Crime Boss: Rockay City

Crime Boss: Rockay City is a 2023 organized crime first-person shooter developed by INGAME STUDIOS and published by 505 Games. Set in a neon-drenched, fictional 1990s Florida metropolis, the game serves as a playable homage to 90s action cinema and heist movies, featuring a massive ensemble cast of Hollywood icons from that era. The narrative follows Travis Baker (played by Michael Madsen), an ambitious gangster attempting to become the undisputed kingpin of Rockay City following the explosive demise of the previous crime boss. To claim the throne, players must pull off daring heists, manage illicit businesses, and violently conquer rival turf, all while evading the relentless pursuit of the righteous Sheriff Norris (played by Chuck Norris).

Gameplay

Crime Boss: Rockay City blends traditional first-person shooter heist mechanics—heavily drawing comparisons to the Payday franchise—with turf management and roguelite elements. The game is divided into three primary modes: the single-player roguelite campaign (“Baker’s Tale”), quick-play co-op heists (“Crime Time”), and narrative-driven co-op mini-campaigns (“Urban Legends”).

Key gameplay mechanics include:

• The Roguelite Campaign (Baker’s Tale): The core single-player mode is structured around runs. Players direct Travis Baker and his crew to attack rival gang territories, defend their own turf, and execute heists to fund their empire. Permadeath is a central mechanic; if Baker dies during a mission, the campaign resets. However, players earn permanent boss perks that make subsequent runs easier.
• Heists and Stealth: Missions range from simple smash-and-grab robberies at strip malls to massive, multi-tiered bank heists and armored truck hits. Players can attempt to complete these missions using stealth—subduing guards and disabling cameras—or go loud, triggering waves of heavily armed police and SWAT teams.
• Crew Management: As Baker’s empire grows, players can hire specialized crew members with unique weapons, perks, and traits. In the campaign, these crew members can be permanently killed if they fall in battle.
• Co-op Multiplayer: Up to four players can team up online in PvE modes to tackle standalone heists or string together a series of narrative missions, earning cash to unlock better weapons and cosmetic skins for their multiplayer avatars.

Development and Legacy

Developed by INGAME STUDIOS, a team based in Brno, Czech Republic, Crime Boss: Rockay City was explicitly designed to capture the campy, over-the-top energy of 1990s VHS action films. The game’s marketing leaned heavily into its star-studded voice and likeness cast, which includes Michael Madsen, Chuck Norris, Kim Basinger, Danny Glover, Danny Trejo, Michael Rooker, Vanilla Ice, and Damion Poitier.

Upon its release in March 2023, the game received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics. While the 90s aesthetic and the novel inclusion of roguelite elements in a heist shooter were noted as interesting concepts, the game was widely criticized for repetitive mission design, dated enemy artificial intelligence, and clunky, often cringeworthy dialogue that failed to fully utilize its legendary cast.

Despite the rocky launch, the developers committed to a robust post-launch roadmap. Over the following year, INGAME STUDIOS released numerous free updates that significantly overhauled the stealth mechanics, improved companion AI, added new missions, and rebalanced the roguelite economy. By the time the game launched on Steam in 2024, it had cultivated a dedicated cult following who appreciated its mindless, arcade-style action and improved state.

Key Features:

• Hollywood Action Cast — Play alongside and against 90s cinema legends, featuring the voices and likenesses of Michael Madsen, Chuck Norris, Danny Trejo, Vanilla Ice, and more.
• Roguelite Turf Wars — Experience a highly replayable single-player campaign where death resets your progress, but permanent upgrades help you slowly conquer the city map.
• Co-op Heisting — Team up with up to three friends online to execute loud and messy shootouts or quiet, tactical robberies.
• 90s Nostalgia — Immerse yourself in the bright neon lights, synth-heavy soundtrack, and unapologetic campiness of a retro Florida metropolis.
• Dynamic Empire Building — Manage your stolen cash, hire specialized thugs, and fence stolen goods to fund your rise to the top of the criminal underworld.

Release Platforms:

• Microsoft Windows (PC) via Epic Games Store — March 28, 2023
• PlayStation 5 — June 15, 2023
• Xbox Series X/S — June 15, 2023
• Microsoft Windows (PC) via Steam — June 18, 2024