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Godfather: Blackhand Edition, The

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8.9 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 38 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 40 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Developer: EA Redwood Shores

Genre(s): Action, Adventure

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: M (Mature)

Release Date: March 20, 2007

Summary

The Godfather Blackhand Edition gives an enhanced combat experience with motion-based Blackhand Control by integrating Nintendo’s innovative Wii controller. Take over the Big Apple in this fully interactive open-world games based on the classic film by Paramount Pictures and the critically-acclaimed book by Mario Puzo. The game offer brand new ways to go from Soldier to Don as you gain control of the streets of New York. Follow the path of an Enforcer or Operator; each with its own unique perks and abilities to earn. Now you can chat up specific characters to get the skinny on dirty cops, take down two additional revised compounds of rival Families, execute five new contract hits, and call in larger Corleone Hit Squads when the going gets tough. For improved, hyper-intuitive Blackhand Control in The Godfather Blackhand Edition, use gestures with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to really beat down your opposition, or point directly at the screen using the Wii Remote for pinpoint firearm accuracy. [Electronic Arts]

Also On Metacritic

FILM: The Godfather

Cheat Codes & Hints: GameSpot Hints & Cheats

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Cheat Code Central

The dynamic Wii-mote allows you to really become involved with "family business" like never before.

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NintendoWorldReport

If you've long finished Zelda and Super Paper Mario just didn't hit the spot, appease Mick Jagger by making your next Wii game a black one. Maybe Nintendo will soon follow with the console itself.

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PGNx Media

You should only be considering the Godfather on Wii if you haven’t played the game before since the new additions don’t drastically change the game. The Wii version does share all of the new content found in the PS3 version so if you are interested in the motion sensitive controls (which you will be once you experience them), this is the version to get.

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Armchair Empire

With a surprisingly large upgrade of the gameplay offerings, including generally good (although too easy/too difficult at times) Wii-centric controls, if you haven’t been “made” in any other version of The Godfather, the Wii version certainly is a perfect way to learn the Corleone “family business” for the Mature-aged gamer.

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GameZone

Although there is little difference in the storyline compared to the early versions of the game, the Wii delivers dynamic controllability and good gameplay (neglecting the problematic artificial intelligence) that organized crime enthusiasts will enjoy.

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GamingExcellence

Overall, the game is a great mobster game that everyone has to try if they liked The Godfather movies.

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Game Almighty

Out of all the platforms you can now play Godfather on, the Wii comes out on top for its great implementation of controls, new features and refinements. Best of all, The Godfather finally brings some mature content to the Wii, catering to gamers like myself who cringe at the idea of playing one more mini-game of "Super Monkey Ball."

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Console Gameworld

A lengthy and enjoyable GTA clone that is actually improved upon thanks to the great use of the Wii's unique controls.

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IGN

A great first step on Wii, as it uses more than 25 gestures, IR aiming, and has a ton of features above the original game in the form of new items, missions, gameplay modes (favors and blackmailing specifically), and RPG elements. More important than any list of numbers and features though, is the fact that The Godfather is just fun to play.

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Official Nintendo Magazine UK

The Godfather is the perfect example of how Wii controls can make an average game better. It's a shame it doesn't look better, but this is still highly recommended for action fans. [Apr 2007, p.89]

Yahoo! Games

We haven't been bowled over by most of the Wii-makes hitting shelves so far, but The Godfather is a definite exception. The controls and extra content more than make up for the fact that the game already looks visually dated.

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GameDaily

Even without the flashy visuals, The Godfather: Blackhand Edition represents the best Godfather game yet, thanks to the wealth of new content and improved controls. W'd recommended the game to newcomers as well as Godfather veterans.

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Games Radar (in-house)

While the formula's got its flaws, it turns out motion controls complement The Godfather 's free-wheeling violence and intimidation almost perfectly, making the game world more immersive than before.

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GameBrink

While the graphics fit the Wii version a lot better than the 360 or PS3 versions, the controls aren’t really worth the purchase.

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Kombo

The Godfather: Blackhand Edition is a surprising breath of fresh gaming air. EA shows that third party publishers are certainly capable of "getting" the Wii's motion controls.

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Game Over Online

It boasts plenty of game-time, because even when you finish there are always more collectables to go find... in the middle of driving games and, of course, you can always go back and fight people for the heck of it.

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G4 TV

While there isn’t enough in the Wii version to warrant a buy if you’ve played the game before, Blackhand Edition provides a much needed M-rated action game for the system.

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Nintendo Power

If you don't mind sifting through GTA-style filler, Blackhand Edition's The Godfather ties and offer-you-can't-refuse machismo are well worth the play. [June 2007, p.101]

Gaming Nexus

If you're a Wii owner and you haven't played The Godfather then by all means pick this game up and see what all the fuss is about, but if you've already fought your way to the top then there's probably not enough new content here to warrant a second play through.

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GameTrailers

A good port of a pretty good game, which controls very decently with the Wii controller. That’s not quite a glowing recommendation, but this game does deserve some respect.

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GameSpot

The Godfather: Blackhand Edition works in a smattering of new content and a brand-new control scheme with good results.

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Games Master UK

One hell of a workout, but it's great fun punching and kicking your way to top dog. [May 2007, p.72]

Play.tm

It's still got some dodgy AI moments (mafia members running non-stop into walls, anyone?) and occasionally the Wii controls are a little unresponsive, but for 20 plus hours of gameplay, you could certainly spend your money on worse during what seems to be a somewhat worryingly slow period for game releases on Wii.

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GameShark

If you can get over the AI and the pop-in of the vehicles (which really aren’t game breakers) you will have an enjoyable time with this game. There is plenty to do and with 30+ missions, the game will keep you busy.

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Game Revolution

Extortions, scandals and corruption? For gameplay like this, I’m willing to dump the story and other problems in a trunk and fuhgeddaboutit.

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Game Chronicles

Even if you have already played this game on another console, I would recommend at least renting this game on the Wii to see how the subtle little details can really add a lot of enjoyment to a slightly cliché gaming genre.

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Gamers' Temple

A good game with some of the best uses to date for the Wii controllers. There are some graphical issues and some odd control response but not enough to call out a hit on.

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Eurogamer

Generally a decent, well-thought out and enjoyable conversion.

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Nintendojo

Blackhand Edition has a few high points, but it's hard not to think of what a Godfather game could have truly been.

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AceGamez

The motion controls add of the Blackhand Edition are a nice touch that provide the Wii with something exclusive, and they do add extra interaction into the gameplay, once you've got the hang of them.

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Gamestyle

The new features add to what was already an enjoyable and entertaining experience, only now you can kick, punch, shoot and strangle your way to the top and feel like you're actually doing it.

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GameSpy

The controls are an interesting hook. Actually slugging it out with your targets by swinging the Wii Remote and nunchuk is fun, and the shooting elements are handled well by making the pointer aspect of the Remote a "precision targeter," rather than your sole firearms control.

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1UP

The control scheme is definitely the selling point here (tossing people around never felt more fun). However, for those who already own some incarnation of this series this comes as guarded approval. Ask yourself: How many times do you need to escort the Don to the hospital or take out the Barzini family before it feels too old?

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WHAM! Gaming

Wii owners who haven’t yet played the game on another console and are hankering for a violent, bloody Grand Theft Auto-style title should pick this one up. But the expanded content doesn’t quite make up for the humdrum visuals and repetitive gameplay.

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Worth Playing

If you've beaten it on another system, however, pass on the Blackhand Edition. The changes are fun, but they're not enough to justify buying a lackluster game twice.

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NGamer UK

A bit empty in places but worth a go if you enjoys yer killin'. [May 2007, p.42]

Game Informer

The new weapon wheel makes firefights less stressful, and adding more missions is never a bad thing, but the basic design of the game remains painfully dull. The uneventful stretches of driving, repetition in interrogations, and simplicity of missions has not improved.

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VideoGamer

The Godfather feels pretty dated but it's still a solid and often entertaining free-roaming action title. The Wii game includes some pretty solid controls that for once haven't been simply tacked on to an existing release.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 8.9 (out of 10) based on 40 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Doug L gave it a9:
Great until the end... If I had rated this when i had first started playing this I would have given it a 10, greta use of the motion controls great story line excellent graphics as far as the Wii is concerned (if you want Xbox graphics buy an Xbox) and good sound/music. After you take over your first warehouse you are about good enough to finish the game. I do not use free aiming much but it worked when i wanted it to. I would have varied what is required to take over a business as the game goes on some how and there should be more of a penalty for dying. The game is repetitive towards the end, but at least it makes you repeat fun things. I will tell you if you like the GTA-style of game at all you will be hooked the first time you choke someone down or throw them off roof or out of a window.

Jeff Z. gave it an8:
Fun, deep game, with a very mature setting. If you are a fan of the movies, you will enjoy this game. The wii specific controls are some of the best to date.

Keith B. gave it a7:
As a fan of beat 'em ups and GTA, I was really looking forward to Godfather on Wii. Overall, its very nice, and really enjoyable, however could have used a bit more polishing. Noticable right off the bat is textures, they're a bit muddy at times (especially on clothes). Luca Brassi looks like he's wearing a burlap sack for a coat. Next up, the motion controls aren't as great as the reviews and what not made it seem to be, but it is still a blast punching people, slamming them around, etc. Of the controls, my biggest complaint is with the aiming. You can lock on and use autoaim, or aim with the wiimote. The problem is, the free aim, isn't really free. It gets sluggish, and doesn't respond well. You can also do an assisted aiming, which works better, but is still a pain. If you prefer shooting with out the motion controls, then that is not a problem. Overall, awesome game, but has a few drawbacks. Well worth the lower than normal price.

Game Freak gave it a10:
This game is awesome! I have played the GTA San Andreas, and I got bored pretty quickly. Godfather, however, keeps me engaged for hours. The missions are really well thought out, and using the Wii controls allows you to get the most of the experience. It isn't too easy nor too hard. A perfect game.

Fred C. gave it a9:
As a Nintendo junkie, I've never played Grand Theft Auto, but this is what I imagine Grand Theft Auto to be, if skinned with The Godfather. And it feels very tight to the Godfather storyline and feel. Certainly, the missions can feel repetitive, but the world is gigantic and there is always a slight variation if there are any duplications to missions.

Alvin H. gave it a10:
One of the best games I've bought for my Wii.....it is similar to Grand Theft Auto in the fact you can run around New York, have multiple missions at once, never gets boring! It will take anywhere from 20-30 hours to complete, but there are so many different ways to do missions, you can play this over and over again! The Wii's unique controller is used pretty wisely, could have been slightly more innovative but I love the game, you swing your Wii controller to punch and so forth! BUY IT!! You'll love it! Graphics are the only thing that isn't really the greatest....

Big L. gave it a10:
This is the second best game for the Wii by far. Great fun. The gunplay is fast and furious, the melee.... the first time i swung the wiimote to smack a !@$# in the head was a moment to remember. I would recommend this to anyone who isn't bothered by Brutal, Constant violence (not graphic violence, mind you.. cept for the cutscenes), constant swearing, and uh.... Hmm. It says "Sexual Themes" on the box, but all I saw were some brothels with prostitutes... can't do anything with them though... odd. Anyway, get this game.

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Godfather: Blackhand Edition, The

Game Info

Summary

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