They decided to show us a number of the features the game has to offer, starting with the Mob Face. Using the powerful character creation engine found in their Tiger Woods PGA Tour series, the developers at EA have given players the ability to create just about any Italian-American (it is a mob game, after all) person that they can dream up. You'll be able to create a pretty boy or an ugly thug, complete with a nasty looking collection of scars and bruises. Since you begin the game as a low-level enforcer, the clothes on your back are dirty and threadbare, though you'll be able to purchase snazzier duds as you progress through the game.
Like the book and movie that it is based around, The Godfather takes place in New York City, circa 1945. The city is populated by innocent civilians and mobsters alike, and each of them has their own motive-driven behaviors. For instance, we were told that many of the people on the street worry about their safety, so they'll scream and flee if they hear gunshots or see you whip out a tommy gun. Mobsters, on the other hand, will react with violence if you wave a gun in their face.
Speaking of faces, the developers showed off a face-to-face conversation system, similar to the one found in the latest Grand Theft Auto title. By targeting a character on the street, you can converse with them. Although some pedestrians won't have much to say, others will give you information that's vital to the storyline or will offer to buy or sell weapons and items to you. The conversation system changes a bit as you become more respected, as will the NPCs' reactions when you speak to them. While they might blow you off in the beginning, they'll eventually drop down to kiss your ring (or something else).
