Five Families
Five Families at your next game night?
Add Five Families to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Friedemann Friese
- Publisher Skellig Games , Queen Games
- Illustration Roman Kucharski
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
You lead one of the Five Families and fight for control of neighborhoods across New York, as the publisher describes. Expect area majority battles, managing income and followers, and using mobsters to secure strategic districts while balancing money and manpower. The play is driven by territorial influence, bidding conflicts and resource decisions, creating tense moments of negotiation and competition.
Who Is This Game For?
For experienced hobby players who enjoy thematic area-control and auction systems. Friedemann Friese is the listed designer. With 2–5 players and a playtime around 90 minutes, it suits groups that like multi-layered strategic interaction rather than light family fare. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
How It Works
Five Families combines Area Majority/Influence with Auction/Bidding and Income mechanics. Players place mobsters to contest neighborhood majorities, generate income to fund actions and bid for advantages. The interaction between territorial control and bidding phases creates shifting power dynamics across the city. Resource management and timing of bids are central to success.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Friedemann Friese and set in New York 1931, the game links a Mafia theme with a clear blend of area-control and auction mechanics. That mechanical pairing gives the title its tactical depth and distinguishes it from straightforward territory control games.
Pro
- Strong Mafia theme (New York 1931)
- Clear mix of Area Majority/Influence and Auction/Bidding
- Designer: Friedemann Friese
Contra
- Approx. 90 minutes may feel long for casual players
- Requires attention to income and influence balance; some learning curve
Setting & atmosphere
The game is set in New York City, 1931, among the criminal Five Families vying for the division of the city's neighborhoods. The publisher description frames the historical-mafia theme as central.
Tips for beginners
Focus on securing a few neighborhood majorities and maintaining steady income before expanding into many fronts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No. The game is listed for 2–5 players; a solo mode is not indicated.
How long does a game really take?
The listed duration is about 90 minutes; first plays including rule explanation may take longer.
What prior experience do I need?
Familiarity with area-control and auction mechanics is helpful; it targets the hobby/Kennerspiel audience.
How does this compare to similar games?
Five Families pairs Area Majority/Influence with Auction/Bidding in a Mafia setting, differentiating it from pure territory-control titles.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 10 it can be played by families, but the mechanical depth leans toward experienced players.
What mechanic makes it special?
The interaction of Area Majority/Influence with Auction/Bidding is the defining mechanic combo.
Fazit
Five Families is recommended for players who like thematic area-control with auction elements. Casual groups may find the combined mechanics demanding.
Five Families at your next game night?
Add Five Families to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Five Families to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
