Best 15 Crime Syndicate Board Games of 2024 Reviewed
Gather your crew and sharpen your wits, because we’re diving into the shadowy world of crime syndicate board games! From the ruthless streets of New York to the hidden corners of the underworld, we’ve scoured the gaming world to bring you the 15 best crime syndicate-based board games. When picking the cream of the criminal crop, we focused on gameplay complexity, theme immersion, and how well each game lets you don the hat of a crime lord. Whether you’re into strategic empire building, fast-paced shootouts, or intense negotiations, our list has something for every aspiring mob boss. Ready to rule the underworld? Let’s get started!
On this list:
15 Cash ‘N Guns
Ever wanted to feel like part of a crime movie? Cash ‘N Guns makes that happen. We pointed foam guns at each other, laughing and strategizing like true mobsters divvying up the loot. It’s light, hilarious, and brings that crime syndicate vibe without getting too serious. Perfect for a quick, fun game night!
14 The Godfather: Corleone’s Empire
Diving deeper into the crime syndicate theme, we felt like actual members of the Corleone family. It’s about influence, negotiation, and sometimes, betrayal. Managing resources and territory control felt thrilling yet challenging. This one’s a must for anyone who loves the movie or enjoys a deeper strategic experience.
13 Sons of Anarchy: Men of Mayhem
Riding high on our Harleys, Sons of Anarchy: Men of Mayhem thrusts us into biker gang warfare. We negotiated, fought, and even backstabbed our way to the top. It’s gritty, real, and every decision feels impactful. For us, it was like stepping right into an episode of the show.
12 Family Business
We became ruthless mob bosses in Family Business, racing to take out each other’s gangsters. It’s fast-paced and deadly, just like a true crime syndicate showdown. The mechanics are simple, making it great for quick sessions or introducing new players to the theme.
11 Peaky Blinders: Under New Management
Strategically speaking, Peaky Blinders: Under New Management got us using our brains to control territories and grow our empire. The theme is immersive, pulling us straight into the 1920s Birmingham crime scene. It’s a mix of strategy and luck, making every game unpredictable and exciting.
10 Omerta: City of Gangsters
Building our crime syndicate from the ground up in Omerta: City of Gangsters was a masterclass in strategy and deception. Balancing between legal and illegal means to earn money and influence was captivating. It’s a thinker’s game, full of depth and complex decisions.
9 Nothing Personal
Nothing Personal had us laughing and plotting betrayals against each other. It’s all about climbing the mafia ranks, and let me tell you, nothing’s off-limits. The mix of negotiation, strategy, and outright treachery captures the essence of a crime syndicate power struggle perfectly.
8 King of New York
Imagine monsters as crime bosses, and you’ve got King of New York. It’s not your typical crime syndicate theme, but the control and fight over territories feel just right. It’s action-packed, with just enough strategy to keep things interesting without getting bogged down.
7 Gang Rush Breakout
Speeding over the bridge with loot and dodging bullets, Gang Rush Breakout was an adrenaline rush. It’s a perfect blend of strategy and chaos, capturing the thrill of a 1950s crime syndicate car chase. Fast, furious, and tons of fun.
6 Chinatown
Negotiating in Chinatown felt like real underworld dealings. Every trade and deal could make or break us. It’s all about building your empire in the bustling heart of New York. The game captures the essence of a crime syndicate’s struggle for power and influence.
5 New Angeles
In New Angeles, we dived into corporate warfare, which felt like a futuristic crime syndicate battle. Balancing public perception and underhanded deals kept us on our toes. It’s intense, complex, and suits players looking for a deep, strategic challenge.
4 City of Remnants
As leaders of various gangs, fighting over the remnants of a ruined city, we felt the pressure of survival and dominance. City of Remnants combines area control, resource management, and combat in a post-apocalyptic setting that mirrors the struggles of a crime syndicate.
3 Blackmail
There’s something darkly satisfying about Blackmail’s card game of secrets and lies. We were constantly guessing, bluffing, and trying to outsmart each other. It’s not just about what cards you play, but how well you know your friends. Perfect for crime syndicate fans who love psychological games.
2 Lords of Waterdeep
Though not a traditional crime syndicate game, Lords of Waterdeep had us pulling strings behind the scenes, manipulating the city’s factions. We loved the strategic depth and the feeling of being shadow rulers, using our resources and influence to outmaneuver rivals in a high-stakes game of power.
1 The Resistance
The crown jewel of our list, The Resistance, isn’t just a game; it’s a test of trust. Here, we’re part of a futuristic crime syndicate, but there are spies among us. It’s all about deception, deduction, and trying not to laugh as we accuse each other of being the traitor. It’s simple to learn but infinitely replayable. The tension and drama it creates have made it our go-to for a thrilling game night filled with accusations and laughter. That’s why it tops our list.
