Although similar to the Gangster mobile games that took the internet by storm in 2018, City of Gangsters is entirely different. Developed by SomaSim and published by Kasedo Games, this game has proven itself to be an addicting management tycoon.
GAMEPLAY
At the start, new players can choose between starting up a new game themselves or using the tutorial mode to do so. If the tutorial mode is selected, a pre-made character will be created and the city chosen for the player. If a player chooses to foray into the game on their own, however, they can choose between not only a multitude of cities, but nationalities for their character as well.
At the beginning, the player will have a singular aspiring gangster in the game, eager to claim as many corners as possible. This game takes place around the time of the prohibition era in the United States, meaning alcohol is both a very illegal and very lucrative business. The player must build up their reputation and gang through selling such illegal substances, collecting more members as they go along.
Players can expand territory through setting up fronts with business owners- something that requires a good reputation with said owner. Reputations can be improved through interactions with owners and use of favors between mutual friends.
Rival gangs can lurk in the player’s territory, ruining their fronts and eventually stealing back corners. In order to avoid this, players can engage in combat with enemies. The combat in this game is fairly simple. If an enemy is at full health, the most a player will do is half their health. A player can then attack again to kill a rival and loot their stash.
The gameplay, all in all, is focused on management. Players must manage money and resources as their gang expands, making sure each of their underground breweries are properly supplied. Money and brewing supplies must be in warehouse storages, otherwise production will halt.
As the player’s gang expands, they can set up delivery drivers to go to shops and sell alcohol. They can also set up an automated delivery service, so a gang member will deliver and buy supplies on their own.
City of Gangsters does also include a sort of obstacle to the player in the form of policemen. However, it should be noted that officers are fairly easy to avoid and don’t play as big of an obstacle as they should. The most they will do is prevent a player from doing business with a shop the cop is parked in front of. Otherwise, they do little to pose as a proper threat.
Interestingly enough, the game also provides a fun leveling up feature. The more a particular gangster does, the more experience they earn, which allows them to level up in a particular skill. Whether it be in driving, brawling, delivery, or brewing, a character can increase a singular proficiency by one level each time. Players can also level up breweries and commit to new businesses with individuals.
FINAL THOUGHTS
City of Gangsters proved to be a wonderful and enjoyable surprise. The tycoon was developed in a way that always kept me hooked. That isn’t to say, however, that there is no room for improvement. Moving forward, I think the developers need to focus heavily on making the policemen in the game a bigger threat. As the game stands now, they are more of a nuisance than anything else.
Additionally, I think it would be a good idea to look into implementing multiplayer gameplay. Creating and running your own gang on your own is fun, but if you could do that with a friend? It would be spectacular.
All in all, City of Gangsters proved to be an addicting game that any tycoon enthusiast would thoroughly enjoy. It’s simple yet captivating gameplay is sure to have any average gamer pouring hours into this game.
RATING: 8.5/10
Check Out the City of Gangsters Gameplay Trailer:
City of Gangsters is available for $29.99 for PC via Steam.
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Steam Review
Victoria's fascination with games dates as far back to the early days of Newgrounds, where she became enthralled with the patchwork flash games that the site boasted. From there, she continued onward, playing a multitude of different games, diversifying her taste with every new day. Whether it was talking to Alduin at Skyrim's peak, or romancing Sebastian in Stardew Valley, she has always been fixated on the mechanics of games, as well as the diversified culture that backgrounds them. Even to this day she continues trying new genres: from RPGs, to Roguelites, to even more quaint experiences found in Cozy games.
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