Electronic Arts' The Godfather: Blackhand Edition brings players closer to the violence by allowing them to control their actions with the Wii remote and nunchuk. Instead of pressing buttons to grab a potential hit and toss them through a window, players grab using both controllers and then make a throwing motion, watching the person's carcass sail through glass. These unique controls are but a small sampling of the game's new content, and they succeed in making an older, flawed video game fresh and exciting.

Blackhand contains all of the content from the original game, including scores of additions. Players still battle to control Manhattan, completing jobs for the infamous Corleone Family and extorting businesses, the goal to become the don of New York. Except in this version, gamers can hire a personal body guard, employ a four-person hit squad, blackmail the police chief, plant car bombs, throw Molotov cocktails and dance in the rain (thanks to dynamic weather). Players embark upon ten new hit missions, among other attractive features. This doesn't include all of the things EA improved, which include more destructible objects, better animation and more World Events (new bank robberies, for example).

With that being said, the motion controls stand out as the most attractive draw, thanks to the increased interaction. Players switch weapons using the nunchuk's analog stick and aim their guns with the remote. To head butt, they grab onto someone and bring both controllers upwards, simulating the motion. To throw objects, they actually mimic the action by tossing a pretend weapon (not the remote, of course). Not only does this feel satisfying, but the controls always respond, adding to the enjoyment.

Driving, on the other hand, remains traditional. Gamers accelerate with B and steer with the analog stick. This works fine, but lacks the excitement found in the on foot controls. Still, jacking any vehicle and making a quick getaway has its share of thrills.

Even with this new stuff, the game misses perfection, due to, at times, the moronic artificial intelligence. More often than not, characters walk into walls or engage in civil discourse while being shot in the back.

Furthermore, Blackhand Edition's graphics (while not a negative issue per se) look considerably worse than the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions, with pixilated characters and environments. However, the game still has a top notch presentation, with excellent cut scenes, music and voice acting from the film.

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.

Final Score: 8 (out of 10)

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The Godfather: Blackhand Edition Game Guide

Electronic Arts

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