After playing a near final build of Mafia 2 at a private media event hosted by 2K Games in San Francisco, the game’s 1950s authenticity is its most intriguing feature. The open world action-adventure not only brings fans back to a gritty world of organized crime, but shares an engaging story that’ll have Mafia purists clamoring for more. Oh yeah, it’s got Playboys all over the place too.
The 1940s and 50s was a time for war and organized crime. America wasn’t a safe place. In 2K Games’ latest sequel, the world of Empire Bay has references to San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Detroit to set the atmospheric tone. It’s this tone that hooks you in, and will standout as the most talked about sandbox game of 2010.
1950s style atmosphere: It’s everywhere. From the big band music being played on the radio stations, to the handling to 1950s cars, to stereotypical jobs, greaser guns and the Italian-American invasion. It’s all here. Let’s not forget about the terrible pollution by factories either. Regardless, the sense of urgency that the story missions revolve around help make the entire game experience believable. This feels like a time travel event, stepping into Mafia 2.
Extremely violent battles: Being even more violent than the original, you’ll see execution deaths, accidental deaths, and cold-blooded murders despite the constant yelping and begging from your enemies. The world of Empire Bay is a scary world that’s built upon survival of the fittest. The game’s multitude of small operation battles rather than huge firefights also make successful missions more satisfying. This isn’t your usual “run in and shoot 20 people without dying” game. You’ll need to surgically mow down your enemies up close and personal while utilizing a simple cover system, so you can savior the violence.
Voice Acting: According to the development team over at 2K Games, the game’s cutscenes and dialogue are almost double than the original, now well over two hours. While the story is interesting, it’s really the superb voice acting that shines.
Focus on story-driven missions rather than side missions: Mafia 2 will have its share of side missions and optional side quests, but the game doesn’t distract the player from completing their story-driven mission. A minimal HUD while driving prevents the player from seeing all that is available to him/her and that is a good thing. Playing through the levels at a steady pace actually makes the story feel more cohesive. It’s a development decision that shows how passionate developer 2K Czech’s team is for the plot.
Everyone is a potential murder victim: Most games will attempt to surprise the gamer with random deaths of main characters, but Mafia 2 takes murder to a new level, which leaves you feeling like no one is safe. Vito’s enemies and cohorts are being killed, and you never know when someone you just grown close to might get whacked.
Playboy Magazines: They’re fully nude, authentic and could entice a horde of perverted gamers to the table. And it’s brilliant. 2K Games’ decision to further authenticate the game with a real pop culture item from the era is something that also helps define Mafia 2’s classic theme. And who wouldn’t want to collect these for a nice virtual collection anyway?
It’s refreshing to see a sandbox game tinker with so many different options. Gamers who haven’t experienced a Mafia game yet shouldn’t shy away. And those that think they already seen it all with other sandbox games are in for surprise. From the half day I got to play the game, I can say that this game is top notch. Mafia 2 releases on August 24th for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
ah geez this game is soooo sexy. they did a real good job with the graphics and i love the “old-school-GTA-badass-godfather” feel this game has!
Has anyone played the first one? How was that?
The first one was epic. It was a game ahead of its time. It did all the right things and more. The graphics were amazing and the story was just epic. It truly feels like you’re in the world of the Godfather. The game is nothing compared to Godfather the game, that was a piece of crap. I was hyped up when I heard they were producing a sequel back in 07 (08?) and can;t believe it’s really here. I highly recommend pre-ordering the game as it will include Mafia 1 as a digital release.
They just announced the release date for the demo, can’t wait for August 10th!
these are good reasons but idk if its a must buy
The first Mafia had a classic story. PC version was tough in difficulty at times(at least for me). I will no doubt be buying this.
@Mark L
The first Godfather game was actually good. The second one however was very boring after you beat the single player and the MP was horrible.
Actually, the Xbox version of the game was rather disappointing, but that’s mainly because of bad porting IMO. The hardware just couldn’t handle how big the game was, so the graphics were really a step back from what I was expecting, especially since the PC looks great. Also, the controls were really wonky, as it was difficult to control the driving in the game. From what I can tell of the sequel, they aren’t skimpin on the console version this time. Looks really good so far.
@Superballa
Played the original Godfather game and it didn’t click to me as much as Mafia did. It lacked the feel of the 1930s that Mafia had. In fact, they were spot on.
I like how the game is more focus on the story and less on the side quests. Also kudos to the dev. For including the mags! :p
I can’t wait to buy this game every time a new bit of info comes out the game just looks better and better.
i played mafia 1 about what 10 years ago? and it was a epic game! i always thought they would make a sequel but didnt think it would take this long, saying that i hope this game rocks because who dosent want to be a made man, played the demo and it was fun