Take jobs from other crime lords around the city
Then you get the power...
Some jobs around the city will require you to rob a bank, defend your hideout, or raid another gang’s location. In these missions Omerta shifts to an old school, turn based tactical strategy game resembling the combat from original Fallout titles. It is a drastic shift, but it is a refreshing change of pace from the daily grind of running businesses in the city overview. You can get your hands dirty and go in as the boss, but these types of missions are better suited for your gang of wise guys and cronies. Early on you can only afford one or two gang members, but as you grow your empire more gangsters will be available for hire. Each character has a backstory and specialty when it comes to combat. Some are agile and can get in close with melee weapons, while others sit back with firearms. Stats determine character movement points, action points, hit points, and courage levels. A beefy grunt can take a blow, but may be a little slow getting there. There are various objectives depending on the mission; steal important documents, get all the cash from the vault, but each mission I played was won through a bloodbath. There is some strategy to the fights with line of sight and cover being major factors in survival, but it does come down to some dice rolls and percentages. If you enjoyed the recent XCOM, you will feel right at home in Omerta.
Then you get the women...
The co-op play in Omerta: City of Gangsters is limited to the tactical missions. You and up to one friend can take control of a gang and complete missions together. I’ll be the first to admit, the more the merrier on a heist, but the co-op is sorely lacking especially for a game where you ROLL IN GANGS. I find that turn based strategy does not translate very well to co-operative play, so I am surprised that it was included in Omerta. I would have liked to see something more from Kalypso, like being able to control allied gangs and take on missions simultaneously. Even playing in the city overview would be interesting to have some co-op action, with partners managing different parts of the city and influencing each other’s businesses. Don’t get me wrong, the tactical missions are fun with a friend but it feels awkward. The missions are meant to influence your overall empire, but when you are taking on individual scenarios, you lose some of the effect of taking out a rival gang.
Team up with a co-op partner and take turns in the tactical combat
I have to admit that I have a soft spot for the time period and I totally soak up the theme in Omerta: City of Gangsters. A gangster simulator comes around every decade, and Omerta feels like a modernized version of Mob Rule or Constructor. It lacks the depth and detail of Gangsters, which gives it an uninspired feeling and simulation fanatics may lose interest after a couple missions. It isn’t for everyone, and it stumbles over its own feet with the multiple genres trying to share the spotlight. Omerta has little competition, and if you’re hankering to become "The Don" you always wanted to be then I’d recommend picking this up. If you want a deep simulation or strategy game, you’re better off sticking to watching Boardwalk Empire.
The Co-Optimus review of Omerta is based on the PC version of the game.
Verdict
Co-Op Score
Overall
The Co-Op Experience: Team up with a friend online to complete missions.
Co-Optimus game reviews focus on the cooperative experience of a game, our final score graphic represents this experience along with an average score for the game overall. For an explanation of our scores please check our Review Score Explanation Guide.