Gangsters 2: Premier Range - PC Games

The premise is a simple one and, like that of the original Gangsters, works well. Gameplay is via an RTS-style interface, and manoeuvring around the many cities controlling your mobsters is fairly straightforward. As you would expect with anything set in the prohibition years, you can bribe and cajole your way out of trouble; failing that, you can merely shoot your way out. Every gang member has his own character traits, and they all have the option of fleeing, guarding, patrolling or tailing other characters in the game--something that becomes very useful later on when you have to start setting explosives, running rackets, and performing the odd assassination.

In addition to the large single player game, Gangsters 2 has a multiplayer option allowing you to pit your wits against your friends as you fight for control of the city. Graphics, unfortunately, are nothing special--just what you've come to expect from this genre, with buildings, cars and the people all having a nice, if plain, sheen on them.

Gangsters is a game of patience, a game where it's good to be bad, and a game which, if you aren't a fan of the traditional top-down RTS, you might find a little difficult to get to grips with. If, however, you loved the first instalment, then roll on up for its newer, improved brother. --Jason Denwood