The Godfather is a suprising good game and show us EA is more then Hip-Hop street racers and Pig Skin Simulations.
The Game play can best be described as a GTA clone for some people, but really it doesn't feel like it is trying to copy GTA and that EA is trying to separate it's game from the rest.
The create-a-character while I wasn't addicted to what my character looks like should please fans of this particular option, the gunplay feels gritty and even more dirty when you do special execution moves (Like going up to someone, tripping them then aiming a shotgun bullet to the back of the head) and fighting is the highlight, even though it feels like your just waving the right joystick left and right there are some special moves in there to show that this isn't a half-assed EA gimmick.
Also there are bonus missions in the form of taking over businesses which almost becomes for me more like a game it's self and is damn fun even up to conquering the final businesses.
You never feel bored, even though you pretty much do the same thing as going in, beating up the owner until he unlocks the door, go into the door and shoot all the rival gangster's.
Everything else does make for one thing though and it's the driving, I haven't a driving mechanic so crap this generation in a game. It does the job of going with point A to B, but compared to even GTA to feels to loose and sloppy. Though you will forgive EA.
When I mentioned authenticity in the first paragraph, the sound really does come to mind.
While most of the voices actors are impersonators, this is no laughing matter, they do a good job.
Everything else is fine and does the job though sometimes it is a bit annoying that the godfather theme is sometimes played a lot, especially when your driving to a desired mission. If they could have done 1930's soundtrack just like Mafia and that would be fine.
The Graphics in the typical EA way have nice effects like blur and bright lighting on particular things like fires but just like every EA game underneath it, it's a bit dull.
While many people would say that it is a bit too short, for a rental you do get a lot and the 18-20 hours is good.
It stops when it runs out of steam but I do seem that you might pick this up again every once in a while when your bored.
In conclusion, this is a very nice slice added to the piece of The Godfather universe pie and while most fans of the movie will still shy away it's worth having a try.