Blood Feud in New York (2004)

Blood Feud in New York: Brief History and Background Information of Blood Feud in New York

“Blood Feud in New York” is a board game designed by filmmaker Kyle Weinandy and published by Eagle Games in 2004. The game is set in a large map of New York City, including all the suburbs in the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn. Players build up gangs of thugs, goons, and hitmen, moving around the city in limos, speedboats, and helicopters to attack their enemies and take control of boroughs to earn income and hire more gangsters. The game is a hard action, take no prisoners, mob-themed strategy game that requires strategy, forethought, and a little luck.

Game Components of Blood Feud in New York

Map: A large, detailed map of New York City, including all the suburbs in Queens and Brooklyn, and other areas like parks, water spaces, and airports.

Figures: Over 300 highly detailed miniatures, including mob bosses, family members, thugs, goons, hitmen, limousines, speedboats, and helicopters (with spinning rotors).

Buildings and Units: Neutral units such as copper thugs, silver henchmen, gold hit men, corrupt precincts, penthouse palaces, and illicit activities.

Markers: Tokens to show area control and vehicle markers.

Rulebook: Detailed rules with tables for combat and clear diagrams.

How To Setup Blood Feud in New York

To set up the game, players start by placing the large board on the table, which is divided into five boroughs and several city districts. Each player selects six figures in their color: one mob boss and five family members. Players also receive thirty discs for area control and some vehicle markers. The game specifies six starting locations on the board, and depending on the number of players, each player sets up their family in the designated location. Neutral units are placed near the board, and each player receives a few of these units to place in their starting district along with a reference card.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Turns: Players take turns in a sequence, with each turn involving combat, movement, and negotiations.

Combat: Units engage in battles, with rolls determining hits and eliminations. Special units like hitmen can cause immediate casualties.

Movement: Simple movement rules allow units to move around the city, with the option to use vehicles like limousines, speedboats, and helicopters.

Negotiations: Players can trade money, units, and captured family members at any time. Agreements are not binding, allowing for double-crosses.

Objective: The goal is to eliminate other players’ mob bosses or accumulate $6,000 in income. The player who achieves either condition first wins the game.

Player Experience

Playing Blood Feud in New York is an immersive experience with a strong thematic presence. The game combines strategic planning with a dash of luck, making each game unique. Players must balance the safety of their family members with the need to expand their territory and earn income. The ability to negotiate and form temporary alliances adds a layer of social interaction and unpredictability.

Pros

Detailed Miniatures: The game includes over 300 highly detailed miniatures, enhancing the visual appeal and theme.

Engaging Theme: The mob boss setting in New York City provides a rich and engaging theme.

Strategic Depth: The game requires strategic planning, including combat tactics and resource management.

Social Interaction: Negotiations and alliances add a social element, making the game more dynamic.

Cons

Lengthy Gameplay: Games typically last 2-4 hours, which can be a deterrent for some players.

Complexity: The detailed rules and various units can make the game complex for new players to learn.

Personal Thoughts on Blood Feud in New York

Blood Feud in New York is ideal for players who enjoy strategic war games and are drawn to the theme of organized crime. It is best suited for experienced gamers due to its complexity and lengthy gameplay. However, the detailed miniatures and engaging theme make it a rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time and effort into mastering the game. If you’re looking for a game that combines strategy, negotiation, and a bit of luck, Blood Feud in New York is definitely worth considering.

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