The marketplace for open-world crime games has some steep competition these days. With the likes of GTA IV and Saints Row 2 occupying most of the gaming world mindshare, we decided to speak with the developers of the Godfather II to find out what they have done to set their game apart from the rest.

“The Godfather II will be a unique gaming experience unlike anything else in the genre,” said Dave Woldman, a producer working on the Godfather 2. “While there are clearly many similar mechanics, the underlying motivations and structures of the games have diverged vastly now with The Godfather II.”

“The Godfather II puts the player in the position of a Don of a family, no longer simply the “enforcer” or “soldier” taking orders/missions from others around him,” Woldman said. “As the Don, the player will need to build his own family from the ground up. You’ll be recruiting your own Made-Men in the world, investing in their skills, promoting them up through the ranks, arming them, and sending them out to do your bidding.”

Woldman went on to explain that the player will spend some time building their crime family, but once that is complete they take on the role of the Don. Here they will be able to give orders, and actually be in charge. “We wanted you to actually be in charge of them,” said Woldman. “As Don you’ll be able to choose how and when to use your Made men, either by commanding them directly in battle as part of your crew, or doing jobs for you in another part of the world -- bombing rival family rackets, attacking their businesses, or defending your own.”

Godfather II certainly looks very promising, and the ability to be the “Don” and actually order people around brings a new element of gameplay yet to be seen in any other game in the genre. GTA and Saints Row, take note!