Empire of Sin (video game)

Last updated
Empire of Sin
Empire of Sin cover art.png
Developer(s) Romero Games
Publisher(s) Paradox Interactive
Director(s) Brenda Romero
Producer(s)
  • Les Ellis
  • Hazel Kelly
Designer(s)
Programmer(s)
  • Keith O'Conor
  • Ian Dunbar
  • Ronan Pearce
Artist(s)
  • Greg Foertsch
  • Denman Rooke
Writer(s) Katie Gardner
Composer(s)
  • Tommy Buckley
  • Matt Sweeney
  • Dan Policar
Engine Unity [1]
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
ReleaseDecember 1, 2020
Genre(s) Strategy, Role-playing
Mode(s) Single-player

Empire of Sin is a strategy and role-playing video game developed by Romero Games and published by Paradox Interactive. It was released on December 1, 2020, for Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. In the game, the player takes the role of one of several mob bosses inspired by real-life figures in Chicago during the Prohibition era. The player, acting through their boss character, must decide and direct the actions of their underlings to take over rival businesses such as clubs and brothels, recruit new members to their cause, and defend their empire against other bosses and the law in a bid to take complete control of Chicago's underworld.

Contents

Gameplay

Empire of Sin is a real-time strategy game with the player taking the role of a crime boss in the Prohibition era starting in 1920, one year after the passage of the Eighteenth Amendment, and trying to gain control of Chicago by 1933 (when Prohibition is abolished). [2]

The game starts with the player selecting a boss character, several of which are directly modelled on Prohibition-era criminals such as Al Capone, Dean O'Banion, and Stephanie St. Clair, while others, such as Goldie Garneau, are fictional but take inspiration from the era. Each boss can form a "crew" of up to 16 underlings from 60 potential ones to help manage their empire of criminal rackets, such as speakeasies, casinos, and brothels, protect them from the law and rival mafia gangs, deal with unforeseen problems (such as protestors shutting down a brothel or an undercover federal agent visiting a speakeasy), and work to extend their gang's influence by taking over the rackets of other bosses. [3] Rackets can be upgraded with cash to improve their security, increase their profits, and better conceal themselves from potential enemies. Bosses must regularly consult their business ledgers through the in-game menu to track how well their rackets are operating and whether any adjustments or upgrades need to be made.

The city of Chicago is divided into neighbourhoods, each of which has rackets controlled by other gangs, vacant properties that can be purchased and converted into rackets, and decrepit buildings occupied by small criminal gangs who must be wiped out in combat before the building can be put to use, ransacked for profit, smashed up to temporarily make it unusable, or razed to the ground so that no one can use it. As the boss steadily increases their control over a neighbourhood, they will attract the attention of rival bosses, who may try to extort money from the boss or attempt to seize their rackets. Deciding how to handle rivals—whether that involves forming alliances with them, paying or threatening them into backing off, or simply killing them and assuming control of their empires—is an important aspect of Empire of Sin.

Alcohol is the most vital component of any boss' empire; without enough to sell, rackets will be unable to generate substantial profits. Each neighborhood has locations where speakeasies and breweries can be established to produce and sell alcohol, and the boss must invest considerable sums to protect them and increase their production capabilities. Alcohol can also be given to the player by allies or received as part of a reward for completing certain missions. Alcohol is graded by its quality, from low-quality "swill" that can be made cheaply but will not sell for much to "premium" and "top-shelf" alcohol that is more expensive and riskier to manufacture but can be sold for high prices. [2]

Taking over rackets or occupied buildings, as well as getting into shootouts with rival gangs or law enforcement officers, enters the boss and their crew into a turn-based strategy game similar to X-Com . Members of the crew must be positioned before they can attack or accept any of the player's orders, and can be armed with a variety of weapons, body armor, explosives, and healing items purchased from black market dealers. Combat is also impacted by various traits and perks the characters have, and may cause them to act differently from the player's orders. For example, a character with the "Hair Trigger" trait may fire their weapon out in the open rather than moving to cover when ordered. These traits can change over the course of a game; for example, an underling may become more accustomed to solving problems through violent means the more they are put in such conditions. [4]

The primary focus of Empire of Sin is to grow the boss' empire through conquest and effective management. Funds earned from rackets can be used to pay off cops, hire lawyers to keep underlings out of trouble, recruit advisors and underbosses who can reduce the player's workload by assuming some responsibilities of managing the empire, and plant moles in other gangs to disrupt their operations. The game is partially roguelike in nature as the rackets on the game's map reallocate for each playthrough, and new characters are generated with different perks each time. [5] Some have compared Empire of Sin and its gameplay as a successor to the 1999 game Mob Rule . [3]

In addition to empire-building, each boss character has their own unique storyline and missions that can be completed up until the end of the game. These offer insight into the characters and can enable them to earn special rewards.

Development

Empire of Sin was developed by Romero Games with Brenda Romero as the lead designer. Brenda's past game development history which included the Wizardry video game series and board games based on historical scenarios, had given her great insights into role-playing games (RPG) and creating gameplay systems that focused on character interactions. The Prohibition era ideas behind Empire of Sin had been something she wanted to do for 20 years. [5] This led to the pair seeking Paradox Interactive as their publishing partner given that Paradox is well known for historical simulation games. [5]

The game was first revealed as part of Nintendo's Direct presentation at E3 2019. It was released on Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch. [5] While its initial release was planned for the second quarter of 2020, Romero Games announced the game would be delayed until December 1, 2020 for additional polish. [6] [7]

Reception

Critical response

Empire of Sin received "mixed or average" reviews on the PC, Xbox, and Switch versions and "generally unfavorable reviews" for the PlayStation 4 version, according to Metacritic.

Related Research Articles

<i>Doom II</i> 1994 video game

Doom II, also known as Doom II: Hell on Earth, is a first-person shooter game in the Doom franchise developed by id Software. It was released for MS-DOS in 1994 and Mac OS in 1995. Unlike the original Doom, which was initially only available through shareware and mail order, Doom II was sold in stores.

<i>Gangsters 2</i> 2001 video game

Gangsters 2: Vendetta is a real-time strategy video game, developed by Hothouse Creations, published by Eidos Interactive, and released for Microsoft Windows in June 2001. The sequel to Gangsters: Organized Crime, and set during the final years of Prohibition, the game focuses on a story of the son of a local mob boss, who goes on a vendetta against the men who ordered their assassination, effectively becoming their own mob boss in the process. The game received mixed reviews on release.

<i>Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars</i> 2011 video game

Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars is a Lego-themed action-adventure video game developed by Traveller's Tales and published by LucasArts in March 2011 for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS, Microsoft Windows, and the Nintendo 3DS. It was one of the 3DS's launch titles. The game features missions and characters from the 2008 animated film Star Wars: The Clone Wars and its follow-up television series, as well as fan-favorites from the original Star Wars saga, in both single-player and multiplayer gameplay modes. The Mac OS X version of the game was released by Feral Interactive.

<i>Terraria</i> 2011 video game

Terraria is a 2011 action-adventure sandbox game developed by Re-Logic. The game was first released for Windows and has since been ported to other PC and console platforms. The game features exploration, crafting, building, painting, and combat with a variety of creatures in a procedurally generated 2D world. Terraria is one of the best-selling video games of all time, selling 58.7 million copies as of 2024.

<i>Rayman Legends</i> 2013 video game

Rayman Legends is a local co-op, platform video game developed by Ubisoft Montpellier and published by Ubisoft. It is the fifth main title in the Rayman series and the direct sequel to the 2011 game Rayman Origins. The game was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and PlayStation Vita platforms in August and September 2013. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions were released in February 2014, with a Stadia version released in November 2021. A Nintendo Switch port, titled Rayman Legends Definitive Edition, was released in North America, Europe and Australia on September 12, 2017.

<i>Omerta – City of Gangsters</i> 2013 turn-based simulation video game

Omerta – City of Gangsters is a simulation game with turn-based tactical game-play elements developed by Haemimont Games and published by Kalypso Media for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and the Xbox 360. The game was released in German-speaking countries on 31 January 2013. The international German download version for Windows was released through the Steam-service as well. The English version was released just a day after in the rest of Europe, and in Australia on 7 February for the PC version, whereas the version for the US market was released on 12 February, followed by the release of the Xbox 360 version in Australia the day after. A version for Mac OS X was published on 2 August 2013.

<i>Saints Row IV</i> 2013 action-adventure game

Saints Row IV is a 2013 action-adventure game developed by Volition and published by Deep Silver. It is the sequel to 2011's Saints Row: The Third, the fourth installment of the Saints Row series, and the final main installment in the original series that began with the original game. The game was released in August 2013 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, and was later ported to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Linux in 2015. A Nintendo Switch port was released on March 27, 2020, and a Google Stadia port was released on November 1, 2021.

<i>Shovel Knight</i> 2014 video game

Shovel Knight is a platform video game developed and published by Yacht Club Games. Development was crowdfunded and the game was released for Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, and Windows in June 2014. It was ported to OS X and Linux in September 2014, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and Xbox One in April 2015, Amazon Fire TV in September 2015, and Nintendo Switch in March 2017. Shovel Knight is inspired by gameplay and graphics of platformer games developed for the Nintendo Entertainment System.

<i>The Escapists</i> Strategy video game

The Escapists is a strategy game developed by Mouldy Toof Studios and following a Steam Early Access release in 2014, was released in 2015 for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PlayStation 4. It was released on iOS and Android in 2017. A Nintendo Switch version of the game containing all downloadable content was released in 2018. The game was launched on the Epic Games Store on 23 September 2021, with the weekly free game campaign of Epic Games. Players assume the role of an inmate and must escape from prisons of increasing difficulty.

<i>Worms W.M.D</i> 2016 video game

Worms W.M.D is a 2D artillery turn-based tactics video game developed and published by Team17. It is the nineteenth installment in the Worms series, and was released on 23 August 2016 for Linux, OS X, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, and Xbox One. It was later released on 23 November 2017 for Switch, on 1 July 2022 for Stadia and on 11 April 2023 for iOS and Android. Its gameplay resembles that of Worms Armageddon more than subsequent installments, while adding new features that range from interactive vehicles such as tanks, to buildings that the worms can enter for protection. It is also notable for being the first major redesign the worm characters have received since Worms 3D.

<i>Pac-Man Championship Edition 2</i> 2016 maze video game

Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 is a maze arcade game developed by Bandai Namco Studios and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. An installment in the Pac-Man series, it was released for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One on September 15, 2016; an updated version featuring an exclusive 2-player co-op mode, Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 Plus, was released for Nintendo Switch on February 22, 2018. It is a direct sequel to Pac-Man Championship Edition and the follow-up of Pac-Man Championship Edition DX+.

<i>The Lego Ninjago Movie Video Game</i> 2017 action-adventure video game

The Lego Ninjago Movie Video Game is a Lego-themed action-adventure video game developed by TT Fusion and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Based on The Lego Ninjago Movie, it was released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One, alongside the film, in North America on 22 September 2017, and worldwide on 20 October 2017. It serves as the second spin-off video game and the third game in The Lego Movie franchise.

<i>Lego The Incredibles</i> 2018 action-adventure game

Lego The Incredibles is a 2018 action-adventure game developed by TT Fusion and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The game is based on the films The Incredibles (2004) and Incredibles 2 (2018). It was released on 15 June 2018 in North America, 29 June in Australasia, 13 July in Europe, and 2 August in Japan on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows and Xbox One.

<i>Ittle Dew 2</i> 2016 video game

Ittle Dew 2 is an action-adventure game developed by Swedish indie studio Ludosity and originally published by Nicalis, and the sequel to the 2013 title Ittle Dew. It was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on November 15, 2016. An updated version of the game titled Ittle Dew 2+ was released for the Nintendo Switch on November 14, 2017; the updated content was eventually released on the Windows version on May 26, 2019. The Switch is the only platform that received a physical release of the game.

<i>Nickelodeon Kart Racers</i> 2018 video game

Nickelodeon Kart Racers is a 2018 racing game developed by Bamtang Games and published by GameMill Entertainment in North America and Maximum Games in Europe. The game features Nickelodeon characters in a crossover, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Hey Arnold!, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Rugrats. The game was released in North America on October 23, 2018, and in Europe on October 26, 2018, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. A sequel, Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix, was released in October 2020. A third entry, Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway, was released on October 14, 2022.

<i>Darksiders Genesis</i> 2019 action role-playing video game

Darksiders Genesis is a top-down hack and slash action role-playing video game developed by American studio Airship Syndicate and published by THQ Nordic. The game was released for Stadia and Windows on 5 December 2019, and was released on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on 14 February 2020. It is considered a spin-off prequel game in the Darksiders series and introduces the fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse, Strife, as the protagonist. Strife can also team up with his brother, War. Upon release, the game received positive reviews, with many reviewers praising the combat.

<i>One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4</i> 2020 video game

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 is an action-adventure video game developed by Omega Force and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One. It is the fourth installment in Pirate Warriors video-game series, based on the One Piece franchise. It is a sequel to the 2015 game One Piece: Pirate Warriors 3. It was released on March 27, 2020.

<i>Bayonetta</i> Video game series

Bayonetta is an urban fantasy action-adventure video game franchise created by Hideki Kamiya. It is developed by PlatinumGames, owned by Sega, and, since the release of Bayonetta 2 in 2014, published by Nintendo. The franchise was introduced in 2009 with Bayonetta, which was followed by two sequels, Bayonetta 2 (2014) and Bayonetta 3 (2022), as well as a spinoff, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon (2023). The games follow the titular character, a witch who wields dual pistols, shooters in her high heels, and long, magically transforming hair which becomes a supernatural weapon.

<i>Puyo Puyo Tetris 2</i> 2020 video game

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 is a puzzle video game developed and published by Sega. It is an installment in the Puyo Puyo series and a direct sequel to Puyo Puyo Tetris. The game was released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on December 8, 2020 with a Windows version released on March 21, 2021. The game was released to generally positive reviews.

<i>Huntdown</i> 2020 video game

Huntdown is a 2020 run-and-gun video game developed by Easy Trigger and published by Coffee Stain Publishing. It was released for Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch in May 2020. The game was later ported to Android and iOS in May 2021.

References

  1. ↑ Romero, Brenda (July 23, 2020). "Game-developer Brenda Romero states Unity as the game-engine during an AMA on Reddit - Ask Me Anything 2020" . Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  2. 1 2 O'Brien, Lucy (August 21, 2019). "Empire of Sin Is XCOM Meets Boardwalk Empire, and It Looks Brilliant - Gamescom 2019". IGN . Retrieved August 21, 2019.
  3. 1 2 Ip, Chris (June 17, 2019). "'Empire of Sin' looks like a new-school 'Mob Rule'". Engadget . Retrieved June 17, 2019.
  4. ↑ Gwaltrey, Javy (June 17, 2019). "Empire Of Sin". Game Informer . Archived from the original on June 17, 2019. Retrieved June 17, 2019.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Glagowski, Peter (June 17, 2019). "Empire of Sin is a dream game for John and Brenda Romero". Destructoid . Retrieved June 17, 2019.
  6. ↑ Priestman, Chris (February 18, 2020). "Empire of Sin has been delayed until autumn 2020". PC Gamer . Retrieved February 18, 2020.
  7. ↑ Romano, Sal (September 17, 2020). "Empire of Sin launches December 1". Gematsu. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  8. ↑ "Empire of Sin for PC Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive . Retrieved 2020-12-26.
  9. ↑ "Empire of Sin for PlayStation 4 Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive . Retrieved 2020-12-26.
  10. ↑ "Empire of Sin for Xbox One Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive . Retrieved 2020-12-26.
  11. ↑ "Empire of Sin for Nintendo Switch Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive . Retrieved 2021-06-15.
  12. ↑ Colantonio, Giovanni (November 30, 2020). "Empire of Sin review: Crime pays in clever prohibition-era strategy game". Digital Trends . Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  13. ↑ Bolding, Jon (February 20, 2023) [December 1, 2020]. "Empire of Sin Review". IGN . Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  14. ↑ O'Reilly, PJ (December 3, 2020). "Empire of Sin Review (Switch)". Nintendo Life . Gamer Network . Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  15. ↑ Robin, Joshua (January 22, 2021). "Empire of Sin (Switch) Review". Nintendo World Report. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  16. ↑ Oloman, Jordan (November 30, 2020). "'Empire Of Sin' review: slick strategy mired by sloppy execution". NME . Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  17. ↑ Brown, Fraser (November 30, 2020). "Empire of Sin review". PC Gamer . Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  18. ↑ Minor, Jordan (December 22, 2020). "Empire of Sin (for Xbox One) Review". PCMag . Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  19. ↑ McCormick, John Cal (December 7, 2020). "Empire of Sin Review (PS4)". Push Square . Gamer Network . Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  20. ↑ Denzer, TJ (November 30, 2020). "Empire of Sin review: A strategy you can't refuse". Shacknews . Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  21. ↑ Lane, Rick (December 2, 2020). "Empire of Sin review – goodfellas, but not greatfellas, in 1920s Chicago". The Guardian . Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  22. ↑ Takahashi, Dean (November 30, 2020). "Empire of Sin review — Beating Al Capone at his own game". VentureBeat . Retrieved September 12, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.