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Q: Please tell us about the ‘racket’ system in The Godfather?
Michael Perry: Although there are some legitimate businesses in the Godfather game, many of the businesses the player encounters are actually “fronts” for illegal rackets that are run by the Five Mafioso Families of New York. These rackets, which include money counterfeiting, gambling, weapons smuggling, and brothels serve as the financial backbone that keeps each family in power. Every racket is operated by a Racket Boss who gives part of his “take” to one of the Five Families for protection.
Q: Why is it important to get the businesses and rackets under Corleone protection?
Michael Perry: Having a racket under Corleone protection not only generates regular income for the player and the Corleone family, but it also siphons income away from the rival families. You’ll need as much income as you can get to buy the weapon upgrades and explosives needed to take down the rival families. By extorting the Racket Bosses and taking over each business and racket in the game, you and the Corleone Family will eventually eliminate each of the rival families and take total control of New York City.
Q: If I’m a low level thug looking to get my career started the right way, where would I start looking for potential business fronts and rackets to take down?
Michael Perry: Businesses are everywhere in the neighbourhoods of New York – just look for the neon signs. But read the streets before you go inside! Legitimate businesses might be protected by just one or two mobsters standing sentry by the front door, but rackets can have mobster protection everywhere, even were you least expect it. Check alleyways and alcoves first, and don’t pull a gun unless you’re ready to use it!
Q: What areas/rackets should I avoid before I’m ready?
Michael Perry: Midtown is controlled almost entirely by the ruthless and tough Barzini family. They’ll feed a Corleone Enforcer to the fishes without breaking a sweat. It’s best to focus on eliminating the Tattaglia family in Little Italy and Brooklyn before arming up and venturing in to the tougher neighbourhoods.
Q: Taking over a warehouse or hub is tough task. Any tips?
Michael Perry: Although base-level firearms are readily available, a wise apprentice of Luca Brasi should seek out a Black Market Seller for an upgrade. Black Market Sellers hide in back-alleys and parks, and several of them sell powerful weapon upgrades… for a price. Take over enough businesses and rackets to earn enough money for a solid weapon upgrade before blasting your way through a warehouse.
The Godfather is released on the PlayStation 2, Xbox and PC in Europe on March 24.
