Wise Guys by Gale Force Nine is an area-control strategy board game for 3-4 players, set in Prohibition-era Chicago, where players control rival gangs vying for control of the illegal alcohol market and accumulating the most cash by the end of the game. Players use their gang members to exploit city locations for resources like money, alcohol, and clout, while also dealing with rival gangs through negotiation, threats, and combat. The game lasts six rounds and features resource management, worker placement, negotiation, and player elimination for those who lose all their gang members.
Key features:
Theme: Prohibition-era Chicago, focusing on the illegal booze trade and mobster rivalries.
Gameplay: Strategic area control, worker placement, and negotiation are core mechanics.
Player Interaction: Features negotiation, threats, and tactical combat between rival gangs.
Goal: Become the wealthiest gang by accumulating the most cash at the end of the game.
Resources: Players manage resources such as money, alcohol, guns (used for strength), and clout (which determines how much alcohol can be sold).
Game Length: A typical game lasts about 90 minutes and consists of six rounds.
Variability: Introduces unique gang abilities and Roaring 20s event cards that change gameplay each round.
How to Play:
1. Allocate Gang Members:
Players send their gang members (Associates and Made Men) to different locations on the board.
2. Control & Exploit Locations:
Gang members can acquire cash, resources, or clout by exploiting locations under their gang's control.
3. Negotiate & Double-Cross:
Players can negotiate or threaten rival gangs to achieve their goals, but these alliances can quickly turn sour.
4. Sell Alcohol:
At the end of each round, players sell their acquired alcohol for cash in the "black market," with clout determining their sales volume.
5. Win or Lose:
The game concludes after six rounds, or if one player is eliminated by losing all their gang members. The player with the most cash wins