The King of Chicago (1986)

by Christopher April 11, 2024

written by Christopher April 11, 2024 7 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 1986
Genres: Adventure, Arcade
Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST/STE, DOS, Mac, Sharp X68000
Developers: Cinemaware
Publishers: Bothtec, Inc., Mindscape, Inc., Mirrorsoft

The King of Chicago (1986): A Prohibition-Era Gangster Classic

Released in 1986, The King of Chicago is a turn-based strategy game that puts you in the shoes of a Prohibition-era gangster fighting for control of the Windy City. With its mix of violence, intimidation, and strategy, it’s a must-play for any fan of the genre.

Gameplay

The game is played on a map of Chicago, divided into different districts. Each district has a number of businesses that you can control, from speakeasies to gambling dens to protection rackets. The goal of the game is to control as many businesses as possible and earn the most money.

To control a business, you need to either buy it from the current owner or take it over by force. If you buy a business, you’ll have to pay a certain amount of money upfront. If you take it over by force, you’ll have to fight the current owner in a turn-based battle.

Battles in The King of Chicago are simple but effective. Each unit has a certain amount of health and attack power. You can move your units around the map and attack enemy units. The unit with the highest attack power will always win the battle.

In addition to controlling businesses, you can also recruit new gangsters to your gang. Gangsters can be used to fight enemy units, collect protection money, or run your businesses. Each gangster has different stats, so you’ll need to choose carefully which gangsters to recruit.

Setting

The King of Chicago is set in Chicago during the Prohibition era. This was a time of rampant crime and violence, as gangs fought for control of the city’s illegal alcohol trade. The game captures the atmosphere of the era perfectly, with its gritty graphics and realistic dialogue.

Reception

The King of Chicago was a critical and commercial success upon its release. Critics praised the game’s innovative gameplay, realistic setting, and challenging difficulty. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 200,000 copies worldwide.

Legacy

The King of Chicago is considered to be one of the greatest strategy games of all time. It has been praised for its innovative gameplay, realistic setting, and challenging difficulty. The game has also been credited with inspiring a number of other strategy games, including the Grand Theft Auto series.

Conclusion

The King of Chicago is a classic turn-based strategy game that still holds up today. With its mix of violence, intimidation, and strategy, it’s a must-play for any fan of the genre. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding strategy game, then I highly recommend checking out The King of Chicago.

Tips for Playing The King of Chicago

Here are a few tips to help you succeed in The King of Chicago:

Start by taking over the weaker businesses in the city. This will give you a steady income and allow you to build up your gang.
Once you have a strong gang, you can start taking on the more powerful businesses. Be careful not to overextend yourself, though.
Use your gangsters wisely. Each gangster has different stats, so you’ll need to choose carefully which gangsters to use for each task.
Don’t be afraid to use violence. Sometimes, the only way to take over a business is to fight the current owner.
Be patient. The King of Chicago is a challenging game, but it’s also very rewarding. If you take your time and plan your moves carefully, you’ll eventually be able to control the entire city.

Review Score

8/10

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Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.