Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Gangland marries strategic empire-building with open-world action in an intriguing hybrid of genres. As Mario, you’re tasked not only with navigating the streets in real time but also with overseeing the growth of your criminal syndicate from the ground up. Resource gathering, territory acquisition, and recruitment of crew members all play into your long-term goals, adding depth beyond simple missions.

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The game’s mechanics often draw comparisons to The Sims, as you manage individual characters’ needs, loyalty, and specializations. You assign lieutenants to run rackets—be it gambling dens, protection services, or illicit nightclubs—and track their performance through an intuitive dashboard. Balancing cash flow, reputation, and law enforcement heat requires both micromanagement and big-picture planning.

On the action side, Gangland channels the spirit of Grand Theft Auto. You’ll undertake high-stakes drive-bys, bank heists, and tense standoffs with rival families. The ability to freely roam the cityscape means you can pivot between planned operations and spontaneous side activities—street races, pawn-shop runs, or selectively helping local NPCs to bolster your street cred.

One standout feature is the “Family Tree” system, mapping relationships among your crew and rival clans. Betrayals, shifting alliances, and dynamic rivalries can alter mission lines on the fly, making each campaign feel unique. Whether you prefer plotting quietly from a safehouse or charging headlong into combat, Gangland’s layered gameplay keeps you invested in both the micro and macro levels of your criminal dominion.

Graphics

Visually, Gangland offers a stylized but grounded take on a 1930s-styled cityscape infused with modern lighting and particle effects. Buildings bear the grime and grit of underworld dealings, while interiors—speakeasies, opulent manors, and abandoned warehouses—carry distinctive character. The result is a believable, immersive world that never feels too cartoonish or overly sterile.

Character models strike a fine balance between caricature and realism. Mario and his brothers sport period-appropriate attire, and the facial animations during cutscenes convey enough emotion to sell pivotal story moments. Minor NPCs and rival bosses also boast varied designs, helping you quickly differentiate friend from foe in the heat of a firefight.

Performance remains steady on midrange hardware, though intense gang wars can sometimes drop frame rates in the most chaotic skirmishes. Texture pop-in is minimal, and draw distances hold up well—even when cruising across the map at speed. The sun-soaked docks, neon-lit back alleys, and rain-soaked boulevards all benefit from dynamic weather and day-night cycles that enrich immersion.

The UI leans toward the utilitarian but remains crisp and readable. Menus for business management, territory control, and crew progression are logically laid out, ensuring that even the more complex micromanagement tasks don’t become a chore. Overall, the game’s aesthetic serves its gameplay goals without sacrificing performance or clarity.

Story

The narrative kicks off with a brutal catalyst: Chico Mangano, the beloved eldest brother, is gunned down in cold blood. Witnesses point the finger at his own siblings, plunging the Mangano family into chaos and suspicion. This opening act sets a dark, revenge-driven tone that reverberates throughout the campaign.

Amid the fallout, an urgent call goes out: Uncle Sal contacts the family patriarch, who reveals he’s spotted the murderous trio lurking in his own neighborhood. As the fifth grandson, Mario is thrust into the role of avenger, tasked with tracking down his brothers and restoring the family’s honor. It’s a premise steeped in betrayal, family loyalty, and moral ambiguity.

Cutscenes, voiced by a capable cast, flesh out Mario’s internal struggle—does he cling to his grandfather’s call for vengeance, or does he seek a path to reconciliation? Secondary characters, such as rival underbosses and local informants, bring texture to the world and introduce side quests that explore themes of trust, corruption, and ambition.

While the central revenge plot is familiar territory, Gangland elevates it with its branching decision trees. Choose diplomacy over violence in certain confrontations, and you might unlock alternative endings or new alliances. The ebb and flow of loyalty among your crew members reflects your choices, ensuring that Mario’s quest remains compelling from start to finish.

Overall Experience

Gangland succeeds in blending strategic management with open-world action, offering a refreshing take on the crime-empire sim. Hours pass quickly as you juggle territory wars, character relationships, and adrenaline-fueled missions, all while shaping Mario’s path through a morally gray underworld.

The learning curve is moderate—newcomers to simulation titles may feel overwhelmed at first—but the gradual introduction of mechanics and a helpful tutorial keep frustration at bay. By the midgame, you’ll be orchestrating multi-front offensives, negotiating with rival families, and customizing your safehouses to suit changing tactics.

While occasional AI pathfinding hiccups and a handful of repetitive side gigs prevent Gangland from being flawless, its narrative depth and gameplay variety make up for these minor flaws. The city itself feels alive, with dynamic events and rival factions vying for power even when you’re off on your own campaign.

For players who enjoy building an empire as much as they relish high-octane action, Gangland strikes an engaging balance. Whether you’re plotting your next business investment or ducking bullets in a smoky nightclub shootout, this title delivers a memorable and multifaceted underworld adventure.

Retro Replay Score

6.7/10