Gangsters: Organized Crime
In short: Gangsters: Organized Crime is a simulation game released in 1998 by Hothouse Creations, available on PC. Our score: 8.0/10 (worth buying, especially on sale).
A unique simulation/strategy game where you manage a crime syndicate in the Prohibition era. Recruit gangsters, extort businesses, and fight rival gangs for control of the city.
Gangsters: Organized Crime is a unique real-time strategy and simulation game released in 1998, set in the gritty, smoky backdrop of Prohibition-era Chicago. Players step into the shoes of a budding crime boss, tasked with building and managing a formidable syndicate from the ground up. The game blends intricate economic management with tactical combat and political maneuvering, offering a deep and challenging experience for fans of the genre. The core gameplay loop revolves around recruiting and managing a diverse crew of gangsters, each with their own unique skills and personalities. From silent enforcers to smooth-talking lawyers, every member plays a crucial role in expanding your empire. Players must strategically assign their crew to various illicit activities, such as extorting businesses, running protection rackets, and smuggling liquor. Success in these ventures generates income, which can then be reinvested into expanding operations, bribing officials, or upgrading equipment. Beyond economic control, Gangsters: Organized Crime emphasizes territorial dominance. The city is divided into numerous districts, each ripe for exploitation and fiercely contested by rival gangs. Players must engage in tactical street warfare, ordering their gangsters to ambush enemies, assault their establishments, and defend their own turf. The game features a detailed turn-based combat system within the real-time strategy framework, allowing for precise control over individual gang members…
Game details
- Developer: Hothouse Creations
- Publisher: Eidos Interactive
- Release year: 1998
- Platforms: PC
- Category: simulation
Our review
Gangsters: Organized Crime is a deep and engaging strategy game that rewards patience and strategic thinking. While its dated graphics and steep learning curve might deter some, the intricate management systems, compelling atmosphere, and satisfying progression make it a standout title in the simulation genre. Anyone looking for a complex crime syndicate simulation will find a lot to love here.
Pros
- Deep and complex strategic gameplay
- Immersive Prohibition-era atmosphere
- Detailed management systems for gangsters and rackets
- High replayability
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Outdated graphics
- Can be slow-paced at times
- Interface can be clunky
FAQ
- Is 'Gangsters: Organized Crime' available on modern operating systems?
- While originally released for Windows 95/98, the game can often be run on modern operating systems using compatibility modes or fan-made patches. Websites like GOG.com also offer versions optimized for newer systems.
- Is there a multiplayer mode in 'Gangsters: Organized Crime'?
- No, 'Gangsters: Organized Crime' is a single-player only experience. The game focuses on a deep, immersive single-player campaign.
- How do I recruit new gangsters?
- You can recruit new gangsters by visiting various establishments like bars and casinos. Some gangsters will approach you, while others you might need to persuade or fulfill certain conditions to recruit.
- What is the best way to make money in the game?
- Extorting businesses and running illegal rackets (like bootlegging and gambling dens) are your primary sources of income. Ensure you protect your rackets from rival gangs and police raids.
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Last updated: 03/04/2026