Scarface 1920 (2023) Board Game

Scarface 1920 is a board game set in the era of the 1920s mafia, where players take on the role of powerful crime bosses vying for control of the city. The game captures the essence of the prohibition era, with players engaging in illegal activities such as bootlegging, gambling, and extortion to expand their criminal empires.

Game Components of Scarface 1920

Main board

4 Gang boards

4 Gang screens

4 Thug boards

4 Player aids

31 Dealer cards

60 Associate cards

40 Gang Member cards

28 Raid cards

39 Job cards

16 News cards

40 Business markers

120 Money tokens

1 Time marker

4 Crime rate markers

48 Gang upgrade cubes

18 Neighborhood tiles

50 Alcohol tokens

35 Gun tokens

3 Police car figures

4 Boss figures

48 Thug figures

1 Eliot Ness figure

28 Control markers figures

12 Car figures

8 Truck figures

1 Family Ring token

8 Solo mode tokens

36 Solo mode cards

2 Rule books (Multi & Solo).

How To Setup Scarface 1920

To set up Scarface 1920, players first place the main board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a gang and receives the corresponding gang board, gang screen, thug board, and player aid. The game components such as cards, tokens, and figures are distributed according to the rules. Players also set up their headquarters and initial gang members. The game is ready to start once all components are correctly positioned and each player understands their starting conditions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players assign their gang members to various locations to perform actions.

Area Control: Players vie for control of different neighborhoods and businesses in Chicago.

Deck-Building: Players recruit new associates and enhance their decks to gain more powerful abilities.

Objective: The goal is to build the most powerful gang in Chicago by expanding your criminal empire, bribing officials, and evading the Feds while competing against other rival gangs.

Player Experience

In Scarface 1920, players step into the roles of mob bosses, navigating the intricate underworld of Chicago during Prohibition. The game offers a highly immersive experience with asymmetric sides, each gang having unique abilities and playstyles. Players must manage resources, recruit associates, expand their territory, and engage in strategic battles against other gangs and law enforcement. The game is known for its high interaction and replay value, making each playthrough unique and engaging.

Pros

High Immersion: Deeply immersive theme and setting.

Complex Strategy: Blends worker placement, area control, and deck-building mechanics.

Replay Value: Asymmetric sides and varied paths to victory ensure multiple playthroughs are different.

Quality Components: High-quality game board and miniatures.

Interactive Gameplay: Lots of interaction and strategic backstabbing between players.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be complex and overwhelming for new players.

Setup Time: Setup can be lengthy due to the numerous components.

Learning Curve: Requires time to learn the rules and strategies.

Personal Thoughts on Scarface 1920

Scarface 1920 is ideal for fans of strategic and thematic board games, particularly those who enjoy worker placement, area control, and deck-building mechanics. It is suited for experienced gamers who can appreciate the depth and complexity of the game. However, it may not be the best choice for casual or new players due to its steep learning curve and lengthy setup. Overall, it offers a rich and engaging experience for those who immerse themselves in the world of 1920s gang warfare.

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