Mafia II
About the Game
Vito Scaletta is an Italian immigrant in the United States. Born into a poor family from Sicily, he grows up in the city of Empire Bay and soon becomes best friends with Joe Barbaro, who convinces him that crime is just a way to get easy money. After having attempted a robbery, Vito is arrested and offered a choice by the authorities: go to jail or join the army. Choosing the latter, he is drafted and sent to Italy to fight Mussolini and his followers.
Story & Setting
Mafia II shares the theme and the basic gameplay concept with Mafia ; though it takes place at a later time and follows the life story of a different protagonist, the game's plot has a few connections with that of the predecessor. The game's story begins in the 1940's and extends into the 1950's. The story centers on a linear path and is divided into chapters, each telling a separate episode in Vito's life and his trials and tribulations after getting involved with the mafia. One portion of the game, which takes place inside of a prison, has melee-focused brawls.
Gameplay & Core Systems
Like its predecessor, the game combines free-roaming driving with third-person shooting stages, focusing on the latter. Though players is free to explore the city (driving a car or on foot), most of the driving gameplay is confined to the missions, which involves getting to the destination, stopping to buy items, hijacking different cars, etc. There are noticeably less chases or violent encounters during the driving sections than in the previous game. Police may arrest Vito for speeding or violent behavior; players has the option to bribe officers in exchange for freedom. The third-person shooting mechanics have been overhauled, featuring a cover-based system similar to that of Gears of War .
Standout Features
- He can be easily killed when running in the open; therefore, taking cover and periodically shooting is the prevalent tactic.
- Colt: In addition to firearms from the previous game (Colt 1911, tommy gun, pump-action shotgun, etc.), there are World War II-era weapons in the game, such as the MP 40 and M3 submachine guns.
- Playboy: Players can explore interiors to find collectibles, more specifically vintage Playboy magazines to unlock the erotic photos within.
- Vito is sometimes assisted by Joe or other characters during the shooting stages.
Presentation & Atmosphere
Display support includes 480i, Progressive Scan (480p), HDTV 720p, and Widescreen (16 x 9). Audio support includes Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS.
