By Rangebar Merani
Platform: Xbox 360
Publisher/Developer: Electronic Arts
ESRB Rating: Teen
Genre: Action
I know this game has been out for a few months on the current-gen consoles, but those of us with an Xbox 360 had to wait for our next-gen version of The Godfather. Give props to EA for not just porting the current-gen game to the Xbox 360. They actually took some time to improve the game and make it a true next-gen port.
Although the Xbox 360 version basically plays just like the current-gen versions, EA was able to add a few things into the mix of an already great game. Better graphics, more cars and more missions are only minor changes that enhance the gameplay. The real gameplay improvements come with the Merchant Favors, Drug Rackets, Hirable Crew and new Execution Styles, but only two of these are really notable.
The Merchant Favors are sort of like extra missions. Instead of having to “persuade” shop owners to allow the Corleone family a cut of their business, players can do favors. Doing a favor, like getting rid of drug dealers in the back alley, will get shop owners on your side.
If you need some help trying to gun someone down or take over a warehouse, the new Hirable Crew option can help. As you gain more respect in the Corleone family, you will be able to hire crew members to help you. This comes in handy when you’re trying to make your way up to becoming Don.
Even with all the new additions to this next-gen port, The Godfather does come with a few bugs. The game still feels and plays the same as the current-gen. They should’ve at least added a jump button to the gameplay. The camera isn’t perfect and there’s a little lag when driving to some parts of the city. These are only minor issues that really won’t affect the gameplay much.
If you haven’t played the current-gen version and you like the movie, you gotta check The Godfather out. If you already have the game on another console, I wouldn’t say its worth buying just for a few gameplay improvements. Either way, EA did a great job of keeping the basics the same and improving them all at once. Now we just have to wait and see if EA will do the same for The Godfather 2
