Mad Dogs with Guns

In 1919, the US Government declared the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol illegal. America officially became a ‘dry’ land. That didn’t stop people from drinking, however, and the rise of the ‘speakeasy’ offered huge new opportunities for organized crime. Soon, cities both large and small became battlegrounds as various crime syndicates vied for control of the underground alcohol trade. In Mad Dogs With Guns, players form their own small gangs of fedora-wearing, tommy gun-wielding gangsters and battle it out with their rivals. With numerous different gangs to choose from, including cops and G-men, a fully integrated campaign system, and rules for special situations such as car chases, the game offers a huge variety of tactical challenges. Bribe public officials, attend a gangland funeral, but always watch your back – there is always another gang waiting to poach your territory…

Mad Dogs With Guns is a card-driven, tabletop skirmish wargame set during the Prohibition-era 1920s and 30s, where players control rival gangs (mobsters, cops, G-men) battling for control of illegal liquor rackets in a city called Paradise. The game features a campaign system, rules for vehicles and car chases, and mechanics like bribery and public outrage to capture the narrative and excitement of the gangster era.

Gameplay

Card-Driven:

The game is activated by drawing cards from a deck; suits of cards activate individual characters, while face cards activate entire sides.
Skirmish Wargame:

Players manage small gangs of characters (mobsters, cops, private eyes, etc.), with each figure having specific stats and skills.
Narrative Focus:

The game emphasizes narrative flow and the spirit of the era through its rules, artwork, and integrated campaign system.
Campaign System:

Players can develop their gang over time, taking over rackets, bribing officials, and generating income, but must manage a “public outrage” score that can bring in the police or Feds.
Vehicle Rules:

The rules include mechanics for running car chases and shooting from vehicles.

Setting and Theme

Prohibition Era:

The game is set during the 1920s and 1930s in America, a period of illegal alcohol production and distribution, leading to a rise in organized crime.
Gangster World:

Players step into the shoes of “mad-dog mobsters” and “crooked cops,” engaging in activities like running basement breweries and dodging Tommy Guns and private eyes.
Thematic Elements:

The game incorporates thematic elements such as speakeasies, paid-off politicians, gangland funerals, and the constant threat of rival gangs.

Key Features

Variety of Gangs:

Players can choose from various types of gangs, including different gangster syndicates, police forces, and G-men.
Special Situations:

The rules cover special scenarios, such as car chases, allowing for a wide range of tactical challenges.
Cinematic Experience:

The game is designed to be exciting and cinematic, keeping the pace fast and the narrative flowing.