Mafia II is pretty great. For starters, the story is incredibly well written. I'd expect it to be considering how well written the first game was. It plays like a crime novel and the cut scenes are incredibly cinematic in the sense that they feel like cut scenes from a Scorsese film. And for the time, the graphics were pretty tight. It has a few shortcomings, mainly with the open world aspect of the game.

Mafia II is a sequel to the first one, but the location, cast of characters, and timeline is evidently different. Instead of Lost Heaven, the sequel takes place in Empire Bay, which is clearly heavily influenced by New York City. The Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and a version of Central Park all make appearances. And the rest of the map has influences from the rest of Manhattan, parts of what are likely New Jersey and probably Long Island. I really liked the map and when you're not on a mission, you are able to drive around and check it out. But that is only interesting for such a period of time. Because aside from the main story, there isn't anything else to do, unless you like drinking at bars alone, going to a gun store, going to a clothing store, or scrapping or porting out cars. Those are the only other "activities", so it makes the world feel kind of dull.

The story revolves around Vito Scaletta, an Italian who recently served in WWII in Italy, discharged after being injured in battle. He had joined the Army instead of going to jail after being arrested for a botched robbery. When he returns from the war, he ends up reconnecting with his childhood friend and fellow delinquent, Joe Barbaro, who's involved with some Mafia types. Joe introduces Vito to some of the gang members and Vito takes on some jobs with him. The game takes place at first in 1943 and 1945, but that's just the first few chapters. (Spoilers) Vito is sent to jail after a ration stamp heist and the game skips ahead to 1951. Vito and Joe work for a few different families but their story ultimately goes awol. It's really great.

If there's one thing this game really nailed, it's the music selection on the radio stations.

Great story, great music, great direction, great world, but a serious lack of activities.

9.0/10

Mafia II is pretty great. For starters, the story is incredibly well written. I'd expect it to be considering how well written the first game was. It plays like a crime novel and the cut scenes are incredibly cinematic in the sense that they feel like cut scenes from a Scorsese film. And for the time, the graphics were pretty tight. It has a few shortcomings, mainly with the open world aspect of the game. Mafia II is a sequel to the first one, but the location, cast of characters, and timeline is evidently different. Instead of Lost Heaven, the sequel takes place in Empire Bay, which is clearly heavily influenced by New York City. The Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and a version of Central Park all make appearances. And the rest of the map has influences from the rest of Manhattan, parts of what are likely New Jersey and probably Long Island. I really liked the map and when you're not on a mission, you are able to drive around and check it out. But that is only interesting for such a period of time. Because aside from the main story, there isn't anything else to do, unless you like drinking at bars alone, going to a gun store, going to a clothing store, or scrapping or porting out cars. Those are the only other "activities", so it makes the world feel kind of dull. The story revolves around Vito Scaletta, an Italian who recently served in WWII in Italy, discharged after being injured in battle. He had joined the Army instead of going to jail after being arrested for a botched robbery. When he returns from the war, he ends up reconnecting with his childhood friend and fellow delinquent, Joe Barbaro, who's involved with some Mafia types. Joe introduces Vito to some of the gang members and Vito takes on some jobs with him. The game takes place at first in 1943 and 1945, but that's just the first few chapters. (Spoilers) Vito is sent to jail after a ration stamp heist and the game skips ahead to 1951. Vito and Joe work for a few different families but their story ultimately goes awol. It's really great. If there's one thing this game really nailed, it's the music selection on the radio stations. Great story, great music, great direction, great world, but a serious lack of activities. 9.0/10