The GTA-ripoffs are here to stay, folks, and as has been made known, EA is going way back to give the free-roaming, mission-based treatment to the timeless mob classic, The Godfather, based originally off of the Mario Puzo (though most know it from the silver screen version, no doubt). Initially scheduled to give its warm multi-console welcome this holiday season, the project has been pushed back to an early 2006 release date, a Q1 period that stretches all the way to March 31, 2006 (meaning that's the latest we'll see it out). The delay apparently allows for "more time to perfect the open-world experience of being a member of the Corleone family," according to the game's Executive Producer, David DeMartini.

As a small-time mobster (an interesting "create-a-crook" seems to be the concept here), gamers will have to fittingly earn respect in The Godfather world by doing missions pleasing to the family. These'll range from mob hits and drive-bys, to more lucrative business methods like extortion and racketeering. Likenesses and classic moments from the original will be intact, as will the age-old policy, "if you f*** up, you'll pay for it."

The Godfather will now be making its offers early next year. The Don probably loathes to be kept waiting, though, wouldn't you think?