In 'The Godfather: Corleone's Empire', you're invited to dive into New York's organized crime underworld, taking on the role of one of the mafia families vying for economic control of the city. Designer Eric Lang, famous for his 'dudes on a map' games, jokes that this is a 'thugs on a map' game, and he's not wrong! Prepare for a streamlined worker placement game, full of intrigue and, of course, a few 'accidents' along the way.

Over five intense rounds, you'll deploy your thugs, your Don, your wife, and even your heir to shake down businesses, control territories, and expand your influence. Money, contracts, and special advantages (like the union boss) are represented by cards in your hand, and managing them is crucial. At the end of each round, you decide which extra cards to 'pay tribute' to the Don, meaning discard, as your hand size is limited. But make no mistake, in the end, only money talks: whoever has the most cash wins.

And to add that mafia flavor, the game doesn't shy away from confrontation. Expect drive-by shootings that can remove your enemies' tokens from the board, sending them to the 'river' – an elegant way of saying they've been eliminated. With high-quality miniatures and an atmosphere that transports you directly into 'The Godfather' universe, this game is an immersive and strategic experience for those who enjoy a good territorial dispute with a touch of cunning.