The Sopranos: Road to Respect

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Publisher THQ gives us a taste of what it's like to be a made man

Tony Soprano and "family" have way too much fun on HBO's hit series, The Sopranos. It's about time they let us get a piece of the action. THQ and 7 Studios are bringing us just that, and the Sopranos game may be one of the most accurate licensed titles to date.

Road to Respect takes place between seasons five and six of the series. Gamers play as Joey LaRocca, the son of Big Pussy; he's an ambitious kid looking to work his way up the ladder of success. That ladder is obviously littered with the bodies of stoolies, former friends, and anyone who looks at Tony Soprano the wrong way.

The Sopranos doesn't go the free-roaming route of some of its peers, instead deciding to rope you in a bit in the interest of following its detailed narrative. David Chase, the series' head writer and creator, hand-picked someone to write the game's script, so you know it's going to be good.

Though you won't be running free, gameplay is still mission-based. You'll be taking orders from Paulie Walnuts, Vito, and basically everyone else who's above you on the organized-crime totem pole. Once you've got your task, get it done by any means necessary. This includes some dirty combat that starts at punches, progresses to weapons, and culminates with special moves like painful arm breaks and testicular twisting. Anything you can do, the enemies also have in their arsenal,making fights dramatic affairs. Better wear a cup.