Wise Guys

Wise Guys is the board game that makes you feel the adrenaline of being a gang boss in 1920s Chicago, when alcohol was banned and the law was only a pretext for those with power. The board is a modular grid of cards representing the city, and each round you choose where to drive your luxury car to buy, sell or trade illegal booze. You earn action points that can be used to move your crew, negotiate with politicians, or even attack rival gangs trying to dominate the same area. The area influence mechanic makes controlling each location vital: whoever has more gang members in the area wins the majority and, consequently, more money. Additionally, dice rolling adds an element of unpredictability, while surprise events can flip the game upside down. The game also offers variable player powers, so each gang has a unique ability that changes the way you play. For those who enjoy negotiation, bargaining, and a touch of betrayal, Wise Guys delivers quick (about 90 minutes) and tension-filled games.

The component design is simple yet elegant: gang tokens, dice, event cards, and a board that changes every game. The learning curve is short, but depth lies in each decision of where to place your members and when to use your negotiation cards. The game works best in groups of 3 to 4 players, but can be played with 2 for an extra challenge. In short, Wise Guys combines the atmosphere of a noir film with the mechanics of games like 7 Wonders and Power Grid, but with a splash of blood and booze.

If you love influence games like Twilight Imperium or gang-themed games like Mafia: The Game, you’ll feel at home. If not, don’t worry: the theme is fun and the negotiation mechanic is accessible enough for newcomers. Get ready to use your “Ruthless” and “Cunning” cards and make the money flow like the booze down the streets of Chicago.

Ultimately, Wise Guys is a game that delivers a lot of fun, competition, and strategy, with a historical touch that makes your heart race.