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About Empire of Vice: Chicago
Empire of Vice: Chicago is a turn-based strategy game wrapped in a narrative about bootlegging and betrayal during Prohibition. Developed by Artifex Parvus and released on January 27, 2026, it drops you into a city where every decision ripples through blood-soaked alleyways and backroom deals. You manage resources, build alliances, and navigate moral gray areas as you climb the gangster ranks. The game mixes tactical planning, like distributing liquor while evading cops, with branching dialogue that shapes your legacy. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about outthinking rivals and weathering betrayals that come with power.
Gameplay
Each turn is a balance of micro and macro decisions. You allocate manpower to operations like smuggling or extortion, then spend downtime negotiating with politicians or rival gangs. The map is divided into districts where you establish operations, but police raids and rival takeovers force constant adaptation. Combat is abstracted into risk calculations, how many men to deploy, when to strike, and when to retreat. The UI is cluttered but functional, with resource meters and event prompts guiding your moves. Sessions often last 45 minutes to an hour, with tension rising as consequences pile up. The game punishes greed but rewards long-term planning, like investing in speakeasies to boost income or bribing officials for protection.
What Players Think
PlayPile data shows 89% of players rate it 4.3/5, with 42 hours average playtime and 65% completing the main campaign. Community moods lean "strategic" (38%) and "tense" (29%), while 12% call it "frustrating" due to complex mechanics. Reviews highlight the "masterclass in consequence-driven design" and "rich character relationships that make betrayals sting." Achievement data reveals 72% unlock the "Boss of All Bosses" title, but only 18% complete the 100% "No Kills" challenge. Critics praise its ambition but note a 22% drop-off after the first 10 hours, citing grinding resource management.
PlayPile's Take
Empire of Vice: Chicago is a must-play for strategy fans who enjoy slow-burn narratives and high-stakes planning. While its complexity may overwhelm casual players, the depth in decision-making and long-term consequences justifies the learning curve. At $59.99, it’s a premium pick for those patient enough to build (and lose) an empire. Skip if you prefer fast action or instant gratification, this game thrives on tension and second-guessing every move.
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