Mike Bantick
Saturday, 23 May 2009 07:29
Entertainment
Page 2 of 3
Businesses include prostitution, constriction, drugs, gun running, adult films and so on. Once acquired, all provide income (which can be boosted by taking over other business “fronts”), but the real aim is to control a crime ring.
Controlling all operations in a certain industry give Dominic extra bonuses. So for example, taking over all the Chop Shops not only earn a comfortable revenue stream, but automatically provide Dominic and his crew with armoured cars. Likewise taking out a single part of a rival ring will stop any bonus they may have.
Dominic’s crew of made men must be recruited. These lads follow Dom the Don around, helping out in a gun battle, and in other areas of expertise. Each man has (to start with) a speciality such as Arsonist, Bruiser, Safecracker or the ever popular Medic.
Whist each of these specialties is handy, they are not completely necessary, as most situations have multiple solutions. For example, whilst many buildings have an obvious entrance that can be blown apart by the Demo man, quite often a little exploring will reveal an alternative way in. Taking out a rival families compound, does however need somebody skilled in explosives.
Whenever a new racket is controlled, Dominic must ensure it is protected. Rival families don’t take kindly to loosing their adult-film making studios for example. As such they will from time to time, send in some guys to try and take the racket back.
Paying for guards will help protect, and inform Dominic when a business is under attack. Dominic can also appoint men from his crew to help defend, which they are much better at than the standard grunt guard. Crew members can also independently attempt to take over businesses if Dominic decides to sit out the attack.
Managing this is done with the Don view, a 3D map view of the various cities. This works ok, and all up, this strategic element of the game works better than the games predecessor.
CONCLUDED on PAGE 3
