Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

100 or More Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Masterpiece"

Mafia II

Goods:
- Fantastic Story
- Looks Fantastic
- Gameplay in all aspects are great.

Bads:
- Nothing
- Nothing
- Mo' Nothin'

WARNING!: While i will do everything to avoid spoilers i may outrage even the most sensitive with the details of this review so be warned.

Ok well let it be known that have a big soft spot for Mafia II and yes i know this review is really late considering this game was released 3 years ago but if you havent played this game it really is a must-buy.

Mafia II is the open world action game made by 2K and starts off with a guy named Vito Scaletta whom him and his family come to America (or Empire Bay rather) in search for a better life. Although as soon as they get to Empire Bay the situation seems worse than when it started. Vito ends up getting caught stealing from a jewellery shop with his best friend Joe Barbaro and ends up in the Army and this is where the game basicly kicks off.

The Story is really what makes the game. Vito is a great character along with his friend Joe and their friendship works so well in the game and produces great dialogue between the two.Vito being the more quiet and thoughtful person while Joe more reckless and loud. The whole story is obviously the story of being a mobster and the life of a 'made man' but while Vito thinks that the life of being made is the one he wants he quickly finds out the challenges it brings. Throughout the story Vito faces struggles with his family, prison and certain moral challenges. While the games ending may not satisfy much in the terms of a strong conclusion it does leave a strong want for the next game in the series.

To the actual gameplay now. The gameplay divides into three things: Shooting,Brawling and Stealth. All of which work very nicely. The guns are fun to shoot and each have great sound effects, everything from the crack of the shotgun to the drilling sound of the Tommy gun are all pleasures to the ear. The brawling also is a treat to behold and is nice and simple. In brawling you can use either light or heavy punches and also block to defend yourself. Beat your oppenent up enough and you can finish himm off with a brutal move, overall brawling is very satisfying and very simple but not overally. Stealth is also featured and while there are not many stealth section they are done well and are a nice change of pace from all the gun and fighting action.

The game looks and plays well, the game world is beautiful and all the music
and fashion goes well in the 40's/50's era. If you like your collectables you can collect Playboy folds from back in the day or you can collect wanted posters from around the city. Overall Mafia II is a Masterpiece that combines three elements of gameplay into one amazing story with twists and turns and plenty of guns, broads and cars. If you want a great game to get immersed in Mafia II is it.