First Encounter

Bada-bing—just like that, Electronic Arts is turning a cornerstone of American cinema into the world's most ambitious Mafia simulator. Meet The Godfather™ The Game, loosely based on Francis Ford Coppola's groundbreaking 1972 film, that was initially inspired by author Mario Puzo's literary masterpiece. Casting you as a custom-made member of the Corleone family, with facial features, hair color, etc. that can all be tweaked via the game's "MobFace" character editing utilities. This open-ended, third-person action-adventure takes place over a 10-year span. Set in New York City between 1945 and 1955, you'll follow a branching storyline while working your way up the underworld ranks using force, diplomacy and the occasional kneecapping.

Say hello to my little friend!

Think True Crime: Streets of LA or Grand Theft Auto as seen through the eyes of a goombah. Starting out as a lowly enforcer, you'll shake down storekeepers, intimidate small-time hoods and rough up the citizenry. Complete various mission goals (e.g. drive-bys, bank robberies, and extortion attempts) which intertwine with events depicted in the movie, and you'll slowly advance through organization's chain of command. But beware: every action you make, from punching or pistol-whipping political rivals to peacefully resolving issues through negotiation, has lasting consequences. While violently assaulting butchers and bakers may raise your reverence amongst the local populace, jumping competing crews could result in random assassination attempts or longer-lasting squabbles over territorial rights.

Kidneys or lungs… your choice.

Keep in mind that a true don cannot rule through fear alone—he must also inspire respect in both enemies and associates alike. While favoring wars of words or leaning towards heavy-handed tactics are good ways to see the title's multiple endings, a balanced plan of attack appears the most recommendable approach. Put the squeeze on small business owners, instill terror in the hearts, then ease back and collect your blood money as well as information on upcoming jobs. Treat fellow faction leaders well, honor your bargains, but don't be afraid to blow their brains out of the back of their heads when lines are crossed. However you play, just know this: it'll have an immediate effect upon the world around you. 

You like the nightlife? Step into the in-game universe. Nightclubs, hotels, trash-strewn streets overlooked by crumbling tenements; you'll feel like you've stepped right onto the set of your favorite mobster flick. Wandering block after block inhabited by strolling pedestrians, pushcart vendors and scumbags in suits, the spirit of the times is expertly evoked. Period-specific weapons, i.e. knives, baseball bats and tommy guns, also add a nice touch, as does the presence of giant-sized autos made in the USA, which roll along with a throaty rumble. And it's not like the action is confined to on-foot rambles down yesterday's avenues either; driving sequences are featured as well.

The gang's all here.

In addition, many of the actors from the motion picture reprise their original roles, adding authenticity in the form of voice-overs and likenesses. Among noteworthy cameos: Marlon Brando (Don Vito Corleone), James Caan (Sonny Corleone), and Robert Duvall (Tom Hagen). Over 100 new minutes of music from Academy Award winning composer Bill Conti and Emmy Award winning counterpart Ashley Irwin are featured to boot, as is the film's classic soundtrack.

Still, it's the brutal beatings that really separate the title from more modern contemporaries such as NARC® or Mercenaries™. Trashing a neighborhood resident's store fail to get the message across? Grab the stubborn fool and start wailing into them using the analog sticks and shoulder buttons. Punches, kicks, head-smashes, knees, uppercuts … stun victims, then beat or strangle them into submission as the mood strikes. You can even turn brute force or the strength of your influence against the cops. Put the fuzz in a headlock, and little issues like murder witnesses or even public shootouts in the streets against enemies whose businesses you're trying to annex won't slow your roll.

Sorry, no kiss of death on the first date.

The action's just starting to heat up.

The more morally unencumbered you are, the greater the money and renown that rolls in. So don't be afraid to bend a few rules – or break a few bones by heaving bodies off of rooftops – on your rise to infamy. It's a dirty job, but hey… the Barzini, Cuneo, Stracci, and Tattaglia families don't play fair either. And here, as in the real world, it's gonna take strength, smarts and a truckload of firepower if you plan on being Don some day. Capiche?

Article by Chris Zimmerman