The Godfather
Electronic Arts
Francis Ford Coppola’s award-winning film based on the novel by Mario Puzo, serves as inspiration for an open-ended action-adventure set on New York’s mean streets circa 1945. Customize a mafioso and join the Corleone clan. Rise through the ranks by carrying out tasks that include drive-by shootings, running extortion rackets, and strangling or smooth-talking storekeepers and small-time thugs into capitulating. But beware––actions have lasting consequences. Stone killer or smooth criminal: Whatever your MO, welcome to the family. www.ea.com

Perfect Dark Zero
Microsoft
Sexy superspy Joanna Dark headlines this futuristic sci-fi thriller, a prequel to the Nintendo 64 original. Caught between warring corporations, the heroine survives by excelling at espionage, employing guns and gadgets in equal measure. The story-driven solo campaign features stealth, subterfuge, and frantic spins on jetpacks, hovercrafts, and motorcycles. Once you finish outfoxing computer-controlled adversaries, you can tackle four-player split-screen match-ups or compete against up to 50 fellow agents online. www.xbox360.com