Pre-Order Godfather 2 Package and Get Free Brass Knuckles!

I stumbled across a funny article earlier today that came up on Yahoo. I haven't played the first game, but will probably try the second one.

Anyways, as part of their promotional campaign, with EA's permission; The Godfather II game had a promo wherein you get a set of items with your game package.

But this time, the extra freebies went the extra mile consisting of:
1. a set of brass knuckles
2. a cigar,
3. a silk handkerchief, and
4. a book of matches.

Pretty funny that brass knuckles are illegal in some states. I don't know about you guys, but I personally think this game package with freebies went a little too far this time. The Halo 3 Legendary Package was cooler with Master Chief's Helmet and stuff. But for the Godfather 2 Package, developers may have gone too far with their promotional campaign.





Source:
Publisher: Please give us back our illegal weapons
April 13, 2009 2:30 P.M.

Pens? Snore. T-shirts? Boring. Notepads? Been there, done that. Thinking up creative ideas for promotional tchotchkes can't be easy, but someone at uber-publisher Electronic Arts went a little too far last week.

The game in question: Godfather II, a Grand Theft Auto-style adventure based on the famous movie. The offending item: a set of brass knuckles, mailed to video games journalists together with other goodies including a cigar, a silk handkerchief, and a book of matches. But while it nicely complements the game's mafiosi theme, it also had the unfortunate side-effect of turning recipients of the mailing into criminals, as mere possession of brass knuckles is illegal in many states and can carry hefty penalties.

After blog GamePolitics expressed its consternation, the publisher began a flurry of hush-hush phone calls to arrange the return of the weapons. EA declined to comment beyond expressing a desire to assist journalists in proper disposal of the items.

The controversial promo also doesn't seem to be helping out the game's critical fortunes: it's turning in some decidedly mixed reviews.

http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/...ease-give-us-back-our-illegal-weapons/1304911

 

No way... hahahha that is freaking retarded whoever thought of that

I know WaW collectors came with a cantien, but frikin brass knuckles and cigar?? what teh heckz

I mean, I would love to have brass knucklez and cigar, but youve got to know that kids play the game too...

 

Did either of you really read the article? These promotional items went to gaming journalists (such as myself), not to retailers in a "Collector's Edition."

It's fantastic that EA is trying to provide its media counterpart with cool media kits to enjoy with its game. While it may have been an illegal decision, it's no different than Activision giving out fake passports and handguns to journalists attending their James Bond event last year.

 

Sorry about the title. My mistake.

It is a Press Kit, or a Swag Kit, if you may. But it could have been a possibility that if the Swag Kit garnered great reviews from the press, EA would have opted to release it to the public too, as many games have been before.

Anyways, admin can correct my title. Sorry about that...

On a side note, that's pretty interesting too that Activision gave out fake passports and handguns for the Bond game. That would have made a bigger issue than EA has now. A handgun is obviously a weapon, whereas the brass knuckles can be seen as a display piece. I don't know why everyone's making such a big fuss about it.

A pic of the presskit can be seen here:
http://www.gamepolitics.com/2009/04/06/godfather-ii-swag-kit-packs-brass-knuckles

 

The handgun given away by Activision was fake, but it was still a cool offering. The Fake passport caused a lot of issues for certain journalists at the airport though, considering the legality of it all.

As for the "Press Kits" ending up at retail...I've never seen that happen, ever. I've received plenty of press kits that were really cool, yet none of it has ever made it to the retail locations. These are meant to be promotional offerings to members of the press for their work and dedication to the industry. They're never meant for the standard consumer.

 

Alright. Thanks for clarifying that. You must be a veteran video game journalist already man. It must be an awesome job.

 

I've been doing it for the last 18 months or so. It pays the bills and comes with a ton of free trips, so I can't complain.

I'm looking forward to going to NYC next week to check out NCAA 2010 and hang out at the NCAA Cover Announcement party. Hopefully get to game with Michael Crabtree. I got to play with DeSean Jackson last year, which was awesome.