Another GTA Clone......I like.
Upon hearing about the release of this game, I immediatley expected another attempt at using a major motion picture name to make sales with mediocre results at best. I hold standards very high when it comes to video games and was pleasantly surprised when this game surpassed my own standards. Immediately taken in by the graphics within the first few minutes of gameplay, I was careful to not get to excited until I was able to judge the game on plot, control and overall gameplay. Needless to say after all was revealed I was exstatic. I kept on playing through the game waiting for the part where I would find out I got burnt out of another $40. I couldn't believe that a movie motion picture game could actually be this great. Disappointment never came. The game entices you into a world of stunning graphics, terrific storyline, missions and overall fantastic gameplay. This coming from a person that like many, has gotten burnt too many times on hyped up games, thus has made me very critical when it comes to saying anything nice about a game. I am very close to completion of the game. I would estimate about 40 hours to complete. Although you can extend this by going off on your own and doing what you want for as long as you want.
Gameplay:
WHERE TO START! You are just another thug on the street who is recruited by the Corleone family to take on some small jobs. You quickly work your way through the ranks gaining respect and bigger jobs from the Corleone family. The game features many of your favorite scenes from the movie so you won't be disappointed. The difference is that you will now play a role in famous scenes that you enjoyed in the movie. Hyjack cars, extort businesses for money, extort rackets, use your fists or guns to influence those who don't pay up, invest your money in safe houses, weapons, take on contract hits, rob banks, throw someone off a bridge or just shoot up the town. It's all your choice with free linear gameplay. As you move up so will the respect people on the street and business owners have for you when they bump into you. As you progress, some business owners will gladly hand you money just knowing your reputation for not taking no for an answer. Controls are right on target with games like "Call of Duty" or "Medal of Honor." Except this actually has a feature that stands out which is targeting your opponent. You can keep firing whether they are on the run or not without readjusting you aim. You can switch easily from target to target by tapping the L button. I also liked that while driving in a vehicle you don't have to pay attention to traffic lights and can ram anything you want and speed as fast as you want without the police constantly trying to take you down. Although if you run over too many people or start too many shootouts in the streets, they will begin to take an interest. This is where bribing a cop comes in handy so they turn a blind eye and give you even more free reign. You can upgrade you attributes, weapons and even the clothes on your back. The clothing you can purchase at the tailor shop is seemingly unlimited. Vests, dress shirts, hats, shoes, glasses etc. You can make yourself look more repectable then the president in flashy suits and ties or wear rolled up sleeves and a hat and look like Bruce Willis from the movie "Last Man Standing." You can create your own character which has seemingly unlimited detail of every feature of the face that you could make a duplicate of anybodys face. I was so impressed with the reactions from people that change as you change. A lot of people go from treating you rudely to quickly changing their tune later in the game to "Good day Sir." There is so much more about the game it is impossible to mention everything here.
Graphics:
Graphics are stunning from the start. Movie clips during missions and plots as they play out are right on the money. The characters faces of all your favorites are right on target. It will tickle you when they cut to a movie scene that you remember but, this time you see the character you created involoved in the scence. Cars take on damage! The game is astounding!
Sound:
The Godfather theme music is all in here. Gun sounds, explosions and voices all on target. Sounds of honking horns, people talking on the street make you feel like it is a reality. Even local clubs will be playing background music of some good "oldies" songs. No music totally stands out but, everything fits the game perfectly.