The Godfather Game Review – PS2

From the beginning of this game you know you are playing something special. The attention to detail in 1940’s New York is incredible. Garbage flies through the streets, steam rises from the sewers, and pigeons roam the parks. In the distance from your home in Little Italy you can see the mighty Empire State Building.

The object of the game is to rise through the ranks of the Corleone family until you eventually become the Don. The game is made up of both linear and non-linear stories. At any time, you can follow the story or just go out and grow your criminal business.

The main currency in The Godfather is respect. You earn this by completing missions and taking over businesses and rackets. However, you must tread carefully as there are other gangster families who will not be happy if you move into their territory.
Push them too far and you will start a vendetta that will result in a gang war.

Throughout the main story, you’ll encounter various characters from the film, including the Don himself. Some of your missions will intersect with events that happened in the movie. This element really makes you part of the big picture.

The gangster style you play as can be fully customized right down to the look and clothing. As you gain Respect levels, you can spend points to improve a number of skills, such as fighting or shooting. The side missions are varied and you can choose more or less where you want to go. Stuck for cash? Get a stick of dynamite and rob the local bank. If you take this job, be careful as you will have cops around you from the moment you leave the bank.

To move around the city you can use vehicles such as your own car or if you want to kidnap someone else.

A warning to parents, this game is very much geared towards adults, which is why it carries an 18 year old certificate.

All things considered, I think anyone who plays this game will not be disappointed. It offers something for both movie fans and those new to the genre.

Misty Pathster Verdict – 9/10