EA announces The Godfather II @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on August 08, 2008

News: Never go against the family.

After months of off-the-record unofficial news from Electronic Arts concerning The Godfather II, the company has finally officially announced the game for a February 2009 release on the PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

The Godfather II will move the action into the 1960s and beyond the events of the first two movies. Taking place in Florida, Cuba and New York, the game follows the new Don of New York as he manages the Corleone's eastern territory. The larger scope of events will also lead to a larger scope in the game as The Godfather II will introduce "The Don's View." The gameplay mode will operate like a real-time strategy game where players can setup their criminal empire in defense against rival families.

The Godfather II will also include a tweaked version of the BlackHand combat system as well. So the Grand Theft Auto-like open world portions will return.

УIn the 1960's, a mafia Don was only as strong as his family,Ф said Hunter Smith, Executive Producer of The Godfather II. УWe found the hierarchical culture of organized crime intriguing. Running an organized crime family in a world defined by family loyalty is something that we felt could introduce a new strategic element to the genre. That is what the Don's View is all about -- laying out a strategy to pick off the competition one by one. The Don's View is so unique, it could fundamentally change the rules of open-world games by blending action and strategy to create something entirely new.Ф

We'll have more soon.