PlatformOVERALL
PlayStation 37.90
Overall 7.90
Mafia 2 is a very story driven linear game that just so happens to have a large open city you can explore. I have heard many complaints about how there is nothing to do in the game, how its not as fun as GTA. Well its not trying to be a GTA game, instead of reviewing a game on what it isn't I will review what it is which is a very well done third person shooter.

The strength of the game is easily its presentation. Lots of care went into making sure the player feels like he is living the life of this mafia member in NY during the 40s and 50s. The game is as immersive as it comes and the game tries to never break that wall where the action becomes silly. There are no killing spree side missions, no crazy weapons, no driving tanks, helicopters, you know all that GTA over the top stuff. The story is always moving forward, you don't choose missions, it is a linear game where you basically have to drive to the next level. I understand that the driving can get repetitive but you get to listen to an amazing soundtrack of hits from the 50s and many times the story is advancing through a conversation in the car. Outside of missions there isn't much to do but hey you are a mafia member not some guy that has fifty different jobs to do from a ton of different factions.

Each mission takes you to a new location where odds are you have a shoot out. Some missions have stealth, some have a car chase, they do try to mix things up a bit but for the most part you will be shooting guys. The combat is your standard third person cover shooter. You hide in cover and choose the right time to pop out and shoot. There are no special powers, no real hook to the gameplay and the gun selection is standard. It sounds kind of boring but the environments come to life when the shooting starts. Chunks of walls start to splinter, glass breaks all around you, and many times fires break out to create some great set pieces. The locations feel real, they feel like they are a part of the action as well not just a stoic background. The story situations surrounding the missions are interesting as well. The game makes you want to shoot the guys you are shooting, each gunfight has a purpose.

So thats pretty much it, you drive to a mission and you shoot guys. There are a few extras to find like classic playboy magazines, which is pure genius but doesn't add anything to the game. Basically its an average shooter boosted by it's incredible attention to detail and story. I enjoyed my time with the game and in the end that is all that matters.
Posted by Dvader Sat, 02 Apr 2011 03:57:18
 
Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:11:55
Still haven't played this game but I'm itching to. I hear from many people its not as good as the original. But the original is only good on the PC apparently.
 
Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:33:33
Your review makes me think I would like it.  Gaming time is so limited now that I much prefer games with a more closed/linear design even if they give you the illusion of having a whole city to explore same as in a sandbox game.
 
Wed, 31 Aug 2011 04:09:23
It's a great game, really. Especially the way some characters are detailed.
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