Crime Boss: Rockay City had the potential to captivate players with its nostalgic setting and Payday-inspired gameplay. However, much like the bleached hair and dial-up internet of its era, the game falls short in both aesthetics and technical prowess.
The visuals are lackluster, and the game is plagued by embarrassing performances, making it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the experience. Despite some engaging cutscenes reminiscent of a car crash you can’t look away from, the overall quality is marred by regular bugs, repetitive missions, and unremarkable action sequences.
While the concept of a heist game set in the era of the ’92-’93 Dallas Mavericks is intriguing, Crime Boss: Rockay City fails to deliver a satisfying experience. In its current state, it is nearly impossible to recommend this title to gamers seeking an engaging and well-executed crime adventure.
Meet Travis Baker – The Badass Charmer
In Crime Boss Rockay City, players take on the role of Travis Baker, a charismatic and ambitious man with his sights set on becoming the new king of Rockay City after the demise of the previous crime boss. With the open vacancy for a new king, Travis and his crew must navigate a fierce turf war, face rival gang bosses, and outsmart the righteous Sheriff Norris, played by Chuck Norris, to claim the crown.
The World of Rockay City
The game is set in a 90s-inspired Rockay City, where players will find a few familiar faces, such as Michael Madsen, Kim Basinger, Damion Poitier, Michael Rooker, Vanilla Ice, Danny Glover, and Danny Trejo. These characters, along with a host of nameless thugs, create an immersive experience that transports players back in time.
Gameplay – Beyond the Glamour
Crime Boss Rockay City offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, including a single-player roguelite campaign and cooperative heists. Players can either go solo or team up with real people to execute daring missions, expand their turf, and grow their empire.
The game’s core mechanics revolve around stealth, gunplay, and strategy. However, some players may find the gameplay repetitive and uninspired, with rudimentary mechanics and occasional run-ending bugs.
The Look and Feel of the 90s: The game’s visuals and aesthetics are designed to make players feel like they’re in the 90s, with a retro vibe that permeates throughout Rockay City. The soundtrack also features classic 90s tracks, further enhancing the nostalgic atmosphere.
Storyline – Fighting for the Throne
In Crime Boss Rockay City, the story is made more engaging by the inclusion of various subplots and rivalries. Travis Baker must face off against enemies like Nasara, Hielo, Push, Dare, Jupiter, and the Dollar Dragon in his quest to become the new king of Rockay City.
The game also introduces new characters, such as Wiz and his gang, who ended up in Rockay City and need help pulling off different jobs to get back on top. By working with these characters, players can fully experience their life of crime and develop their skills and expertise.
Challenges and Drawbacks
Despite its engaging storyline and immersive world, Crime Boss Rockay City has its fair share of challenges and drawbacks. Some players may find the game’s AI lacking, with rival gangs and law enforcement (including Sheriff Norris) often coming off as rudimentary and predictable. Additionally, the game’s difficulty curve can be steep for some, leading to frustration and disappointment.
Moreover, while the game’s roguelike elements add an element of unpredictability, they can also result in repetitive gameplay for some players.
Conclusion
Crime Boss Rockay City is an ambitious attempt to capture the essence of organized crime and the turf war in a video game. With its immersive world, engaging storyline, and familiar faces, it offers an entertaining experience for fans of crime games. However, some players may find its repetitive gameplay and technical issues detracting from the overall experience. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that.
