We’ve been waiting a long time for Mafia II and I’m happy to report it is one of the most entertaining releases of 2010. It is developed by 2K Czech and published by 2K Games for the Xbox360 and the PS3. However they’ve put a lot of work into certain aspects of the game, while unfortunately neglecting others. In gaming you can’t really lose with the ‘gangster’ genre. The secret world of the Mafia is mysterious and enthralling and people can’t help but be fascinated by.
This release follows the story of Vito Scaletta who returns from World War II needing to make money to pay off a loan shark for the sake of his mother and sister. Thus begins Vito’s trek into the ‘family’, with many twists and turns in what is a fantastic plot. In fact that’s probably the best part of the game - the story.
It is unpredictable and keeps you playing, just to see how the next chapter unfolds in Empire Bay, a fictional American city that is troubled by gang warfare. Some of the cut scenes are also brilliant, with excellent dialogue and a basis for understanding the characters and what roles they play in the family. Vito’s main companion is Joe Barbaro, but there are many other faces to meet along the way, and obviously not all of them are trustworthy.
Gameplay wise, it is basic. There is nothing ground-breaking here but it does have plenty of shoot-outs and car chases. The occasional stealth mission is also in there, while one or two bosses offer a difficult challenge as the story continues. The shooting-system and number of weapons is acceptable, without providing much excitement.
The variety comes from the story. Without ruining it completely, there is a spell in prison for the character that is a bolt from the blue, as well as some special assignments such as a very dangerous visit to a hotel involving a bomb and a cleaner’s uniform.
This game would be spectacular if such attention to detail was given everywhere. The camera annoyed me at times, zooming too close on the player and constantly needing to be tweaked. Some of the missions are boring, especially when you’ve finished your objective and need to drive to the other side of the city just to go to bed.
That concludes a chapter and it ruins the excitement of your earlier work. If the story wasn’t so strong, maybe I would have given up half-way through.
2K have put their stamp on the third-person street adventure game and some people will appreciate their choices. The police can be quite picky, pulling you up for a hit and run with another vehicle or even speeding.
They’re prolific with the trigger and pulling a gun on them usually leads to death.
I like it and by no means should Grand Theft Auto defy what should be acceptable in these types of games. After you finish the story there isn’t many reasons to go back and do it all again, bar collecting Playboy magazines and the occasional picture.
It doesn’t have the lasting appeal of a GTA but for fun and entertainment this is definitely worth a play. A ‘trader’ if there ever was one.
Rory Houston
