In the Shadows

In the Shadows (2025) GTM Games

In the Shadows is part of GMT Games’ lunchtime games series—designed to offer strategic depth and strong replayability in a compact format that plays in 30 to 60 minutes. It joins titles such as Flashpoint: South China Sea, Red Flag Over Paris, and Twilight Struggle: Red Sea – Conflict in the Horn of Africa.

In the Shadows Components

This two-player, card-driven game centers on the struggle between the French Resistance and the occupying Nazi forces during World War II. And no, this isn’t ‘Allo ‘Allo!—it’s a grounded, serious take on historical events. One player controls the Resistance, while the other takes on the Occupation, competing for influence over the hearts and minds of the French people. A full solo mode is also included, allowing you to play as a Resistance leader facing off against a challenging automated Occupation.

The map is divided into three Districts, each containing several zones. There are two unit types: Resistance and Occupation. Resistance units include Cells and Maquis, which can be covert or uncovered—similar to mechanics found in COIN games. Notably, two Cells are actually secret Informants, who switch sides when revealed. Occupation units consist of Milice and German forces. All units can move between zones and take various actions.

Games are played over nine rounds. At the start of each round, players draw Event cards until they have two in hand, then choose one to play. Each card includes an Event (specific to its side), a Suit (linked to a map District), and a number of Action Points (AP). The player with the higher AP chooses who goes first. Events trigger at the beginning of each turn, and Actions cost more if performed outside the matching District. Players spend AP to move and act before ending their turn or the round.

Resolution Cards

The Resistance wins by carrying out Sabotage actions, which reduce the Occupation’s Authority. Successful sabotage lowers the Occupation’s control and reduces the number of Resistance units needed on the map. Meanwhile, the Occupation wins by confiscating resources—but the lower their Authority, the more resources they need to seize. Authority serves as the central victory scale for both sides. The Occupation can also win instantly by eliminating all Resistance units or by confiscating the maximum number of resources. Otherwise, after nine rounds, the Resistance wins if it has achieved its objective—if not, the Occupation prevails.

The game blends familiar mechanics—such as covert/uncovered units and event-driven card play—with innovative systems. The Sabotage mechanic and Authority scale offer unique layers of strategy. Event cards are based on real historical incidents, and the rulebook includes four pages of historical notes—a thoughtful and educational addition.

In the Shadows has a small footprint and plays quickly. The rulebook is clear, well-written, and packed with examples. It’s easy to learn, but the tactical decisions run deep. As with all GMT titles, production quality is top-notch.

A separate solo rulebook is also included, closely mirroring the two-player rules and eliminating the need to flip between pages or cross-reference notes—everything is in one place.

Rulebook

We thoroughly enjoyed this game and highly recommend it.

Is this game for you?

If you enjoy event-driven games with a rich historical theme that hasn’t been overused, In the Shadows is well worth checking out. It’s a great fit for fans of Flashpoint, Twilight Struggle, or COIN games who want something quicker and more compact. And with a fully developed solo mode, it’s just as engaging solo as it is on game night.