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Written for the 48K Spectrum, as the name implies, this is a game involving 1920's style gangsters, but this is where the obvious part ends. Surprisingly enough, this is not a game of the shoot-'em-up variety, has nothing to do with space, and does not use high speed hi-res graphics. Rather, it is a game of strategy, thought and cunning. As with other CCS games, Gangsters is based on your feeding the computer with various decisions on spending and deployment of non-capital resources i.e. manpower, etc. With the computer returning facts and figures on your success or failure.

Gangsters is set in the US during the 20's and is based around the legendary gangland activity of the time. The aim of the game is to take over the City from the other gangleaders. To do this, you must take control of the assets, make raids, kill off the other gangsters and their leaders whilst also managing to stay alive yourself.

There are nine levels of play - an advantageous factor for the beginner. You are given a certain amount of money depending upon level of play. With this money, assets may be bought - Speakeasies, Distilleries, Casinos, Brothers, as well as gangsters. At all times you must have enough men to carry out raids, sufficient protection to safeguard yourself, as well as spare cash for bribery. The game is fully interactive hence the opposing gangsters are likely to raid your assets and hunt for your weapons.

Gangsters has been well put together, nicely presented, and the instructions are also well thought out. The scenario is original in many respects. It gives the idea of strategy games a new breath of life. Finally I have to say that it is excellent and well worth the money.