EA squeals on Godfather date

The wait for the game based on The Godfather has been almost as epic as the movie itself, but Electronic Arts today put a definitive date on the Corleone family's first foray into interactive intimidation.

The PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC editions of The Godfather will arrive in North American stores March 21, with Europe set to receive the don on March 24. While the Xbox 360 and PSP versions won't be shipping alongside the rest of the versions, EA did indicate that both would find their way into stores by the end of 2006.

Based on the original book by Mario Puzo and the accompanying film classic directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The Godfather puts players into the shoes of a Mafia foot soldier. As they run various missions in a sprawling re-creation of 1940s New York City, players will rise through the ranks of the Corleone organization and run into familiar characters from the movies as portrayed by the original actors. James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Marlon Brando all signed on to provide voice work for the game, though there's some confusion over how much of the late Brando's work will actually make it into the game.

The Godfather is rated M for Mature and will retail for $49.99.