New York City, early 1995.

The great drug kingpin Fat Cat Nichols has been arrested and sentenced to life, effectively leaving all his territory for grabs. Gangster rap is giving young brothers inspiration, and soon, crews all over NYC begin making power moves. From unorganized crews to the Five Families, everyone wants a bit of power..

And then there's you, who will not stop at anything until seize power.. Or perhaps you'll carry out other activities? Selling guns is a lucrative business, illegal gambling is too.. The world is yours.. But be careful, law enforcement's gonna come down if you mess up.

Of course, there are some players to look out for, such as:

• Venetti Family: Italian mob, has recently become the most powerful of the five families. Led by the first female Don, Vera Venetti, known for being one of the youngest yet most ruthless dons ever. Has been looking to expand into other neighborhoods. Affiliated with the 125th Street Crew and the Irish Mob. Has the most power and pull of all the other gangs.

• Lenox Ave Crew: Led by Jamal "Bloodshot" Gracy, African American gang based off Malcolm X Boulevard. Known for having a group of hitmen known as "Da Leadas of Lenox", which is mostly composed of black servicemen.

• 125th Street: Led by Treyvon "Killa Black" Stokes. African American gang based off of 125th Street. Most neutral of the gangs, avoids conflict wherever possible, but holds a special position due to their allyship with the Venetti Family.

• Queensbridge Murder Unit: Led by Isaiah "I-D" Durham. African American gang based off of Queensbridge. Known for their violent approach to business, have been recently having issues with the NYPD busting their operations, but remain strong.

• Yamaguchi-gumi: Led by twin sister-brother duo, Satsuki and Iori Yamaguchi, two of the youngest oyabuns in Yakuza history. Set up ops in NYC at behest of their father, Shinjiro Yamaguchi.

• Irish Mob: Led by Patrick Flanaghan. Based off of Bay Ridge, allies to the Venetti Family and 125th St.