Think of the Xbox 360 version as the HD Transfer of The Godfather: The Video Game.

A few months back, EA had successfully made an offer many gamers couldn't refuse. Not only that, they lived up to thatoffer and delivered one of the better movie to video game titles in the last few years with The Godfather. Living up to such a legendary film and not tainting it in video game fashion, I am sure put a ton of weight on EA's mighty shoulders. The only hitch in their plan was that the Xbox 360 version didn't make the launch date, so these gamers had to either play the game on a current gen system, or wait it out. Since the next-gen version is virtually the same with some small additions such as extra missions, more detail and particle effects and better lighting, if you have already completed the current generation version, you may find little need to pony up the money for the Xbox 360 version. For those who waited out the anticipation to join the mob and sit by the Don's side, this is without a doubt the definitive version, even if it does not scream "next-gen" when compared to a game like Saints Row.

It is a story about family, respect, and loyalty. After a life of small time jobs and petty thefts, you have been accepted into the most famous criminal organization in America. It is up to you to carry out orders, earn respect, rise through the ranks, and make NYC your own. If you play your cards right, you could be running everything as the next, and most powerful, Don.

Visually, The Godfather is brilliant. While heavily borrowing from games like Grand Theft Auto, it still offers its own style and flavor, while bringing life in 1940-50's to reality. The recreation of New York City is impressive in size and scale, with plenty of buildings to explore, streets to walk and drive down, and tons of obstacles and debris strewn about. The character models and animations range from the very good when it comes to lead characters, to the repetitive and ordinary when referring to thugs and nobodies. With a game of this size, it is expected, so no real fault of the developer here. The models that represent your character and the main cast are excellent, with perfect mannerisms, detail, and textures. This is really apparent in the game's cut scenes that are mostly reenactments of the film's most classic moments. The recreation of the original actors like Marlon Brando, James Cann, and Robert Duvall are incredible, but noticeably missing is the likeness of Al Pacino, which is sad as obviously Michael is a HUGE character and is sorely missed in this adaptation. The frame rate is fine, and load times are minimal, which provides a very enjoyable experience overall. What you will notice in the Xbox 360 version is the little additional touches and details thanks to the juiced up next generation engine. You will see persistent facial damage, real time and dynamic lighting, better weather effects, the ability to pick up bottles, glasses, etc. to throw at foes, improved textures on both players and cars, more animation variety in all aspects of the game, better facial animations, and improved particle and smoke effects. Overall, think of it as an HD cut of the game you may have already played.

From the opening scene, as you hear the classic Godfather theme song, you know that the audio is going to be a key element to the game's presentation. Not only is the game's score vital, which is done by Academy Award winner Bill Conti, but EA went as far as incorporating voice over sessions with many of the cast such as James Cann, Robert Duvall, Abe Vigoda, and even the late Marlon Brando before passing away. These reprisals are key to the feel of the game and really immerse the gamer in The Godfather universe. Sound effects are also very authentic ranging from old style car engines, Tommy guns, and fantastic explosions.

Gameplay is where The Godfather really separates it from the other titles that may be compared to Rockstar's franchise. Sure, the game is open ended and non-linear, sure, you can mercilessly pummel citizens, and sure, you can hijack cars when you need to get somewhere. The controls take on a new way to perform most of these familiar elements and expand on the experience, which puts The Godfather into a class all in itself. Here is a quick list of what you can expect from the game play; Quick attacks, power attacks, combo attacks, grab attacks and movements, throws, wall slams, tossing from window ledges, strangling, melee weapon attacks, and of course a barrage of weaponry that range from bats to Tommy guns. The most intuitive aspect of the gameplay controls is the fact that when you want to grapple or throw someone, you grab on to both shoulder buttons, and while holding them down you can maneuver your victim by using the R stick or various button attacks. It is a strange feeling of satisfaction when you can strangle a CPU character while you are gripping your controller intensely.

The depth of The Godfather, while you rise through the mafia ranks, is incredible. You have the option to extort, racketeer, put on heat, perform a contract hit, and hijack trucks, crack safes, heist banks, and many other elements that will take you from enforcer to Don if successful enough. In the Xbox 360 version, expect more missions, improved aiming, new attacks, the ability to bribe cops, and an enhanced mob war feature. What EA did well is incorporating The Godfather story line along with yours, versus having you control one of the main characters. This opens up the gameplay immensely and allows you to unfold The Godfather story at your own pace. Not only that, but depending on how you earn your respect dictates on what kind of mob boss you turn out to be.

In the end, The Godfather is a worthy purchase for fans of this style of game, and a must purchase for fans of the film series. Even with Michael portrayed by another likeness, that shouldn't deter you from joining this family. The only question remains is if the wait was worth it. The answer to that is determined by how much you played of the current gen version if at all. If the experience is new to you, then this is a game you shouldn't miss if you are a fan of the films. If you have already completed the current gen version, there is really little to come back for unless you just have to have this for your Godfather collection, or you are looking for those achievement points.