I’ve got a confession to make. As much as I recall ranting and raving about how good it was, I never actually got round to finishing the original Mafia. I think my computer blew up or something. All I do know is that reading the plot details several years later, I certainly didn’t witness the massacre and pretty much everybody getting clipped near the end.
Mafia 2 is the acclaimed follow-up to that 2002 original, which was widely-regarded as ‘genre defining great’. Once again set in the suspiciously familiar fictional city of Empire Bay, we return 10 years later to follow the exploits of one Vito Scaletta. After an opening scene as the Scaletta’s arrive in America to begin their new lives, it quickly becomes clear that the land of opportunity isn’t too kind to the working Sicilian immigrant. It doesn’t take long for Vito and best friend Joe Barbaro to fall into criminal tastes, ending up with Vito being caught during a jewellery store robbery.
Faced with a choice of jail or the army, Vito enlists in the latter to become part of ‘Operation Husky’. Cleverly hidden as a controller tutorial, the unexpected opening chapter is set during the battle for Sicily, and really throws off all predictions of where to start in a Mafia game. Vito becomes injured and is sent home to rest up. Joe helps provide some forged release papers which means Vito is once again a free man from Uncle Sam.
When finding out his sister is struggling with a loan shark debt kindly left by their father, Vito reluctantly falls into Joe’s employ to gather the necessary monies. From here on in, things go as you’d expect- a rich, gritty Mafia love story, with all the highs and lows every decent made-man flick has depicted over the years.
That’s Mafia 2′s trump card though. The witty dialogue and attention to detail nothing short of outstanding. From the detailed buildings to the engine hum of your 1949 Cadillac as you cautiously edge over the speed limit (ever-vigilant of cops that are quick to issue speeding fines), the game just feels right. Comfortable levels of customisation are offered to tweak cars and clothing, and a change of attire or a new number plate will see you blend into the masses if being pursued by the local police. The music will also have you bopping from side-to-side with a brilliant period soundtrack across three local radio stations.
It doesn’t hurt that the game looks fantastic too. All manner of weather effects are fully rendered along with all you’d expect from a living, breathing sandbox based city. The world details are confined to the historical accuracy of the time, so you can’t grab a rocket launcher or a helicopter and proceed to the nearest rooftop to recreate terrorist atrocities here. It’s a game of lavish style and sophistication; almost the Gentlemen’s GTA if you will. A game where I felt genuinely a part of the story, and for the first time in ages, actually cared for my protagonist.
Car chases, which are a huge part of the action, feel feel tense and realistic, with every twist and turn throwing these lumbering dinosaurs of automobiles in all sorts of directions. It gives you a true sense of speed (and dread) when you really have enough straight road to open the throttle up.
Gunfights follow the tried and tested third-person cover system and can feel a little repetitive at times. The age-old tactic of waiting for somebody to poke their head out then shooting pays dividends here; a patient gamer is a successful gamer in Mafia. The weapons stay faithful, providing enough variety to complement realistic shoot-outs. Set pieces throughout the story and locations around the comfortably-sized map provide a roller-coaster of emotions throughout the games 15 chapters. One minute you’ll be tearing through the plot, ever eager to hear the next twist; whilst other times you’ll find yourself praying for that fadeout and close.
Not all is rosy though in gangland. The game suffers from some noticeable screen tear during certain opening scenes of the chapters. Also the pretty steady difficulty curve is met with some seriously frustrating spikes at times. I found myself stuck on two particular sections of the game for well over 20 minutes, which only helped to ruin the momentum of the story and led to the game being switched off.
Also, don’t come to Lost Heaven looking for the ultimate period sandbox title. There really isn’t much to do here. Apart from the story, a handful of car deporting or scrapping errands can be completed to generate some cash, and that’s pretty much it. I found that the wanted posters and playboy magazines dotted around the city (however pleasing on the eye) just felt a little tacked on and almost like another tick in a Sandbox game ‘must have’ list. My concerns only grew when I came to realise just how many of these collectibles were dotted around, and how few I was obtaining on my story progression. It just didn’t feel natural, and more of a distraction on the initial play through rather than another level of depth.
But all in all, it does exactly what it says on the tin. A well developed game which handles well, looks fantastic, and has a wealth of attention to detail. If you’re a fan of the times when the working man really was a sucker, and the criminal underworld was all glamour and riches, this game is right up your alley. It’s a very enjoyable 12-15 hours, but don’t expect to be kept entertained beyond that. But then, you could always just flick through the playboy magazines…
Im a long haired, metal loving, rock n roll, plastic instrument talented gamer! I've worked in games retail for 7 years and have been caught up in all the politics associated with it. My neighbour loves my plastic drum kit and when i start singing.... "
3 Comments
Hi Phil,
Another great review, and you have nailed the game spot on! A little frustrating that it isn’t longer. I was a little dismayed that I had reached Chapter 9 within 6 hours of solid gameplay only to find out there was only 6 chapters left.
All round though, I love these type of games, and Mafia 2 hasn’t overly disappointed. Can’t wait to see if they do a 3rd and bring on GTA5.
Dave
PS. Being a pedant, I am going to be annoying and point out that the game is set in Empire Bay not Lost Heaven
Couldn’t agree more about the wanted posters and playboy mags! Fiddly little collectables that you have to spend extra time looking for. I wouldn’t mind as much if it was easy to re-enter the game after completing the main story, but deciding which chapter to pick is hard. You don’t want to pick one that starts off with a mission you can’t get out of. Much the same as the feathers in Assassins Creed 2, it’s only the likes of Ange and Weeman who have the patience to collect them all! That’s commitment for you! Well done guys!
Rhi =) x
P.S. Great review Phil!!!
Sorry Dave, but you are right. I must have got my cities muddled. Good spot.
I agree with you too Rhi, it’s just taking too much time. I’ve even used a guide to do some of the Mafia Wanted posters and it still takes ages!