The Godfather II PC Review: A Tale of Power and Betrayal 'PC'

In the world of video games, few franchises carry as much weighty expectation as a sequel to an enduring classic like The Godfather. After its lukewarm reception with 2006's The Godfamily (yes, that was actually the title), we weren't exactly brimming with hope when word began circulating about another installment in this storied series.

Thankfully however - and despite some major missteps along the way - EA Montreal has managed to craft a game worthy of bearing its illustrious name. But is The Godfather II PC review going to be all sunshine and rainbows? Let's dive right into our verdict after the jump!

On paper, at least, things looked promising for this latest entry in what promises to be one of 2009's most anticipated releases. With an all-star cast including Robert De Niro reprising his iconic role as Don Vito Corleone alongside Joe Pesci returning as Fredo - plus a host of other notable faces from the original film series thrown into mix for good measure.

However, upon closer inspection it soon becomes clear that beneath its glossy surface lies an empty shell waiting to be filled. The Godfather II tries hard enough with its over-the-top action sequences and convoluted storylines but ultimately falls flat due largely down poor writing which fails miserably at capturing the same sense of gravitas found within Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece.

Graphically speaking things aren't much better either; while character models are passable, environments look straight outta PS2 era titles. The framerate chokes frequently too - especially during intense gunfights or prolonged sequences spent driving around open countryside at high speeds.

But before you write off this mess completely there is one redeeming factor worth mentioning: the new 'Don's View' feature which allows players to assume control of various characters throughout history. While not entirely successful all the time (a certain memorable scene involving a young Don Vito gets botched up rather badly), it does offer some welcome respite from otherwise monotonous gameplay.

Overall then, while The Godfather II PC review might be kinder than many would expect given its numerous flaws - including lackluster writing and subpar visuals - even die-hard fans may struggle to find enough here to justify parting with their hard-earned cash. If you're still curious about diving back into the world of organized crime then by all means give it a try; just don't say I didn't warn ya!

Rating: 5/10

Pros:

- Ambitious 'Don's View' feature allows for interesting character switching

Cons:

- Poor writing and lacklutory storytelling detracts from overall experience

- Subpar graphics mar otherwise promising action sequences

Godfather 2 pc review