City of Gangsters - Buyer's Guide

Experience the thrill of building a criminal empire during Prohibition-era America, but beware of limited gameplay and tedious management.
Fan-art of City of Gangsters

The game plunges players into the thrilling world of Prohibition-era crime as they rise from obscurity to become a powerful criminal mastermind in the bustling underground economy. Beginning as an aspiring tycoon, gamers must establish and expand their network through bootlegging operations, speakeasies, black market dealings, and intrigue while navigating complex social dynamics and law enforcement challenges. As resources are managed and territories claimed, players will witness the growth of a vast criminal empire amidst a ticking clock to reach ultimate power before Prohibition ends.

Should I play City of Gangsters in 2024?

The good

  • Deep Immersion: The game’s setting in prohibition-era USA and the bootlegging theme provide a rich, engaging experience.
  • Strategic Depth: Players appreciate the strategic challenge, especially when dealing with rival outfits and planning their criminal empire.
  • Variety of Activities: There’s plenty to do, from brewing different beverages to engaging in politics and gambling (with DLC).
  • Consequences Matter: The game doesn’t shy away from intricate relationship mechanics where actions have significant, far-reaching consequences.
  • Replayability: Even after mistakes, players find it enjoyable to start over and apply new strategies.

The bad

  • Clunky UI and Tooltips: Several players mention the user interface feels outdated, and the tooltips can be unhelpful.
  • Late Game Micromanagement: As your empire grows, managing everything can become tedious and overwhelming.
  • Automation Issues: Some problems with automating tasks can lead to frustration.
  • Long Scheme Times: Many tasks take a significant amount of in-game turns, which can slow the game’s pace.

Verdict

Is City of Gangsters worth playing in 2024? Absolutely! Despite some nitpicks about UI and late-game management, the game’s rich immersion and challenging strategy elements make it a standout in the simulation genre. If you have a knack for plotting out the rise of a criminal empire and aren’t afraid of a bit of micromanagement, this game is a gem. Get ready to channel your inner bootlegger and dive into the prohibition-era escapades! 🍾🔫



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In-game Screenshot

Screenshot of City of Gangsters

Top image is not real in-game screenshots. Fan-art made by Gamer.se. Some game metadata is coming from RAWG