What do you get if you mix the magnificent first Godfather film with the hit Grand Theft Auto series?

A game with two gigantic reputations to live up to.

Does it look the part?

As ever with the Xbox 360 it’s not so much the crisp high-resolution graphics that impress as the enormous amount of explosions and special effects that ripple across the screen without slowing the action down a jot.

The characters from the film are faithfully realised but the lip-synching is a bit off and a few of them have that permanently constipated look that computer game characters tend to.

Realistic simulation or arcade fun?

It’s pretty damn good fun – various scenes from the film are recreated with real attention to detail, plus various twists to incorporate your character into the plot.

But there isn’t a great range of cars to drive and your driving skills are not the focal point of the game that they are in similar titles.

How does it play?

It suffers from some of the same failings as the current Grand Theft Auto games – namely, a ridiculously over complicated control system, and endless reminder messages that hold your hand throughout the entire game.

The most immersive and convincing games let you suspension your disbelief but The Godfather completely blows it by constantly telling you where to stand, how to shoot and how hard to hit a guy.

How much gaming will you get out of it?

There’s a great big chunk of New York to go explore and plenty of businesses to take over. But unlike Grand Theft Auto there aren’t the myriad sub-missions to keep you coming back for more. Or the wicked sense of humour.

Pole position or flaming wreck?

6/10 – GTA fans will love it – otherwise it feels like a cynical cash-in.

Author – Electronic Arts
Publisher – Electronic Arts
Available format(s) – Xbox 360, Xbox, PS2, PC, PSP
Price(s) – £49.99 (Xbox 360)
Format tested – Xbox 360

Review by Keith Collantine

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