Mafia II Game Review (PC, Xbox 360, Playstation 3)

Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven was one of the best video games I played during the last decade. It had a powerful storyline, a high level of authenticity and was fun to play. Mafia II is the sequel to that game, developed by the same talented folks at 2K Czech (previously called Illusion Softworks) who gave us the previous entry in the franchise. Here's a look at it:

Mafia II looks like a dream - the technology behind this game is spellbinding. The game itself is one of the most boring games I've ever played.

You take on the role of Vito Scarletta, son of Italian immigrants, who along with his best friend Joe embarks on an interesting journey. The game is set in 1940's and 1950's in the fictional Empire City, modeled after New York City.

Mafia II appears to be a sandbox action adventure game, but in reality is just a linear shooting-and-driving game. Roughly lasting 15 hours, the players get a chance to work for the Mafia as their driver and a "cleaner". The storyline is good, but not great. In all honesty, this kind of story is better suited to a movie than a video game. Games are meant to be played, not watched and pondered over.

Empire City will take your breath away.

I am a sucker for good stories, but I also want to have a good time while playing a video game. Mafia II makes the player do things like "Open the refrigerator and grab a beer". The player has to adhere to the speed limits on the road, otherwise will find the Police on his tail. Thank you please, I have a life.

The missions are standard drive-from-point-A-to-point-B, pick up a guy and then drive to another point. Some scenarios force you to use your fists, while in others you have to shoot using the available weapons - but more than 50% of the time the player will have to drive around. They really should've canned the idea of making a sequel to Mafia, and called this Mafia Driver or something.

The licensed music from the appropriate era is a nice touch - you can choose from three available radio stations to listen to while driving. The original soundtrack itself is also very moody. Voice acting is adequate, but nothing special.

Extras include collectible Playboy centerfolds, posters and artwork. There is no multiplayer and almost negligible replay value is present.

Shooting missions are eclipsed by the driving ones.

As I've said before, the graphics of Mafia II are extraordinary. If you have a high-end PC, and can crank up the settings to the max, you'll see how carefully every texture and every polygon has been created. On Playstation 3, some details like 3D grass have been sacrificed to get a better frame rate; but PS3 owners get an exclusive DLC with the game: The Betrayal of Jimmy, free of cost.

Overall, I'll give Mafia II, a 4 out of 10.

PROS: Amazing graphics. Good storyline. Transports the player into a bygone era.
CONS: Boring missions. Little replay value. System Hog (PC version).