next time happy gaming!
