The Godfather II is an RPG game set on New Year's Eve 1958. Hyman Roth celebrates the successful expansion of the Corleone family into Cuba, but celebrations are short-lived as "la revolucion" breaks out, and Michael and Hyman manage to escape with most of the other family members. The main protagonist, Aldo Trapani, gets killed, leaving five new families threatening the Corleone family's control over New York, Florida, and Las Vegas.
As one of Aldo Trapani's closest soldiers, Dominic takes on his role to help Michael and the Corleone family win the war and build a new family. The player moves freely through three cities: New York, Florida, and Cuba, traveling between them by airplane. The main goal is to grow the family and destroy the other five families.
The gameplay involves taking over businesses and killing "Made Man". Taking over a business requires fighting through enemy guards and finding the person with the Godfather-sign over his head. Threatening until he gives up his resistance and pays dues to Dominic. Each business owner has weak spots and breaking points, which can be exploited for bonuses or penalties.
The player can also hire soldiers, known as "Made Man", who have specializations and can learn new skills. Upgrading their skills can increase their effectiveness in battle. The player must manage their family's finances and reputation, as failure can result in loss of money and time.
The game features a multiplayer mode that ties in with the single-player campaign. Players can choose a hired soldier and participate in four game modes: Team Deathmatch, Demolition Assault, FireStarter, and Safecracker. Earning honor points allows players to buy new weapon licenses for their soldiers.
As the player progresses through the game, they must navigate the complex web of crime families, police corruption, and rivalries. The ultimate goal is to eliminate all made men and deal the final blow to the rival family by killing their Don and blowing up their compound.