Der Pate (2010)

About this game

Der Pate (Eng: The Godfather) is one of the 2010 Essen releases of Kosmos. Here is a loose translation of their promo text on their website. Each player is the head of one of New York's Mafia clans and tries to earn the most money with illegal activities, e.g. running casinos or betting agencies. To hinder the opponents you can tip off the FBI about their activities or (more bluntly) initiate a vendetta. With the help of your Consigliere you can make offers the opposition cannot refuse and take over a business the FBI just shut down. You can also influence the press to improve your reputation and use the help of a prosecutor who is a friend of the family to get your relatives out of jail. Just don't be prissy or you won't become the boss of bosses.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 4.
• Rules load. At 2.4/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.