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Gangster (2006) Board Game

ByMichail

Gangster is a board game released in 2006, designed by Robert Nippoldt. The game is set in the era of Prohibition in the USA, specifically in the city of Chicago, Illinois. Players take on the role of gangsters vying for control of the city’s criminal underworld during this tumultuous time.

Game Components of Gangster

  • Player mats** of different colors
  • Movement cards** (three per player, numbered 1, 2, and 3)
  • Gangster cubes** (nine per player, with additional cubes in a pile near the board)
  • Wooden cars** and **scoring discs** for each player
  • Car upgrade markers** (30 small cardboard squares)
  • Doubler tokens** (eight tokens)
  • Scoring cards** (13 cards)
  • District tiles** (ten tiles, placed randomly on the board)
  • Casino cards** (six cards for special district scores)

    How To Setup Gangster

    To set up the game, each player takes a player mat of their color, along with three movement cards and nine gangster cubes. The rest of the cubes are placed in a pile near the board. Each player also receives a wooden car and a scoring disc. The board is laid out, and ten random district tiles are placed in the districts. Three random car upgrades are placed in the Gold Coast area. Players randomly place their car and one gangster in one district and another gangster in another district, leaving them with seven gangsters for the first round.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Objectives

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

    Mechanics

  • Drive: Players move their car by expending one of their movement cards, moving exactly that number of districts without revisiting any.
  • Load/Unload Gangsters: Players can load or unload gangsters from their car, including loading an opponent’s gangster into their trunk.
  • Upgrades: Players can upgrade their car by visiting the Gold Coast, gaining special powers such as a bodyguard, extra trunk space, or enhanced movement.
  • Scoring: After each round, players score points based on the number of gangsters in each district, with doubler tokens doubling the points for certain districts.

    Player Experience

    The game is an engaging area control game where players maneuver their gangsters and cars to dominate districts. The game is played over three rounds, with each round offering new opportunities to score points and gain upgrades. The game requires strategic thinking about when to move, load, or unload gangsters, and how to utilize upgrades effectively.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth: Offers a good balance of strategy and luck.
  • Replayability: Random district tiles and upgrade markers ensure each game is unique.
  • Interactive: Players can affect each other’s positions and gangsters.
  • Clear Rules: The rulebook is well-written and easy to understand.

    Cons

  • Busy Board: The board can look cluttered, which might be overwhelming for some players.
  • Number of Players: Not recommended for two or three players due to less dynamic gameplay.
  • Upgrades Management: Managing upgrades can be complex, especially if players have multiple upgrades with different effects.

    Personal Thoughts on Gangster

    **Gangster** is a game suited for those who enjoy area control and strategic movement. It’s ideal for groups of four or five players to ensure dynamic gameplay. While it may not be as complex or deeply thematic as more modern games, it offers a fun and competitive experience that fans of classic strategy games will appreciate. The game’s mechanics, such as the use of upgrades and the Gold Coast area, add a layer of depth that requires careful planning and execution. However, it may not be the best choice for those looking for a game with a simpler ruleset or a more streamlined board design.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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