Gangster (1994) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Gangster is a humorous mafia-themed board game released in 1994 by Éditions Gladius International, Inc. The game is designed for 2-6 players aged 9 and above, with a runtime of approximately 90 minutes. Players take on the roles of gangsters vying for control of the city through various criminal activities.

Game Components of Gangster

District Tiles: 15 linen-textured cardboard tiles, with 10 randomly placed each game, adding variability to the board layout.

Player Mats: Small cardboard mats showing player color, gangster, and car, used for tracking available gangsters and car upgrades.

Movement Cards: Three color-coded movement cards (1, 2, and 3) for each player.

Car Upgrade Markers: 30 small cardboard squares showing car improvements.

Scoring Cards: 13 scoring cards, including 6 casino cards for special district scores.

Doubler Tokens: 8 tokens placed in districts to double scores.

Wooden Bits: 20 wooden cubes (gangsters), 1 wooden car, and 1 scoring disc per player.

How To Setup Gangster

To set up the game, lay out the board and randomly place 10 district tiles. Each player receives a player mat, gangsters, a car, and a scoring marker. Players start with three movement cards, a random car upgrade, and nine gangsters. They place their car and one gangster in one district and another gangster in another district. A doubler marker is randomly placed on one of the ten districts. Players draw two scoring cards to determine initial placements of their car and gangsters.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Control the best positions in the most districts over three rounds of play.

Movement: Players move their car by expending movement cards (1, 2, or 3), which determine the number of districts to move without revisiting any.

Loading/Unloading Gangsters: Players can load or unload gangsters from their car, with the option to dump enemy gangsters in the river for an upgrade.

Scoring: Scoring occurs after each round, with the player controlling the majority of gangsters in a district earning the most points. Doubler tokens double the scores in certain districts.

Upgrades: Players can upgrade their cars in the Gold Coast area, gaining special powers.

Player Experience

The game is designed for 3 to 5 players, with the rules for two players being less favorable. Players engage in strategic placement and movement of their gangsters, forming temporary alliances and competing for control of districts. The game’s variability, thanks to the random placement of district tiles, ensures a different experience each time.

Pros

Variability: Random district tile placement ensures a unique game each time.

Strategic Depth: Players must balance movement, gangster placement, and car upgrades to achieve victory.

Thematic Immersion: The game’s theme and components create a immersive gangster-era experience.

Cons

Busy Board: The board can appear cluttered, which may be overwhelming for some players.

Less Engaging with Fewer Players: The game is not recommended for two players due to less engaging rules.

Personal Thoughts on Gangster

Gangster is a game suited for those who enjoy area control and strategic planning. It is ideal for groups of 3 to 5 players who can appreciate the dynamic interactions and alliances that form during the game. While it may not be as polished as some modern board games, its unique mechanics and thematic execution make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the gangster genre.

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.