Wise Guys (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Wise Guys is a board game that was released in 2022 by Gale Force Nine, LLC. Designed by Phil Yates and illustrated by Darko Stojanovic, Wise Guys falls under the categories of Mafia, Negotiation, and Territory Building. With a runtime of 90 minutes and recommended for players aged 13 and above, it offers a strategic gameplay experience for 3-4 players.

Game Components of Wise Guys

Cardboard tokens replacing plastic bits

Modular, variable locations

“Roaring ‘20s” cards

Car tokens for orders

Resource tokens (guns, money, booze)

Player screens

Darko Stojanovic’s illustrations

How To Setup Wise Guys

To set up Wise Guys, players first organize the modular board, consisting of various locations throughout Chicago. Each player selects a gang and receives starting resources and Made Men. The “Roaring ‘20s” cards are shuffled and placed within reach. Players also receive car tokens to indicate their orders and player screens to manage their resources and gang members.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Control: Players compete to control different locations in Chicago.

Resource Management: Managing resources such as guns, money, and booze.

Negotiation: Players can negotiate, make alliances, and trade resources.

Combat: Simple combat mechanics involving adding strength and rolling a die.

Variable Player Powers: Made Men have variable bonuses for Slugging and Talking.

Objective: The goal is to make the most money by exploiting locations and selling contraband on the black market.

Player Experience

Wise Guys is a game that thrives on social interaction and negotiation. It encourages players to talk, interact, and establish alliances or rivalries. The game is best played with four players, as it becomes intensely social and competitive. Players must balance honesty, threats, and cajoling to achieve their goals.

Pros

Rich Setting: The game has a strong historical gangster setting with immersive illustrations.

Solid Mechanics: The game design is rock-solid with a good balance of negotiation and direct conflict.

High Replayability: Modular locations and variable “Roaring ‘20s” cards ensure varied gameplay.

Social Interaction: Encourages negotiation and social interaction among players.

Cons

Modest Production: The game’s use of cardboard tokens might make it look less impressive compared to other games.

Potential Misfit: Some modern gamers may avoid this game due to its focus on negotiation and direct conflict.

Limited Appeal: The game may not appeal to players who prefer more diverse or representative themes.

Personal Thoughts on Wise Guys

Wise Guys is perfect for those who enjoy classic crime films and the prohibition era, and who appreciate games that emphasize social interaction and negotiation. It is a great fit for players who enjoy Eurogame design sensibilities with elements of direct conflict. However, it may not be the best choice for players seeking highly diverse themes or those who prefer games with minimal social interaction. Despite its potential to struggle in reaching new players, it remains a highly recommended game for its unique blend of mechanics and rich setting.

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