Family Business (1982) Board Game

Family Business is a card game that was first released in in 1982. Designed by David B. Bromley, the game has players take on the roles of rival Mafia families trying to eliminate each other’s mobsters. The game has been published by Lookout Games and has gained a following for its fast-paced gameplay and take that mechanics.

Game Components of Family Business

Deck of cards with mobster characters

Bullet tokens

Reference cards

How To Setup Family Business

Shuffle the deck of mobster cards and deal a hand to each player.

Place the bullet tokens in the center of the table.

Choose a start player and begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

The objective of Family Business is to be the last Mafia family standing by eliminating your opponents’ mobsters. Players take turns playing mobster cards and using their special abilities to target and eliminate other players’ mobsters. The game features player elimination and hand management mechanics.

Player Experience

Pros

Fast-paced gameplay

Strategic player elimination mechanics

Easy to learn and teach

Engaging theme

Cons

Player elimination may not appeal to all players

Limited replayability

Some may find the theme off-putting

Personal Thoughts on Family Business

Family Business is a fun and engaging card game that offers a unique take on the Mafia theme. The game’s mechanics are easy to grasp, making it accessible to players of all skill levels. However, the player elimination aspect may not appeal to everyone, so it’s important to consider your group’s preferences before playing. Overall, Family Business is a solid addition to any game night lineup and is worth checking out for fans of card games and Mafia themes.

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