REVIEW: The Godfather II

Developer: EA | Publisher: EA | Format: 360 and PS3

Reviewer: Craig Jay Gallagher

In the annals of film history The Godfather saga is revered as one of the all time greats. The three films detailed the evolution of the Mafia in America over a number of years during the evolution of modern America.

A few years back EA gave us the first Godfather game. The story retained many of the themes of the film while successfully expanding on the story through the introduction of a new character. The sequel takes somewhat of a different approach. While it takes place during rise of Michael Corleone it takes the story in a completely different direction to the film.

The story begins on the eve of New Years in 1959. The family has recently settled in Cuba intending to utilise the friendly government and expand the reach of the family empire. In the middle of the countdown to the new decade the it is announced that the revolutionaries have won the war. As wide spread panic sets in your first mission is to drive your boss Aldo, Michael and Fredo Corleone to the airport. On the way Aldo is killed by a sniper. On the plane back Michael informs you that you are one of the few people he trusts and with the death of Aldo all the families will be looking for a bit of Aldo’s action.

Starting out the initial missions are rather easy due in no small way to the fact that the game pretty much holds your hand and directs you. As you delve deeper into the game you find a deep and immersive experience. Gamers are able to take over any business that they wish, but to retain it you must hire the appropriate people to ensure that your interest are protected. As in real life when you take something the original owner won’t sit by and let you away with it. The process of taking over a business is relatively easy. You approach the person then through threats or violence force them to give up their business/. More business means more income which in turn leads to you being able to hire more muscle, upgrade skills, purchase items, etc.

It may seem overtly complex but thankfully there is a simple tool which makes it all manageable. The Don’s View allows you an overview of the city where you can find the locations of the missions, set way points and keep an eye on the business. The game has three area that you must control. It is here that the games weakness becomes evident. You find yourself doing the same things over and over again only in different locations. While the AI does seem to try and randomise events at times the game does feel quite repetitive.

From a graphics viewpoint Godfather 2 is really quite pretty. Many of the characters are instantly recognisable from the Films while others will have you scratching your head as you try to figure out who the hell they are. The score is fantastic retaining as it does Nino Rota’s classic theme. The score really enhances the action giving proceedings a cinematic feel unmatched by most games.

Like many games The Godfather 2 is quite hit an miss. The initial fell is of an immersive world in which you can do anything but as the game progresses you find yourself losing interest. While this reviewer has returned time and time again. It’s the felling of familiarity rather than excitement which draws you back.

The Godfather 2 is certainly a well above average game and one which offers a truly entertaining experience. The sheer amount of violence for the sake of it may put many gamers off but for those looking for an original and entertaining game then The Godfather 2 is a worthwhile investment. Now hopefully part 3 will be the Godfather 2 of games.