Concept Grand Theft Auto: Cosa Nostra

[Francesco Bonomo]

Happy to see this concept get some attention. @E Revere really did a great job and I can only hope to see more from this in the near future.

[Akaviri]

Great ideas you've got. I like the premise, however there are a few major discrepancies that I think should be fixed. Someone already pointed out that Jane Hopper is nowhere old enough in LCS to justify being alive in 1959, let alone of adult age. Why not remove her and reinstate a new character... her father, Jimmy Hopper. It would explain Jane's unwavering adamancy in LCS, with union pride in her blood. Base this father of hers on Jimmy Hoffa, as it would bring in some influence from real-life events. Jimmy Hoffa was closely associated with the American mafia and he was known for his charisma, as well as being a stubborn bastard.

 

My other suggestion would be to left-align your text so it reads a little easier. Centering paragraphs doesn't always work well on the eyes.

[E Revere]

6 hours ago, Akaviri said:

Great ideas you've got. I like the premise, however there are a few major discrepancies that I think should be fixed. Someone already pointed out that Jane Hopper is nowhere old enough in LCS to justify being alive in 1959, let alone of adult age. Why not remove her and reinstate a new character... her father, Jimmy Hopper. It would explain Jane's unwavering adamancy in LCS, with union pride in her blood. Base this father of hers on Jimmy Hoffa, as it would bring in some influence from real-life events. Jimmy Hoffa was closely associated with the American mafia and he was known for his charisma, as well as being a stubborn bastard.

 

My other suggestion would be to left-align your text so it reads a little easier. Centering paragraphs doesn't always work well on the eyes.

I actually have a lot of ideas on what to change about this but I'm currently in the same boat as @sabitsuki, in university and unable to work on it.

 

I'll think about your suggestion but this concept and its companion piece Badfellas has had a lot of things inscribed into its core. Making one change will also mean we'll have to change a ton of other things. That might be difficult. Jimmy Hoffa is actually already in the concept, under the name Frank Lynch. I just haven't had the time to make that more clear. I should be able to do some work after the midterms are over, which should be in one to three weeks.

 

Thanks for the comment.

[The Coconut Kid]

2 hours ago, E Revere said:

I actually have a lot of ideas on what to change about this but I'm currently in the same boat as @sabitsuki, in university and unable to work on it.

Also in this boat at the moment. Let me wish the pair of you good luck.

 

2 hours ago, E Revere said:

I'll think about your suggestion but this concept and its companion piece Badfellas has had a lot of things inscribed into its core. Making one change will also mean we'll have to change a ton of other things. That might be difficult. Jimmy Hoffa is actually already in the concept, under the name Frank Lynch. I just haven't had the time to make that more clear.

The Jimmy Hopper idea is wicked. I have had the same thoughts about Jane's reappearance. But you two know your plans and I'm sure what you have will work out. I'll look forward to seeing more after your exams.

 

It's also good to know Mr. B is still around. Hopefully we'll see more of Badfellas in the future too.

[VenusianDream]

Nice concept, I always wanted to see what a 1950s GTA game would be like and this alongside Badfellas has captured the 3D Era mafia perfectly. I really hope you continue working on this.

[E Revere]

On 4/5/2022 at 9:21 AM, VenusianDream said:

Nice concept, I always wanted to see what a 1950s GTA game would be like and this alongside Badfellas has captured the 3D Era mafia perfectly. I really hope you continue working on this.

Thanks a bunch. Be ready for much more. I'm finally relighting this candle. The latest mission has been updated.

 

 

[wise_man]

On 10/30/2021 at 2:10 PM, E Revere said:

As for VC, I'm not sure. It could be done but I don't know if anything noteworthy happened during that time besides the Cuban Revolution and its effecte on Miami-Dade. Other than that, maybe the Trafficante family. Each GTA is purposefully set during an iconic time for crime, a time when a certain type of crime was on its peak and such. With VC, Latin-American drug syndicates taking over Miami, with SA it's African-American gangs and the rap game. With IV, it's Russian crime syndicates. What would be theme for VC? It would have more to do with the Cold War than crime, I feel like. A theme fit more for Agent (R.I.P.) than GTA.

Based on that direction, IMO Tampa / Cottonmouth will be more plausible for "vintage, mafia-themed" GTA in South Florida. 1920-1940s if we want to explore Trafficante's rise of power and the "Era of Blood". If you think it's too far from usual GTA tradition, or want something sets after the WW2, then pick 1950s when Trafficante returns to Tampa from Cuba. Hell, Havana itself would be a great setting for 1950s mob scenes.

 

1960s VC will be more about Jewish mob activities in Vice Beach. But, as far as I've read, Miami's crime history is quite obsecure before the drug war.

 

Anyway, nice to see this up again.

Edited June 22 by wise_man

[E Revere]

4 hours ago, wise_man said:

Based on that direction, IMO Tampa / Cottonmouth will be more plausible for "vintage, mafia-themed" GTA in South Florida. 1920-1940s if we want to explore Trafficante's rise of power and the "Era of Blood". If you think it's too far from usual GTA tradition, or want something sets after the WW2, then pick 1950s when Trafficante returns to Tampa from Cuba. Hell, Havana itself would be a great setting for 1950s mob scenes.

 

1960s VC will be more about Jewish mob activities in Vice Beach. But, as far as I've read, Miami's crime history is quite obsecure before the drug war.

You certainly seem to know more about the subject than me. My more dominant argument is the lack of leeway into the satirical nature of GTA. GTA is set in a universe where, to put it lightly, everyone is a horrible human being in as many ways as possible (which, in some ways, is just a more honest and outspoken reflection of how real people can be) which, seen as we like to view the 50's (and beyond) as a time of respect and formality, it immediately clashes with the satirical naratives of GTA. As I said, I cannot imagine the aforementioned kind of people existing alongside the highly serious culture of the 40's. I've once seen a comment on this forum somewhere about someone proposing a theory that GTA is a world where medieval values were never abandoned. That might be true. I'm instantly reminded of that.

Edited June 22 by E Revere

[E Revere]

Mission #7: Get the Pricedown

Salvatore comes back home, shuts the door behind him with the ashes of his cigar buliding up at his hand. His eyes drawn to the highlight of the latest Liberty Tree issue weighing his eyes down. He shoves the paper aside and rushes to get his hands on the phone so he can dial up his uncle's home. It rings a few times, but makes connection.

 

Sal: Hello?

Mrs. Leone: Sal?

Sal: Hey, zia. How're you doing?

Mrs. Leone: Just fine, càru mio. You lookin' for your Uncle?

Sal: Yeah, it'd be great if you could put him on. Tell him it's important.

Mrs. Leone: Alright, càru. Vito! Your nephew wants you! Says it's important. He'll be over in a minute. Remember, I'm still expecting you over here for dinner. Don't you neglect your zia. Look after yourself, alright? [Uncle gets to the phone soon enough.]

Uncle: What could be so urgent, Salvatore? Has the trash spilled?

Sal: No, but you could say it's expanded.

Uncle: I hope you it wasn't your fault the trash bag shook.

Sal: No, no. It's uuuh... The frog jumped over the puddle, know what I mean?

Uncle: Dear Madonna. What the f*ck is the matter with you? You start writing fairytales? Come talk to me over dinner tonight. Don't delay it any further. It's almost six anyhow.

Sal: Alright, alright. But don't go anywhere.

Uncle: I'm not going anywhere without having my nephew over. It's a promise. Alright? Ciao.

 

Sal puts the phone down. He sets his eyes back on the newly infamous paper and tears it off so he can take it to Uncle. Before he can step towards the door, a crackling noise comes from his bedroom door on the far corner. Sal's eyes open wide and his hands instinctively jump for his pistol. With it firmly grasped between his fingers, he begins taking the lightest of light steps towards the door. Strongly clutching the doorknob, he turns it sending a gust of wind into the living room to plant the gun between the eyes of his unwelcome guest. But his eyes only open wider and a heavy breathe escapes his mouth, for the intruder is none other than Sal's old and wildest friend, Crazy Al di Tullio.

 

Crazy Al: This your idea of a warm welcome?

Sal: Loonie f*ckin' Al? What the f*ck's the matter with you? You think this is a f*cking game? What do I look like, a f*cking jester?

Crazy Al: Sorry, Sal. You know how it is. And it's Crazy Al.

Sal: Unfortunately, I do. When'd you come back anyway?

Crazy Al: Just now, actually.

Sal: I thought you was still a black f*cking mark on your forehead. What happened? Want a beer?

Crazy Al: Sure. Well, again, you know how it is. You make some new friends. People change their minds. sh*t happens, you know?

Sal: Around you, it happens too f*cking much. You're like a goddamn bear, marking every neighbourhood with your scent.

Crazy Al: Ha ha. When did you get so damn funny? Oh, and what's the rush? You know, I met this guy. Terrific man. You two gotta-

Sal: Hey, I'm sure we gotta, Al. But I'm called for other stuff today. Make yourself at home Beer's in the fridge. Funny papers are on the counter. Knock yourself out. We'll catch up later.

Crazy Al: Alright, sh*t! I guess I'll see you later?

 

After reconnecting with his buddy, Sal must make it to his Uncle's place over on Callahan, overlooking where there's a deli in 1998. He must make it before 7, otherwise he'll miss dinner. When he makes it, his Zia Mariana opens the door, and greets him. A prestigious local of Saint Mark's with origins in Eastern Sicily. Sal is taken into his Uncle's house. A latest design apartment, built according to luxurious designs in Florence, it stands out in the middle of the yank-filled street. It could almost be called a suite.

 

Mariana: Salvatore, welcome. [They kiss each other on the cheek.]

Sal: Thank you, Zia.

Mariana: Don't even mention it, càru mio. How're you doing?

Sal: I'm great, better now that I've seen you.

Mariana: God bless you, sal. [in Italian] Vittorio, look who's here!

Uncle: Welcome, my nephew. [Uncle shakes his hand.] Come, have a seat. The food's ready.

Sal: Sure, Uncle. By the way, about that thing-

Uncle: What's your rush? We'll talk about it after.

Sal: Yeah, but-

Uncle: [In Italian.] Don't be improper, kid! We're having dinner now. [Mariana is visibly shaken, but says nothing.]

 

In spite of Uncle's unlighting the mood, the three start eating. A main serving of Pasta alla boscaiola with a simple salad on the side. The food is great. It's the family that's lacking. It would be proper if they were mother, father and son, but instead of a son there's the orphaned nephew, which also contributes to the sulky atmosphere. Sal remembers his cousin Verano quite vividly, an inseparable constituent of his eventful childhood. He'd go to his house up the street almost every day when they were kids back in the village. But now, it's an incomplete dinner as much as it's an incomplete household. Sal can't help but address the elephant in the room. How's Verano doing? He asks. He gets no response. No eye contact. This gives him all the answers he needs. Instead, Uncle brings up the food, asking Sal if he likes it, to which Sal says 'Of course. Anything is delicious when my Zia's hand has touched it.'. Mariana smiles, and wishes for his blessing all she can. After dinner's served, Sal and Uncle sit in the living room together, both with cigars in hand, while Mariana is busy in the kitchen.

 

Uncle: So, Salvatore. Have you take care of your latest job?

Sal: Yeah. About that, I've learnt some things you need to know about that.

Uncle: What have you found out?

Salvatore takes out the half-crumpled paper out of his pocket, and showcases various highlights.

Sal: Look at that. He knows about some of our recent shipments. That steel factory we handled. It's all there. He's even written some crap about the price of raw iron rising and its effects on inflation because of us too.

Uncle: Have you found out his motivators?

Sal: He directed his last breaths at the Calabrese across the water.

Uncle: [takes a heavy whiff of his cigar] Salvatore. Alberico is a man of many sinful talents but he's not good with connections. His name is besmirched even among his own family.

Sal: Besmirched? Uncle, it's 1959, not 1823.

Uncle: Shut it. You were too hasty with Timbers. And after I especially trusted my closest nephew to do such an important job. He knew much more. This mess could be senatorial.

Sal: I did my f*ckin' best, Uncle. What do you want from me?

Uncle: What I want? If you have nothing else to share, you can go. I'll have my hands full for a while. Come meet me tomorrow with Sally at the usual place. There's just one important matter I have with you. After that, see to him for a bit. He'll take care of you.

Sal: Hold on, Uncle. You're dismissing me over this?

Uncle: Salvatore. Please leave, at once. [Uncle gives him a stern look.]

 

Salvatore, mind uneased, leaves his Uncle's place after saying goodbye to his Zia. He cannot tell what's bothering Uncle so. He's always been strict and hard-up, but he's always been in control. This time, he's showing his emotions not because of his principles but out of stress. More will be revealed in the meeting tomorrow. For now:

 

MISSION PASSED

You now have two options. You could meet Uncle tomorrow as intended, or go home and catch up with Crazy Al.

Edited July 5 by E Revere

[Akaviri]

That mission read very nicely, especially Salvatore's dialogue. You've got his smart ass remarks down pat. Frank Vincent would be proud.

 

Being on time for a Sicilian family dinner? A matter of life and death - no further action sequences needed.

 

Great title too, the reference was not lost on me! 

[E Revere]

9 hours ago, Akaviri said:

That mission read very nicely, especially Salvatore's dialogue. You've got his smart ass remarks down pat. Frank Vincent would be proud.

 

Being on time for a Sicilian family dinner? A matter of life and death - no further action sequences needed.

 

Great title too, the reference was not lost on me! 

Thanks a bunch. I did my best.