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With Al Capone out of the picture, Chicago's prohibition-era profit is up
for grabs. Are you merciless and cunning enough to gain it by whatever means are
required? Every action you take has complex long-term consequences which are not
always obvious at the time. You must keep your people on your side, watching what
you say and do, knowing that an overthrow could be hatched at any moment. Look after
your woman as well - who's going to respect a single mobster? The money has to be
juggled in these ways, not forgetting to reach an 'understanding' with the Mayor
to avoid any negative attentions. It's one of Cinemaware's best-loved games, and
for good reason: it oozes a ton of atmosphere, and is simply a blast to play. Set
in the roaring twenties, you play Pinky, a two-bit hood with million dollar dreams.
When Al Capone is jailed, a power vacuum is created in Chicago, and you are just
the man to fill it, or so you think. First you need a gang; why not the one you are
in already? Well, because the "Old Man" is still in charge. If you wait for him to
die, prohibition will end and its "curtains" for Pinky and all the other gangsters.
Time to act. But do you try to persuade him or scare him off, or just bump him off?
Should you act alone or gather some allies in the gang? These sorts of decisions
are followed by scenes where you must carry out your plans. Even the best laid plans
can go awry if you hesitate, say the wrong thing or fail to get off a clean shot.
Once in charge you will want to expand your territory. Sometimes corrupt politicians
can deliver but elections don't come cheap. You must lean on your speakeasies and
bootleggers for the cash to pay your thugs (and keep your demanding and none to
faithful "main squeeze" happy). And when talk and money fail, well there's always
guns and bombs. This is definitely one of the best gangster games ever made,
although the emphasis on arcade elements (some of which are very difficult) may turn
some off. |
