Mob Ties: The Board Game (2011) Board Game

Mob Ties: The Board Game is a mafia-themed board game released in in 2011. Designed by David Ausloos, Nathan Isaac, and John S. Jamtli, this game is all about bluffing, negotiation, and backstabbing in the world of organized crime. It is best played with 4–5 players and has a runtime of about 90 minutes. The game features artwork by Hostage Entertainment, Ltd. and falls into the mature/adult category.

Game Components of Mob Ties: The Board Game

Game Board: Represents the town where mobsters operate.

Mobster Figures: Each player starts with five mobsters: The Capo, The Made-Man, The Hit Man, The Associate, and The Driver, each with their own respect and cash values.

Favor Cards: Used strategically to influence gameplay.

Fed Tokens: Indicate the increasing presence of federal law enforcement.

Respect Tokens: Track the respect value of mobsters at different locations.

Cash: The primary currency for winning the game.

Location Tiles: Various places around town where mobsters can be placed.

Heat Meter: Tracks the escalating heat from law enforcement.

How To Setup Mob Ties: The Board Game

To set up the game, players decide whether to play with the “Honor Among Thieves” or “All Bets are Off” tile, which determines the integrity of deals made during the game. Each player places their five mobsters on the board one at a time. Players are then dealt a certain number of favor cards based on the number of players. The game is ready to start once all mobsters are placed and favor cards are distributed.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Area Majority: Players compete to have the most respect at different locations to collect racket money.

Negotiation: Players can form alliances and make deals to achieve common goals.

Movement: Players can move one mobster per turn.

Federal Intervention: Fed tokens are added to the board, increasing the risk of mobsters being sent to prison or the morgue.

Favor Cards: Used to influence gameplay strategically.

Game Objective

The goal is to have the most cash when the game ends, which occurs when the heat meter rises for the third time due to too many mobsters in prison or the morgue.

Player Experience

Playing Mob Ties is a highly interactive and strategic experience. Players must navigate the intricate web of mob politics, negotiate with other players, and manage their mobsters carefully to avoid federal intervention. The game can quickly escalate into a bloody conflict, with the first player to kill another player’s mobster earning a $25,000 “first blood” award. This blend of negotiation, strategy, and ruthless competition makes for a thrilling and unpredictable game session.

Pros

High Replayability: Variable setup and player choices ensure each game is different.

Strategic Depth: Combines area majority, negotiation, and strategic card play.

Interactive Gameplay: Encourages player negotiation and alliances.

Thematic Immersion: Strong theme of mobster life and politics.

Cons

Complex Rules: Can be overwhelming for new players.

Long Setup Time: Preparing the game can take some time.

Mature Theme: Not suitable for younger players due to violence and mature content.

Personal Thoughts on Mob Ties: The Board Game

Mob Ties is ideal for gamers who enjoy complex, strategic games with a strong social interaction element. It is perfect for groups of three to six players looking for a game that combines negotiation, area control, and strategic planning. However, due to its mature theme and potential for violence, it is not suitable for younger audiences. If you and your gaming group enjoy games like “The Godfather” or other mafia-themed experiences, Mob Ties: The Board Game is definitely worth considering.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.