The Godfather
Published by: FinalCloud on 2007-01-13
Page Views: 196
Rating: 8/10
I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse...
For those who don't know or haven't guessed, this is the game based on the original Godfather films (which for anyone that hasn't seen them, you must watch). You are taken under the wing of Don Vito Corleone, or The Godfather as he's known, leader of the Corleone family and the head of one of the nation’s most famous criminal organizations. Under his wisdom and guidance you will extort businesses, assassinate members of rival families, take over rackets, bribe corrupt cops and FBI agents until you work your way up to Don of NYC!!
Gameplay
Ok, so this style of 3rd person drive and shoot genre is a tried and tested winner. Since the days of Tomb Raider and more recently GTA, titles by the hundreds have come out trying to best the previous hits. So, with this in mind, does this game beat say GTA: SA? Well, honestly, no. But thats not to say it hasn''''t made a good effort. Avoiding first of all the storyline and extortion elements, the game feels like a stripped version of GTA. Getting in and out of vehicles can be clumsy and cost you valuable time if your being shot at. Camera angles can at times be off putting and might not give you the best view of the action. The game does redeem itself though. Its weapon system, aiming and firing are fluid which definitely helps in a firefight. A bit like Scarface the game employs a lock-on system, allowing you to adjust whereabouts on the enemy you hit.
The missions are in depth and challenging with plenty of side missions to keep you occupied. Extorting businesses and threatening the local public offer a great deal of satisfaction and will hold your attention right to the end.
Controls
 The game has a physical hand to hand fighting system, which basically involves wiggling the right stick up and down. While this may sound off putting or inconvienient, it works really well and gives you a sense of actually throwing the punches yourself. As I said earlier, the lock-on for weapons makes it quick and easy to identify enemies before unloading your clip into their chest or head. Driving vehicles is a simple process, much like Scarface or GTA, although at low speeds the cars do seem to be over sensitive. Unlike the GTA series, there is no jump, although in fairness, you wouldn't use it too often even if there was.
Sound
First of all, the voice acting in this game is right on the money. It captures the accents and speech of the time perfectly. It could almost have been taken straight from the film. The interactivuty and communication between characters is exactly what you'd expect from EA, spot on. However, I do have a quibble about the audio. The music tracks and tunes are bland and boring, almost unfortunately to the point where if they were left out of the game, you'd barely notice the difference. Sometimes the audio is too loud when people are talking and you just wish you could turn it off. Other than that, the sound effects match what they should be and enhance the game.
Overall
So, overall, what do I think? The Godfather is a great game on the whole. Its pluses far outweigh its minuses and you feel involved and commited to the gameplay. This is greatly enhanced by a great fighting system. There seem to be a flux of film-related titles hitting the stores lately, but I'm pleased to say that The Godfather is not one to drift into the background. Its creativity and innovative fighting style will hold 3rd person gurus and Godfather fans, this is a must.
The only thing left to say is....Welcome to the family.....
8/10
Related Link: Official The Godfather Website
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