Mafia II is an open-world action-adventure game developed by 2K Czech and released in 2010. It's the sequel to Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven and is set in the 1940s and 1950s, during the golden age of organized crime in the United States. The game takes place in the fictional city of Empire Bay, a bustling, atmospheric environment heavily inspired by real-world cities like New York and Chicago.
Story
Mafia II follows the story of Vito Scaletta, an Italian-American man who grows up in the slums of Empire Bay. After his father is sent to prison, Vito is introduced to a life of crime, eventually joining the Mafia. The story begins with Vito returning home from World War II, where he served in Italy, and finds himself drawn into the criminal underworld, working for various Mafia families as he rises through the ranks.
The plot is driven by Vito's ambition to make money, earn respect, and ultimately gain a sense of power within the Mafia. His journey is complicated by loyalty, betrayal, family struggles, and the moral dilemmas of the criminal life. As Vito gets deeper into the Mafia's operations, his relationships with friends, family, and fellow criminals are tested, and the story unfolds in dramatic, cinematic cutscenes.
Gameplay
Mafia II combines a mix of driving, shooting, and exploration. The gameplay is focused on a third-person perspective, and players control Vito as he navigates the open world of Empire Bay, completing various missions for the Mafia.
- Driving: Driving plays a big part in the game, with an extensive collection of classic 1940s and 1950s cars that feel authentic to the period. The driving mechanics are designed to reflect the time, with cars having a realistic sense of weight and handling.
- Combat: Combat in Mafia II involves both gunfights and hand-to-hand brawls. The game uses cover-based shooting, where players can hide behind objects for protection while firing at enemies. The weapons, including pistols, shotguns, and Tommy guns, are period-appropriate, and the gunplay feels satisfying with a focus on strategic positioning.
- Exploration: The open-world setting allows players to explore Empire Bay, which is filled with shops, collectibles, side missions, and details that help immerse players in the 1940s-50s setting. While the story-driven missions are the primary focus, the world is rich with historical references, radio stations playing period music, and various vehicles that reflect the era.
Setting and Atmosphere
The setting of Mafia II is one of its most praised aspects. Empire Bay is a meticulously designed city that captures the look and feel of post-WWII America. From the neon lights of the downtown area to the quiet suburban neighborhoods, every corner of the city is packed with historical details, including vintage cars, shops, and period-authentic architecture.
The atmosphere is further enhanced by a soundtrack that includes classic tunes from the era, playing on in-game radios and adding to the sense of immersion. The gritty, noir-inspired narrative, combined with the game's cinematic presentation, makes Mafia II feel like playing through a classic crime film.
Characters
The game features a cast of memorable characters, including Vito's best friend Joe Barbaro, who becomes his partner in crime, and several Mafia bosses and associates. The characters are complex and well-written, with personalities that add depth to the story. As the game progresses, players see Vito's relationship with Joe and others evolve, with moments of camaraderie, betrayal, and tension.
Reception
Mafia II was generally well-received for its compelling narrative, engaging characters, and impressive recreation of the 1940s-50s setting. Critics praised its story and atmosphere, although some felt the gameplay could be repetitive, especially with some of the side missions and driving. Despite this, the game's visual and narrative style were widely acclaimed, and it garnered a loyal fanbase for its immersive world and detailed depiction of Mafia life.
Legacy
While Mafia II was followed by Mafia III in 2016, which took the series in a different direction with a 1960s setting, Mafia II remains a standout entry in the series, particularly for its story-driven approach and period-specific details. In 2020, Mafia II was remastered as part of Mafia: Definitive Edition, offering improved visuals and performance on modern consoles and PCs.
