The Godfather Preview

At this point, not a whole lot is known about the actual gameplay mechanics. OK, we know that the action will happen mostly on foot, but that there will be drive-by shootings. What was also revealed about the game is the new Blackhand Controls and Pressure Point Targeting. This new combat system is supposed to ensure that the core gameplay mechanics are fun first and foremost. "An analog control-based combat system will give players the use of both analog sticks and shoulder buttons to execute punches, kicks, grabs and even allow you to strangle an opponent. Pressure Point targeting will help lock on less lethal parts of an opponents body so they're still around to give information vital to you."

This looks like West Side.

And if you ever so much as think of suggesting to make out with me...

I have no idea how this translates to the mouse and keyboard combo exactly, but the running and walking system in Splinter Cell comes to mind. Sure, the control system would be used to perform a different in game action, but the logic behind its functionality seems similar.

Finally, we know for a fact that all the cars in the game will be drivable, though not much else is known about the physics, the damage model, and such. The virtual New York City will be huge and it will possess a working economy, which all seems to suggest that The Godfather is an insanely ambitious project.

That said, the move by EA to delay the game till Q2 of 2006 seems entirely justified, and the overwhelming complexity of the projects sheds a bit more light on why EA's stocks fell and why they have so much riding on this one.

I still have my doubts and reservations as to how familiar today's kids are with The Godfather franchise (GTA: San Andreas simply may come off as being more "bitchrod" to them), but ultimately, it's the deep pockets of the publisher and the expected mainstream media attention that will help attract a large number of casual, mature players that might not normally buy games like this.

A valid concern for EA, however, will be the possible lack of support from the mainstream media. Given the current media frenzy over the "Hot Coffee" mod for GTA: San Andreas, they might decide to shy away from highlighting any project that even remotely resembles the now infamous, and universally-condemned-by-the-conservative-society game from Take 2.

EA has time, so I think it'll simply be a matter of altering their marketing strategy somewhat. In about 7 or 8 months from now, all will be apparent when copies of The Godfather game start landing in stores across the country.