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Game Info
Year
2023
Players
1-4
Age
14+
Playtime
150 min
Collection
Ratings
Mechanic profile
Not enough video data yet
Vibe profile
Not enough video data yet
Description
“You can go a long way with a smile. You can go a lot further with a smile and a gun.” -Al Capone
Chicago in the Roaring 20s. Prohibition has made liquor business illegal and now criminal gangs operate in the underworld to try and take control of the city. Blood, influence, power, and money add up to a dangerous mix on the streets.
In Scarface 1920 you will lead a gang of mobsters aiming to rule Chicago during the Dry Era (1920-33). To succeed you will have to rule every inch in gangland, expand your racketeering, run bootlegging operations, bribe the city officials, and make sure the coppers are on your side.
Scarface 1920 blends worker placement with deck-building mechanics in a game where you will have to recruit new associates, break new deals, fill the streets of Chicago with your thugs, enhance your headquarters —and do some dirty jobs along the way.
Every gang has a distinct set of abilities embodied in their boss, and in every game you will be able to choose a different path to victory. However, in this turf war you will have to confront other rival gangs that share an identical goal: growing their criminal empire. But they are not the only challenge you will face —Eliot Ness and his Feds are out to get you too!
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Review
Scarface 1920: Discussion
Rules Teach
Scarface 1920: Learn to Play
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All mentions
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 16
This page: 16
Sentiment:
pos 10 ·
mix 0 ·
neu 2 ·
neg 1
Showing 1–16 of 16
Video S1V1AZhdUL4
Top List at 73:45:20 sentiment: positive
video_pk 134361 · mention_pk 382250
Click to watch at 73:45:20 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Awesome worker placement.
- Nice card system.
- Gangster theme.
- Area control elements.
- Building casinos and speakeasies.
- Asymmetric bosses.
- Good expansion available.
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Gangsters running Chicago
- Chicago
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — This is also gangsters and this is running Chicago. It's area control.
- Card Drafting — It's got a really nice card system where you're playing down, you know, amount of cards, which is going to be in your heist or your action for the turn.
- Set Collection — You're building casinos and speak easys and um, you know, making guns and have booze and run running it and everything else.
- Worker Placement — This is not only awesome worker placement.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is our third installment of our top 100 games of all time.
- You have some of your games ranked incredibly too low.
- The average weight of the first two were 245 and 241 and the next two jump up to 282 and 264.
- Overall average is 291.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Qc-ALy74kao
Board Games UnLocked Review at 0:16 sentiment: negative
video_pk 113726 · mention_pk 325532
Click to watch at 0:16 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
negative
Pros
- The Prohibition theme is very well done and immersive.
- Gang abilities are fun and add unique perks.
- Job cards can be powerful and a valid strategy.
- The cards themselves are very unique and interesting.
- Playing it again raised the score slightly from a 3 to a 4 on BGG.
Cons
- The game is extremely long with significant downtime.
- The board layout is poor for multiple players, making cards hard to read.
- The area majority/control aspect is weak and lackluster, with little player interaction and no incentive to take territory.
- The take-that mechanics, especially from job cards and police raids, can be frustrating and swingy.
- The action system feels too restrictive, especially the slow pace of acquiring cards in the deck builder aspect.
- The game is not a true Euro game despite having Euro-like elements, due to the prominent take-that mechanics.
Thematic elements
- Gangster, Prohibition
- 1920s Prohibition
Comparison games
- Ankh
- Trespass Odyssey
- The Godfather
- Star Realms
- Dominion
- Dune: Imperium
- Lost Ruins of Arnak
- Tyrants of the Underdark
- Aeon's End
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Majority — The game features area majority on a map with districts, where controlling businesses generates money and victory points.
- Deck Building — Players build their decks by hiring gang members, and the uniqueness of these cards allows for synergies.
- Take That — Job cards and police raids include 'take that' elements that can negatively impact other players.
- Worker Placement — Players can place workers to perform actions, though the reviewer feels this is limited.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The theme is so well done and they hit the nail on the head with like just the overall of your of who your gang is and things you're doing jobs that are happening people that you can hire into your gang the the police raids the newspaper articles just the overall Ambiance of the game evokes that gangster theme and is one of the best in that genre
- it's like oh you didn't play it right well you're not allowed to love it because you played it wrong but so the same should go the other way it's like well you play the wrong that's the only reason like you shouldn't have a negative review because you played it wrong
- I still think and I'll hold True to this that they had more fun making the game than making the game fun if that makes any sense because the theme is the only thing so many people talk about and it's like well how's the gameplay
- clearly I'm in the minority like this game is raved about and I'm not unknown for actually I think it went down a little bit but anyway not by much it's sitting on 8.1
- If you didn't like Scarface 1920 but you're you're interested in the concept of area control and deck building I highly highly recommend tyrants of the underdark
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 49NC-knl-U8
The Dice Tower Top List at 8:59 sentiment: positive
video_pk 103143 · mention_pk 296785
Click to watch at 8:59 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Leans heavily into the theme
- Brings the theme to life
- Biggest game on the list
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Hiring people, running illegal activities
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Deck Building — Incorporates deck building elements.
- Illegal activities — Engaging in illegal activities.
- Movement — Running around the board.
- Worker Placement — Hiring different people to work in your group.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Well, look, I don't claim to know much about gangsters and things along those lines, but I do know that certain times there are certain um repercussions, uh consequences, if you will for acts that are considered disrespectful, maybe copying what somebody else has done before you.
- Gangster, mob, criminals. That's a theme that's actually not in as many board games as you might think.
- It just feels a little go to put one of my own games on the list.
- It's almost a little too crime is a terrible thing in real life and it works in board games I think sometimes the sillier it is or at least the more cartoonish sort of like cartoon pirate compared to the reality of pirates.
- This is a game that looks gangster. It also looks old.
- It's essentially the shootout at the end of a gangster movie. The reservoir dogs, everyone's pointing guns at everyone else and ah and who's going to shoot?
- This game really kind of brings that that Godfather.
- This is a big grandiose game, the biggest on my list. And I think it does a lot of fun bringing that theme to life.
- Think of it as an episode of CSI or Law and Order.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video j5eVctKyIyo
Watch It Played Top 10 List at 15:21 sentiment: positive
video_pk 88863 · mention_pk 235121
Click to watch at 15:21 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
Positive
Pros
- Solid deck building and worker placement mechanisms.
- Evocative art, strong player interaction, and great production values.
- Makes you feel like you are running a criminal gang in the 1920s Chicago.
- Perfect thematic gangster board game.
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Prohibition and criminal gangs
- Chicago during the Roaring 20s
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Deck Building — Mechanisms used to recruit new associates and broker new deals.
- Worker Placement — Used to recruit new associates, broker new deals, and hand-to-headquarters.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- People's Choice top 10.
- This is now my all-time favorite game.
- This is the perfect Adventure series for short attention spans.
- This is the game I own that I most want to play but won't until five other Campaign games are at least good but not yet finished.
- This month's top touted game is Scarface 1920.
- I like more pretend Bloodshed than actual Bloodshed myself.
- This game was the perfect thematic gangster board game we needed.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video L7VjVnjFM7o
Quackalope Playthrough at 0:03 sentiment: positive
video_pk 84138 · mention_pk 213495
Click to watch at 0:03 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Heavy play interaction.
- Lots of randomness and mitigation.
- Deck building is a favorite mechanic.
- Area control is a favorite mechanic.
- The "take that element" from the expansion is highly regarded.
- The game is described as "big," "beefy," and "beautiful."
- Has interesting gameplay and take that elements.
Cons
- Possible to be removed from the board and made it difficult to get back in (in the base game, mitigated by expansion).
- Ability to "turtle up" into an area and grow strong (mitigated by expansion).
- Certain cards are "way too expensive" to use effectively.
Thematic elements
- Al Capone's rise to power in New York City.
- 1920s
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — Mentioned as a favorite mechanic of one of the players, involving taking control of neighborhoods.
- Boss Abilities — Boss characters have unique abilities that can be used to influence actions like conquering neighborhoods or adding strength to attacks.
- Deck Building — Mentioned as a favorite mechanic of one of the players.
- Drafting — Players draft cards or characters at various points.
- Hand Management — Players manage their hands of cards to perform actions and utilize abilities.
- Set Collection — Implied through the completion of jobs and gathering of resources.
- Worker Placement — Used to tie the other mechanics together.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is a gameplay of Scarface 1920 with the Bloody Business expansion included
- we have deck building which is my favorite mechanic
- area control which is sheer's favorite mechanic and a little bit of work replacement to tie it all together
- the Bloody Business expansion adds a little bit more of that take that element which is my favorite part of any game
- I feel like this was a very bad showing of how well I could actually play this game when things are running some of the extra chaos just absolutely sniped me at the beginning and it didn't help that you were always screwing with me
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ISLvTHMCl9g
Rules Teach at 0:03 sentiment: positive
video_pk 79704 · mention_pk 193258
Click to watch at 0:03 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Player hand management
- Area influence
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Mafia game where you take the role of a gang boss trying to have the most money
- Chicago in the 1920s
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action selection — Choosing from various orders like underworld, authorities, or other actions.
- area influence — Players exert influence over districts on the board.
- Card Drafting — Drawing and selecting job, dealer, and associate cards.
- Hand Management — Players manage cards in their hand to perform actions.
- Resource Management — Managing money, guns, alcohol, and influence.
- Set Collection — Collecting resources like guns and alcohol from dealers.
- Track progression — The crime rate track and time track influence gameplay.
- Worker Placement — Sending thugs from headquarters to various orders (underworld, authorities, other actions).
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- watch a gangster movie is the first player
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video pybgeaUiP0s
Meeple University Rules Teach
video_pk 69970 · mention_pk 166862
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
none
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Scarface 1920 is played in turns going clockwise around the table
- 1920s Chicago and prohibition is in force now it's a Turf War as Black Market gangs fill the Gap in the market
- the game ends immediately when the final news card is drawn and prohibition is over
- an action turn is resolved in four steps
- to lay out your plan lay any number of cards from your hand face up into your play area in any order
- there are two types of turns
- the ninth order is to get one dealer
- the 12th order is to sell to the authorities
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video gwj-9wO3T1E
Meeple University Rules Teach
video_pk 69971 · mention_pk 166863
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
none
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The solo mode of Scarface 1920 pits the player against an automated opponent known as The Enforcer.
- ER turns into solo mode are no different to the multiplayer mode.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video pybgeaUiP0s
Meeple University Rules Teach at 0:04 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 69970 · mention_pk 236475
Click to watch at 0:04 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Turf War among gangs during Prohibition era, with contraband, bribery, and police involvement
- 1920s Chicago
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- black_market_and_deals — Dealers and deals are used to gain guns/alcohol; deals have storage limits, unlimited storage icons indicate capacity, and resources are stored behind deals or in controlled neighborhoods.
- card_types — Actions come in three types: skills, jobs, and orders; you may resolve one single order, any number of skills, and any number of jobs per turn, subject to plan requirements.
- Multi-Use Cards — Actions come in three types: skills, jobs, and orders; you may resolve one single order, any number of skills, and any number of jobs per turn, subject to plan requirements.
- neighborhood_and_defense — Seizing a neighborhood involves overcoming its defense value with thugs and cars; the new owner retains existing businesses and contraband.
- plan_requirements_and_resources — Orders require a combination of influence and/or muscle; you must place thugs from headquarters to districts and pay bribes in certain districts with police cars.
- planning_phase — At the start of an action turn, you lay out any number of cards from your hand face up into your play area in any order; the first two cards you play are free, additional cards incur crime.
- raids_and_endgame — Raids occur on the time track's extra phases or when the crime track reaches a threshold; endgame is triggered after the final news card is drawn, followed by a final endgame scoring pass.
- selling_and_rules_of_sale — Selling goods into controlled neighborhoods and to authorities yields money; trucks provide discounts, and bribes to police may apply.
- thugs_and_deals_movement — Thugs and vehicles move across districts; movement costs muscle; bribes may be required in districts with police cars.
- turn_structure — There are two types of turns: an action turn (when you have cards in hand/deck) and a reorganization turn (major money-related opportunity) after you run out of cards.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Scarface 1920 is played in turns going clockwise around the table
- 1920s Chicago and prohibition is in force now it's a Turf War as Black Market gangs fill the Gap in the market
- the game ends immediately when the final news card is drawn and prohibition is over
- an action turn is resolved in four steps
- to lay out your plan lay any number of cards from your hand face up into your play area in any order
- there are two types of turns
- the ninth order is to get one dealer
- the 12th order is to sell to the authorities
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video gwj-9wO3T1E
Meeple University Rules Teach at 0:28 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 69971 · mention_pk 236476
Click to watch at 0:28 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- The Players
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Enforcer action turns — The Enforcer takes action turns drawn from its deck and resolves actions left-to-right, using power and plan size to determine what can be resolved.
- Neighborhood selection criteria — When choosing neighborhoods for actions, prioritize highest profit, then proximity to being supplied, then lowest numbered district; ties are broken by reverse criteria and general preferences.
- Plan and power tracking — The Enforcer has a plan and power values that determine actions and their costs, with movement determined by the plan during resolution.
- Reorganization turn — If the Enforcer's draw deck is empty, a reorganization turn occurs, analogous to the player's reorganization.
- Resource Management — Resources are spent from surplus neighborhoods first, then from other sources in a defined order, with rules for deals if needed.
- Selling to neighborhoods — When selling to neighborhoods, the Enforcer may sell to multiple neighborhoods equal to its plan power, distributing resources accordingly.
- Spending and gaining resources — Resources are spent from surplus neighborhoods first, then from other sources in a defined order, with rules for deals if needed.
- Starting deck setup — The Enforcer's starting deck is prepared with initial jobs and resources; randomization elements (like chits) influence starting conditions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The solo mode of Scarface 1920 pits the player against an automated opponent known as The Enforcer.
- ER turns into solo mode are no different to the multiplayer mode.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ikw7UsLO4K8
Totally Tabled Top 20 List at 9:07
video_pk 37792 · mention_pk 113526
Click to watch at 9:07 · YouTube ↗
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Cooperative campaign-based fantasy RPG board game
- I'm excited to see if he can capture maybe a little bit of that pandemic Magic
- this appears to be an engine building game
- oh the art the art in this looks incredible
- I'm a huge fan of sleeping gods and so a standalone sequel set in the same world
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video EHjKB42WcBU
Our Family Plays Games Discussion at 4:58 sentiment: positive
video_pk 31770 · mention_pk 93601
Click to watch at 4:58 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Iconic Prohibition-era flavor
- Potential for rich thematic play
Cons
- Contemporary reception may vary due to licensing and portrayal of sensitive topics
Thematic elements
- Organized crime with Al Capone references
- Prohibition-era mob dynamics
- Competitive mischief with historical iconography
Comparison games
- Scarface (IP-derived games)
- Prohibition-era thematic games
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Hidden Movement — Players operate in a constrained system with faction goals
- Hidden movement / interaction — Players operate in a constrained system with faction goals
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is our happy place.
- Not every subject needs to be a game.
- We cannot let tyranny ruin this country. We cannot.
- Code Express has everything in it. I love it.
- The ants are going to take over.
- I’m on Spirited because I am a sucker for games with Vikings in it.
- Rhythm-based dueling card game for two players.
- Not every subject needs to be told in a game.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video mXYO8ya1GwY
TableTop Wolf Playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12663 · mention_pk 36986
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mostly positive
Pros
- Immersive theme
- Complex strategic gameplay
- Detailed game components
Cons
- Unbalanced character abilities
- Excessive randomness
- Long play time
- Complicated rules
Thematic elements
- Organized Crime and Territory Control
- 1920s Chicago Gangster Era
- Economic Strategy
Comparison games
- Dune Imperium
- Small World
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — Controlling districts and territories
- Resource Management — Managing supplies, money, and gang members
- Worker Placement — Placing characters to perform actions
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- You need laser focus to win this game
- The bot is just a static enforcer
- This is not a fully balanced or enjoyable game for most people
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video O_jg5Ea9hUU
TableTop Wolf Rules Teach at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10342 · mention_pk 30520
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Unique solo mode
- Thematic gameplay
- Multiple strategic options
Cons
- Complex ruleset
- Requires careful strategy
Thematic elements
- Organized Crime
- 1920s Prohibition Era
- Competitive Crime Management
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — Players compete to control neighborhoods and territories
- Deck Building — Collecting and using associate cards and improving hand
- Resource Management — Managing barrels, guns, and other supplies
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- did I say Dino balance of op well he's easily the best leader in this game I think
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video y-dPEHc-3lU
TableTop Wolf Playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 8948 · mention_pk 26408
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Engaging solo gameplay
- Thematic mechanics
- Multiple strategic options
Cons
- Complexity of rules
- Challenging to win
- Quick game progression
Thematic elements
- Organized Crime
- Prohibition Era Chicago
- Gangster Simulation
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — Players compete to control districts and expand their criminal empire
- Resource Management — Managing guns, booze, and money
- Solo Bot Gameplay — Simulated opponent with predefined action rules
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- so long as I can earn some good deals
- we have just earned a boatload from our reorganization
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Fx7MGOai4bc
Our Family Plays Games Discussion at 21:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 271 · mention_pk 821
Click to watch at 21:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- large scale, rich content, multiple campaigns/expansions
Cons
- very heavy and long
Thematic elements
- mafia empire-building
- 1920s Chicago mob
- minis-heavy, cinematic
Comparison games
- Gloomhaven
- Descent
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — territory and influence management
- miniatures — large minis and components
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Step into Kenfire Council, a cutthroat contest of strategy and politics.
- This is a big boy.
- 18 cards.
- It's a different type of train game.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
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