Common Sense Media Review
Gory game may satisfy movie's fans -- adults only.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say this game offers a unique experience for those interested in the mafia lifestyle, featuring high levels of violence, profanity, and themes that are more suitable for mature players, with some suggesting it’s alright for kids aged 12 and up if they're mature enough. While opinions vary on its appropriateness and levels of violence, many reviewers appreciate its open-world structure and engaging gameplay, drawing comparisons to similar titles.
- mature themes
- high violence
- open-world gameplay
- age suitability
- mixed opinions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
Players control a young hood whose mother asks Don Vito Corleone to find a place for him in his more established -- and somehow more respectable -- crime family. Players work their way up in the syndicate's structure by extorting businesses controlled by rival families, performing contract killing, and generally hustling on the street. When Vito Corleone faces a life-or-death crisis, players make a name for themselves in the organization and begin their fight to become crime king of New York.
Is It Any Good?
Fans of the movies may have fun with the Godfather-based material: Familiar faces and scenes pop up, and dialogue is often straight from the movie. Players chat with hotheaded Sonny Corleone or drive the hapless Fredo around town. They hide the gun for Michael to retrieve and visit Hollywood to deposit a bloody -- uh, present -- in the bed of an uncooperative producer.
But there aren't enough of these moments. Mostly players operate around the Godfather story, not getting involved in its unfolding. Missing that connection, The Godfather: The Game seems to exploit the most brutal aspects of the films without expanding its narrative. What we're left with is a well-executed and fun-enough Grand Theft Auto knock-off (with all the associated liabilities) dressed up in a snappy pinstriped suit.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the Academy Award-winning film and cast (Marlon Brando and Robert Duvall both lend their voices to the game) influence the perception of the game. Is the violence and vulgarity legitimized by The Godfather name? Can movie-based video games ever be something more than an extended marketing vehicle for their source material?
Game Details
- Platform : PlayStation 2
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Electronic Arts
- Release date : July 6, 2006
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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