The Short Version:Godfather 2 mostly reuses a lot of things from the first game but manages to offer two cool new mechanics; the Don’s view and hiring family members. Unfortunately the game offers absolutely NO challenge making it an eventual chore to play through.

I’m a huge fan of Gangster Movies (i’m especially looking forward to the latest, Public Enemies, which releases in theaters on July 1st, 2009.) So it seemed logical that I’d give Godfather 2 the benefit of the doubt when playing it.

Unfortunately, the game decides to cut corners in almost every aspect making it feel too close to its predecessor on the Original Xbox Console.

The Godfather game plays like a GTA Clone, with the main objective to take over local businesses and eliminate Rival Families. I was a fan of the Original Godfather Game on the Xbox a few years ago. Despite that game getting low review scores I thought it was defiantly worth buying all things considered, it rated a solid 7/10. So how does its Sequel fair? Does the game make a legitimate jump to the Next Gen Consoles or does it Half-ass its way past the finish line?

Unfortunately the Answer is the latter. The game feels alot like its predecessor, a little too much so. The graphics look like they are last-gen and alot of the missions end up being boring and repetitive (a problem that was present in the last game as well). There’s so much missed potential in this title it makes me sick. Wheres the Co-op? Where’s the Alliances and Diplomacy with the other Families? What the hell do I do when I kill off all my Rivals?

Its not my fault that I have high expectations for this game. If you name your game after one of the most well known and respected gangster franchises your asking for it. I was easy on the first game because it was just that, a first entry into the sandbox genre for a mobster game, but I’ll be damned if i’m going to forgive the same things here on the xbox 360.

I’m sorely disappointed by this title, for every cool feature it adds has an equal and frustrating negative to go along with it.

• BOOBIES, this game has Nakey BOOBIES.
• The Dons View was a Worthy Addition and adds something unique to the Sandbox Genre. We need more Open-World games that combine Strategy elements like this.
• Tommy Guns. I love Tommy Guns. (though maybe a little too powerful, I never had to use another gun)
• The Black Hand 2.0, still the BEST Sandbox game Melle Combat System!
• The Fire Effects and Explosions are Pretty Good, too bad the rest of the game isn’t as impressive.

• Ultimately what holds this game back from being much better is its Difficulty. Its TOO damn Easy! It would have been nice to have a setting that allows you to control how Aggressive Rival Families are.
• The AI for the Rival families is downright Terrible, they never coordinate attacks or offer any real challenge to your empire.
• Your Health Regenerates at an Insane Rate, while Health Potions drop out of every other cronies ass.
• What time period is this supposed to be in, it doesn’t feel right
• You cant fool me. These are Polished Xbox Graphics. Dated and Uninspiring.

Final Verdict

Godfather 2 has been an interesting case among the larger review sites and publications, I cant recall another game that had such disparity between its various Critic Scores. The most extremes being GamePro which gives it a Full 5/5 perfect fun factor rating (Insane) to Gamespy which thinks it deserves a 2/5.

You coulda’ been something my friend, you coulda been something special. But no, you spit in my face when you take the lazy way out. You promise me new features and fresh gameplay but after awhile you go back to your old habits. Fortunately the Angry Joe Army Family doesnt have to settle for mediocre.
If your a fan of open-world games, or gangster movies this is definitely a SOLID RENTAL because you will have fun from time to time. If not you might just want to pass on it.
5/10
5 equals So-So
Fifty-fifty. Half of the time the game is fun, half of the time it isn’t, for whatever reason. This game is absolutely average in every single way — neither good nor bad.