Mafia II
Rating:
5 Stars
Welcome to the beautiful city of Empire Bay. It’s the 1940’s and you’re just returning from World War II. Your name: Vito Scaletta. You’re the son of Sicilian Immigrants and you’re trying to make a name for yourself. After reuniting with your friend Joe Barbaro, you immediately head off into the world of crime and try to rise to the top, but you’d better be ready for some bumps along the way, as a life in the mob is never an easy one!
Mafia II had a rather modest release in late 2010 with just mediocre reviews, however, the fact that it was later released as a Platinum Hits title on the Xbox 360 and a Greatest Hits title on the PlayStation 3 is evidence that this game shouldn’t have been passed over. There’s also a Collector’s Edition available with a gorgeous steelbook case, full orchestral score, an impressive 100-page hardcover art book, map of Empire Bay, and the Made Man DLC pack. If there was ever a Collector’s Edition worth shelling out the extra for, this would be one of them. Sorry kids, this one’s rated M for mature audiences only, and it’s well deserving of that rating. Parents be warned, this is not the game for them.
The Good:
Empire Bay may be the most life-like, detailed city ever present in a video game. Every person you walk by will have something unique and relevant to say, and a large amount of them will allow you to engage in a full conversation with them. If you’re racing down the streets and veer off the road, the pedestrians aren’t going to stand there like bowling pins waiting to be mowed down; they’ll drop their umbrellas or toss their suitcases and dive out of the way. Hit one, and you’re in a world of trouble. Empire Bay’s police force is just as life-like as the city. Speed excessively, commit a hit-and-run, or rob a store and you can bet the boys in blue will be there ASAP. Don’t expect to rob a store, make a quick turn around, and grab some more cash from the drawers either. If you head back to the scene of the crime, you’ll be greeted by bright yellow tape and a couple of officers interviewing the witnesses.
Everything about the game is detailed and immersive. If you let yourself get into the story, it will bring emotions out of you that you never thought a video game could. If you overanalyze the story, you can figure out the barebones of the script, but if you allow yourself to become fully enveloped in the story, you’ll find yourself hit just as hard by every twist and turn presented to you as if you were actually Vito Scaletta. Be ready to deal with some hefty plot twists too, because Mafia II doesn’t go light on the storytelling!
In order to really help you dive into the experience head first, no detail was overturned. This game screams authenticity from every perfectly picked, era-specific, licensed song on the radio stations to the collection of real Playboy Magazine issues left for you to find around the city. Don’t forget to eat to replenish your health, and if you have a favorite car to cruise around in, you’d better go fill up on gas so your tank isn’t sitting on empty next time you need to make a quick getaway!
Even cut scenes are rendered from game’s engine so every shattered headlight or busted bumper will be captured and carried over. You’ll even see things like light snowfall gathering on your car while you’re out driving around or bits of wall chipping away as you blast it with your shotgun trying to take out some enemies. They’re not dumb either. Unlike most games, you can’t just start blasting away hoping to hit them. Once bullets go blazing past their heads, they’re not going to stick it right back out so you can pick them off. They’ll wait it out, peek around the other side, or move to new cover if available forcing you to change your tactics, or at least your weapon.
It’s going to be very hard, but try your best not to pick a favorite vehicle or gun from the get-go. Each weapon fires differently and every car handles uniquely. You’ll feel the kickback of the Thompson Model 1921 and the raw power of the M1 Garand. Get behind the wheel of the Dezilia 410 Grand American, and with the pedal to the metal, you’ll soon realized it’s a cleverly disguised 1954 Ferrari 250 Europa GT. Hop in the 1950 Divco Model UM Milk Truck and it’ll instantly be obvious that you’re in for a much slower ride in a significantly heavier, thus harder to handle, vehicle. They may not be officially licensed or listed under their real life brand names, but look closely and you’ll realize that everything from Ford’s and Chevrolet’s to Cadillac’s and Buicks have made their way into the game further legitimizing the authentic aura of the 1940’s and 1950’s.
The Bad:
With the obsessive attention to detail, it may seem odd that there are a few bugs in this game, but after realizing just how much is going on, it’s evident that these were not only imminent, but nowhere near game-breaking. Small things like your tie occasionally getting stuck in your chest once or twice is all you’re likely to see. Never will you be forced to restart your game. On the contrary, that might almost be a good thing if you find yourself really enjoying this game, because the largest flaw of this game that will stand out to you is just how short it is. Each ounce of heartbreak will fly by, and before you know it, you find yourself sitting on the couch, controller in hand, wondering how this game you ‘just started’ could possibly be over already!
Another lost opportunity is the city itself. Despite the fact that a tremendous amount of work went into crafting such a true to life city, there really is no incentive to explore. You can always go to an auto shop or clothing store, but there are no hidden missions or items spread around the city. All the collectibles are found during missions. The only real reason to explore is to gaze upon each beautiful building and taking in the feeling of the 40’s and 50’s
The Ugly:
The biggest problem around Mafia II isn’t anything the game itself can be considered at fault for. Most people go in to this thinking “oh, an open world game where I run around shooting people, this must be just like Grand Theft Auto.” Well, it’s not. This is a much more story-driven linear experience that takes place in an open world environment. Although Grand Theft Auto has pulled into a more realistic feeling with its latest iteration it’s still much more over-the-top than Mafia II is, which can be seen best by the differences in police forces. Grand Theft Auto gives you the opportunity to get away with a lot more before they come after you; however, Mafia II’s police force treats you with real life expectations.
Bottom Line:
Due to a lack of promotion and some unfavorable reviews, it’s more than likely you’ve yet to experience the 1950’s through Vito Scaletta’s eyes. This is rather unfortunate because Mafia II is likely the most underrated and underappreciated game of 2010. Make sure that this is the next game you run out and pick up, unless the content isn’t suitable for you or you’re just not a shooter person. Once again, be advised, this game embraces it’s M rating with intense violence, strong language, and nudity among other things, so keep this away from anyone under the age of 17. If you're of appropriate age though, this is one exceptional experience you don't want to miss.
Mafia II was developed by 2K Czech and published by 2K Games. It was released in North America on October 24th, 2010 with an M [Mature] rating from the ESRB and an MSRP of $59.99; At the time of the review, it now sells with an MSRP of $29.99. This review was based on the Collector’s Edition for Xbox 360 which now sells with an MSRP of $79.99.
