Anytime anyone mentions the movie “The Godfather“, it’s serious business. So, as I just checked out “The Godfather, The Game” for the XBOX 360, I seriously hoped that they didn’t muck it up. Here’s what I found:
First off.. Electronic Arts is the developer. No gripes against that, although they’ve been slackin’ on their sports games lately.
Story:
This game really excels in the story; it follows plotlines from the movie and the character you play is peripheral to the overall story. Nevertheless, your character meshes in well and you’ll get to interact with figures from the movie. My first few missions were handling business for Luca Brasi right before he slept with the fishes… so that was pretty cool.
Character:
You’ll be able define the look of your character from the hair style all the way to the size of the nostrils. EA definitely has this part of the game down pat.
Voice Acting:
They’ve got real voice acting from Marlon Brando himself - he recorded the dialogue before his death in 2004. Some of the other characters have OK voices and leave a little to be desired.
Graphics:
Meh… It handles a lot of people on screen at once and there aren’t load times as you go through Manhattan, but I expected a little more from a X360 game. The style and depiction of New York City is awesome though and you really feel immersed into the world. The old school cars and clothes of everyday New Yorkers are on point.
Gameplay:
The game handles well and the “on foot” to vehicle experience is seamless (a la Grand Theft Auto). It’s a little difficult to aim weapons, but the ducking and wall-hugging features allow you to be pretty adept at takin’ out mobsters. The hand to hand combat is done a little better - and you can really perform some nice combos when knocking someone’s lights out.
Extras:
There’s also an extortion feature, where you’re able to take over small business and intimidate them through words and er, violence. Depending on how well you do it, you can either secure permanent income from them or push them over the edge, forcing you to take them out. I’ve gotta say, it was definitely cool to walk into a barbershop and demand some $ just cause I’m down with the Corleones. You also have to watch out for enemies, rival families, and crooked cops. You don’t get much weapon selection early in the game, so steer clear of foes with tommy guns and shotguns at their disposal. Oh, and any crimes will put you on police radar… unless, of course, you’ve paid off the right people! In fact, if you’ve bribed the right people, the police will fight on your side in certain neighborhoods.
All in all, people should check this one out. I give it an 8 out of 10 on the fun meter and definitely am looking forward to rising up even more in the family.
