As I noted in my review of Gears Tactics (which I also considered one of the best games of 2020), I am a strong proponent of strategy games. Consequently, when Empire of Sin became available, I welcomed the opportunity to assess its contribution to the genre.
In Empire of Sin, developed by Paradox Interactive, the player embarks on a journey as a low-level criminal aiming to ascend to the apex of organized crime. Players must strategically decide whether to cooperate with rival factions or eliminate them to seize their territories. To achieve these goals, the player relies on loyal associates who provide support during critical confrontations.
Empire of Sin employs an isometric perspective and exhibits high-quality graphics, showcasing impressive lighting effects and a commendable attention to detail. The developers have clearly invested in creating a visually appealing backdrop to complement the game’s mechanics. Encounters often involve numerical disadvantages, demanding strategic thinking and cunning to achieve mission objectives. Players can utilize firearms, melee attacks, and various weapons such as baseball bats. At the game’s outset, players select an avatar, each possessing distinct skills and attributes.
Gameplay extends beyond combat, requiring players to manage their economy to sustain their criminal empire. Decisions regarding which politicians and law enforcement officials to bribe, and which to attempt to sway, are critical. Empire of Sin offers a complex and detailed system in this regard, allowing for significant investment in these elements.
One notable drawback of Empire of Sin, despite its overall quality, lies in certain aspects that feel underdeveloped. The limited variety of enemy characters results in repetitive encounters, with numerous instances of facing identical figures who share the same appearance, sound, and combat style. This homogeneity detracts from the experience and could be improved with greater diversity. Furthermore, the game’s difficulty can be exceptionally high, demanding persistence and multiple attempts to master its intricacies.
In conclusion, Empire of Sin remains an engaging and well-crafted strategy game. While its appeal is not universal, its strengths make it a worthwhile experience for players with an affinity for the strategy genre.
