You would figure that if a game based on a high-profile property such as HBO’s hit series The Sopranos came out on just one last generation console after being originally announced for a Next Gen one, and did so at a budget price with little hoopla no less, that it would be wise to stay away.

But I’m not wise, especially when it comes to having the opportunity to play a wiseguy. So, with visions of Tony, Paulie, Christopher, and the rest of the Sopranos gang dancing in my head, I subjected myself to THQ’s licensed game “Road to Respect”, and just like you can’t feel sorry for a mob guy who gets his comeuppance after a life of crime, I got what I deserved as well when I should have known better.

Let’s start with the positives, and the voice acting by the actors from the series (James Gandolfini, Michael Imperioli, Steven Van Zandt, Tony Sirico, Vincent Pastore, Joseph Gannascoli, and Robert Iler) is top notch throughout, with newcomer Christian Maelen also turning in a quality effort as lead character Joey LaRocca.

As LaRocca, you are the illegitimate son of the already whacked Sal Bompensiero (whose nickname isn’t really fit for a family website) and already on the wrong road as a petty thief. ‘Rescued’ by Tony Soprano, you are given the opportunity to work your way up the ranks of the family, with the ultimate goal becoming a made man. Along the way you will do menial tasks (getting sandwiches, cleaning up drunks from the VIP lounge at the Bada Bing, collecting) which eventually play out into a larger story which gives you your chance to fast track your way into the family.

And truth be told, with a few exceptions, the story is a decent one – not one up to the levels set by the show – but video game decent.

So with a serviceable story, great voice acting, and the ability to check out the landmarks from the show (the Bada Bing, Satriale’s, Vesuvio’s), you would think this game is a winner. But it’s not, and it all comes down to the most important part of the package – the gameplay. Basic beyond basic, with a level of ease I haven’t seen in a game since…well, ever, you will get through this short game to advance the story and little else.

There is nothing compelling gameplay wise, as this is just a simple beat em up with mood meters when interacting with other characters (smooth, tough, or neutral), and gunplay possibilities, though if you use your weapons too much you get whacked instantly for abusing your respect meter, so that takes away any element of strategy. You can unlock new specialty moves when fighting, but you’ll never need them as the fighting is so simple, yes, even a caveman can do it (sorry, couldn’t resist). The only times you will have any difficulty is when the camera becomes the unseen enemy or when you’re surrounded by three guys, two of which block any means of escape. And no, they’re not blocking you because of their stellar AI, it’s because they’re stuck, running in place as you try to fight. I could go on about the lousy AI – five guys attack you, but the other four wait around while one guy fights – but I’ll save myself the aggravation.