Gangster (2007) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Gangster is a board game that was released in 2007 and designed by Robert Nippoldt. It is a mafia-themed game where players take on the roles of gangsters vying for control of the city. The game has received mixed reviews from players and critics, with some praising its strategic elements and others criticizing its lack of depth.

Game Components of Gangster

Player Mats: Each player receives a colored mat.

Movement Cards: Three color-coded movement cards per player, numbered 1, 2, and 3.

Gangster Cubes: 20 wooden cubes per player, representing gangsters.

Car Tokens: One wooden car token per player.

Scoring Discs: One scoring disc per player.

Upgrade Markers: 30 car upgrade markers, including Bodyguard, Trunk, Engine, Bumper, and Tommygun.

Doubler Tokens: 8 tokens used to double scores in certain districts.

District Tiles: 10 tiles representing different districts.

Scoring Cards: 13 cards, including policemen and district indicators.

Casino Cards: 6 cards for determining special district scores.

How To Setup Gangster

To set up the game, lay out the board and place ten random district tiles in the corresponding areas. Three random car upgrades are placed in the Gold Coast. Each player receives their player mat, gangsters, car token, and scoring marker. They start with nine gangsters, placing one in each of two districts and keeping seven for the first round. A random car upgrade is placed in each player’s car, and a doubler marker is randomly placed on one of the ten districts.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement: Players move their cars by expending movement cards, navigating through connecting roads between districts.

Loading/Unloading Gangsters: Players can load or unload gangsters into their car or districts.

Trunk Mechanics: Players can capture an opponent’s gangster and hold it in their trunk.

Upgrades: Visiting the Gold Coast allows players to upgrade their car with special abilities like Bodyguard, Trunk, Engine, Bumper, or Tommygun.

Scoring: The game ends each round when eight districts have doubler markers. Points are awarded based on the majority of gangsters in each district, with ties broken by the last gangster placed.

Objective: The goal is to control the most gangsters in the key districts over three rounds to score the highest points.

Player Experience

Gangster offers a blend of strategy and tactics, making it an enjoyable and replayable game. Players must balance moving their cars, loading and unloading gangsters, and strategically using upgrades to outmaneuver their opponents. The game’s majority-control mechanics and the dynamic scoring system keep players engaged and competitive throughout.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Combines area control with vehicle movement and upgrade strategies.

Replayability: Random district tiles and scoring cards ensure different gameplay experiences each time.

Interactive: Players can disrupt opponents by capturing their gangsters or using special abilities.

Cons

Complex Setup: Initial setup can be time-consuming due to the random placement of tiles and upgrades.

Luck Element: The draw of scoring cards and the placement of doubler markers introduce an element of luck that can affect gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Gangster

Gangster is ideal for players who enjoy area-control games with a mix of strategy and tactical maneuvering. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate the theme of 1920s gangsters and are looking for a game that combines innovation with replayability. While it may have a steeper learning curve due to its various mechanics, the game rewards strategic thinking and player interaction, making it a compelling choice for game nights.

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