Organized Crime (1974) – Board Game Guys

Organized Crime

Organized Crime is a board game published by Koplow Games in 1974. It is an economic political strategy game about the mafia. The game is popular because it allows players to experience the thrill of being a mob boss and surviving the mob war as everyone rubs out each other’s hit men.

Game Components of Organized Crime

Board

Four sets of figure pawns

Two dice

Sealed deck of cards

Play money

Catalog

Box and instructions.

How To Setup Organized Crime

To set up the game, each player selects a set of figure pawns and places their Boss on the board. Each player starts with a certain amount of play money and a hand of cards. The circular board is laid out, and players position their Hit-Men strategically. The deck of cards, which includes various effects and opportunities, is shuffled and placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Be the only surviving player by ensuring your Boss is not “rubbed-out”.

Movement: Players move Hit-Men around the circular board to build influence through corrupt politicians, illegal activities, and business investments.

Card Draw: Players draw cards that can penalize Hit-Men or provide opportunities for advancement.

Negotiation: Players can negotiate with each other using cards, money, and promises as bargaining chips.

Elimination: A player is removed from the game when their Boss is eliminated.

Player Experience

Playing Organized Crime is a complex and engaging experience that requires strategic thinking and negotiation skills. Players must balance the need to build their influence with the risk of losing their Boss to rival players. The game involves a mix of luck, as determined by card draws and dice rolls, and strategic planning, making each game unique and challenging.

Pros

Deep Strategy: The game offers a rich and complex gameplay experience with multiple paths to victory.

Interactive: Players must negotiate and form alliances, adding a social element to the game.

Historical Value: As a 1974 game, it provides a nostalgic appeal for collectors and fans of vintage board games.

Replayability: With the combination of card draws and player interactions, the game offers high replayability.

Cons

Long Playtime: The game can last up to 180 minutes, which may be daunting for some players.

Complex Setup: Setting up the game requires careful placement of components and understanding of the rules.

Limited Player Count: The game is designed for 2-4 players, limiting its appeal for larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Organized Crime

Organized Crime is ideal for players who enjoy complex strategy games with social interaction. It is best suited for those who appreciate games with deep mechanics and are willing to invest time in learning and playing. This game is a great addition to the collection of any board game enthusiast looking to explore vintage games or those interested in economic and political strategy. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for quick, light-hearted games.

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