Empire of Sin is an Xcom-style strategy game blended with a semi city-builder/management simulation. You're firmly placed in the 1920s Prohibition era, right in the heart of gang-infested Chicago, engaged in a battle for control. Initially engaging and thought-demanding, the game's complexity wanes as you progress, offering various mechanics to explore and playstyles to experiment with. However, these aspects are marred by its sparse storyline, singular path to victory, and lenient difficulty.
The gameplay necessitates strategic thinking for every encounter, demanding adaptability as situations change. As you grasp the mechanics and equip your companions optimally, challenges ease quickly, turning the latter parts into a breeze. Constructing diverse businesses requires resources like money and alcohol, prompting you to defend them swiftly. Upgrades play a role too, affecting income and even police activities in the area.
To conquer the story, total domination is the route, as you're required to defeat each leader on the map. Nonetheless, more diverse victory avenues would have been welcome. Graphics are impressive, especially on maximum settings, offering a moody and atmospheric rendition of 1920s Chicago. The inclusion of jazz music immerses players in the era, enhancing the overall experience.
Empire of Sin offers an array of weaponry, from guns and shotguns to snipers, rifles, machine guns, and a plethora of melee weapons. This variety ensures different weapons excel in distinct situations. The game's two facets encompass Xcom-style strategy with character/weapon attributes and city builder/management simulation. Engaging with gang leaders involves exploiting cover, choke points, and various strategies. The inclusion of unique weapons, buffs, and business arrangements adds depth.
The 'Black Book' mechanic introduces engaging companions with intricate relationships. These connections impact the characters' loyalty to your cause. While the concept has potential, some relationships can lead to unexpected outcomes, deepening the narrative experience.
The game's Prohibition-era Chicago setting hosts a gang war, each neighbourhood controlled by distinct gangsters. Although backstories are present, they lack depth, and the quest structure can become repetitive. Diversifying the path to victory beyond domination would enhance the game's appeal.
The graphics capture the era's essence, with effective lighting and attention to detail. The soundtrack predominantly features jazz, accurately mirroring the time, while the audio design complements the atmosphere. However, character voices are somewhat limited.
Regarding customization, weapons alter characters' appearances during combat, while building sizes affect business interiors. The weapon variety, encompassing guns, shotguns, snipers, and more, suits diverse playstyles.
The game's difficulty curve poses an issue. Early challenges are surmountable, but mid-game onward becomes dominated by easy encounters due to powerful hired guns. The achievements, while numerous, are often tedious rather than rewarding.
In conclusion, Empire of Sin provides an engaging 1920s Prohibition-era experience with a blend of strategy and city management elements. While it excels in some respects, like weaponry variety and atmospheric graphics, it falters in others, such as limited victory paths and lacklustre storytelling. The game's engaging mechanics hold promise, but it's hindered by its overall execution.
