Yesterday, a new Facebook app was launched: Gangster City (http://apps.facebook.com/gangstercity/). This flash-based app is a role playing mafia game produced by Playfish.

The game starts with a comic book style storytelling, where the player’s character just discovered that his father was part of the mob and was killed. The police didn’t really touch the case, so the killer is still on the loose. So the player must then find out what happened and avenge his dad.

The character will be aided, initially, by Mickey. He will be providing missions to complete. Missions require energy and sometimes equipment (1 unit of energy is replenished every minute). During a mission, there is a single panel, comic book style fight that will let the player know how many points he or she has lost. If the mission is to steal a car, the user will see his or her character hotwiring the ignition. If the player is successful, he or she receives money, experience points, and occasionally items for future use.

When the character levels up, the player receives skill points. These points may be used to improve attack and defense ratings, as well as maximum energy. Leveling up also unlocks new missions and items.

Characters are also allowed to purchase properties that will allow them to earn money. Users will be able to see these in the game’s city map.

Players can also add friends to join their mob as Associates or Family Members. Doing this gives the players better stats and Family Jobs become available to complete.

Although new, the game now has over 500 monthly active users, of which 455 are fans, and an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5!

The game definitely has a good start. Hopefully, Playfish will keep the momentum going.