Are you ready for a crime-filled adventure in the fantastical noir Prohibition era? Subsurface Games is back with a standalone sequel to their hit game, With a Smile & a Gun, called Puppets in High Places. The Kickstarter campaign has just launched, with a funding goal of CA$ 3,700!
In Puppets in High Places, players are transported to the gritty streets of Gattory City, where mob bosses are vying for control of City Hall. Will you be the one to manipulate the VIPs with threats and bribes to gain the upper hand?
We had the opportunity to try out a prototype of the game and it definitely has a unique charm that piqued our interest. The final version promises to be even more captivating!
What’s in the box?
The game will include rulebooks in both English and French, 15 street cards (featuring neighborhoods, downtown, and speakeasies), turf tokens, solo cards, player aids, and more. The components are designed to immerse you in the noir atmosphere of the game.
![Puppets in High Places box, the game board laid out, and four dice on the speakeasy board.](https://www.thefandomentals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/box.png)
Additionally, the game features back alley tiles, gifts, smiles, guns, dice, goons, and more. The components are not only functional but also visually appealing, adding to the overall gaming experience.
How’s it Play?
Puppets in High Places introduces an evolving rondel mechanic and a tug-of-war element where players compete to score VIPs represented by colored dice. The strategic gameplay revolves around manipulating these VIPs to gain points and achieve victory.
Players will navigate the city, gathering resources to sway the VIPs in their favor. By strategically placing goons and using gifts and bribes, you can influence the outcome of each round and edge closer to victory.
The game offers an engaging two-player experience, with a solo mode available for those seeking a solo gaming challenge. The alternating street and speakeasy rounds keep the gameplay dynamic and engaging.
Overall, Puppets in High Places is a promising addition to Subsurface Games’ lineup, offering a blend of strategy and thematic immersion. Whether you’re a fan of noir aesthetics or strategic gameplay, this game is sure to captivate your interest.
Don’t miss out on the Kickstarter campaign for Puppets in High Places, with early bird rewards and exclusive perks for backers. Join the criminal underworld of Gattory City and make your mark in the high-stakes world of mob bosses and VIP manipulation!
Images and review courtesy of Subsurface Games
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