Chicago 1930, Desktop Computer

You really can't beat the chance to virtually live a life of organised crime, and, to be perfectly honest, there aren't enough games offering this at the moment. We're still anxiously awaiting a Sopranos-based RPG but, for the time being, developers seem to be concentrating on the 1930s American underworld. The Gathering's Mafia recently did this with a GTA-style action adventure but, for the more strategically minded amongst you, there's now this Mafia-based RTS, Chicago 1930. As you will have probably guessed, the game is set on the eve of the prohibition era. While the Mafia rules the city, a war breaks out between rival gangs and a special police task force is formed to take the gangsters down. You are given the good guy/bad guy decision of choosing to play the game from whichever side, either taking on the role of a gang leader's right arm, or that of a federal agent. On the Mafia side, you must attempt murders, kidnappings and initiate raids to take control of the city, whereas the police campaign is, rather predictably, the exact opposite, seeing you attempt to free the city by accomplishing missions like investigations. Once you've chosen your side you're then given a team of five characters, which you can arm, train, hire and fire throughout the campaign. As well as all the usual RTS elements like management and strategical combat, Chicago 1930 also contains a number of RPG features. As such, the characters that you control are each in possession of five unique attribute areas - shooting, close combat, throwing, charisma, and first aid - that evolve throughout the game. There's also the inclusion of a rather novel slow motion mode, which allows you to manage your team more efficiently should the action get a bit too hectic. Featuring some realistic AI - which allows enemies to have varying reactions to different situations - as well as impressive, highly detailed environments, Chicago 1930 delivers a believable recreation of that particular gangster era, RTS style. If you've ever fancied playing the Don, without having to get your hands dirty, then this is the ideal opportunity. And you can also be a policeman, if you want.

Buy Chicago 1930 for 28.99 GBP

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