The mobster lifestyle is easily one of the most overused themes for video games this generation, especially when it comes to open-world titles. That being said if a developer takes the lifestyle of a mafiaso and does something original with it the game can end up being quite enjoyable. The Grand Theft Auto series is probably the most well-known video game franchise that centers around the activities of a criminal empire, but around the same time a game by the name of Mafia was released on the PC. It made a relatively large impact in the industry at the time but was relatively ignored by mainstream gaming press. Building on that audience 2K Games is bringing a sequel to the Xbox 360 late next month, titled Mafia II; and I had the chance to spend a couple hours with the near-final build during a recent press event in San Francisco. To be honest I went into the event with minimal expectation of what the game’s originality and how enjoyable of an open-world experience it would have. Mafia II has been in development for a couple years now and the extra development time is noticeable; a high level of graphical and gameplay polish surrounds ever aspect of the latest mobster title.
Mafia II is a game that focuses solely on having a strong single-player component, there is no multiplayer and because of that the developers had to make sure the story was right-on. 2K Games sat me down at a television to go hands-on with a couple different levels, each taking place at a different time period in the overall arching story. The main character is an Italian-American who returns from World War II to find his family in debt and his old neighborhood on the brink of mobster rule. Born the son of a poor immigrant, Vito is a beaten down Italian American who is trying to escape the life of poverty that consumed his childhood. It was on the streets that Vito learns that joining the Mafia is the only route to wealth and respect for people of his standing. Wanting to escape the life of hardship that his father led, he dreams about becoming a “made man. Immediately you team-up with an old friend who has connections to the underworld of organized crime and begin the adventure from small-time thug to big-shot mafia boss. The story of Mafia II progresses from the 1940s through the 1950s and everything about the living, breathing world changes with the time-period.
I got a chance to try a couple missions from both eras and left with a strong feeling that Mafia II has the potential to be the single-best open-world game coming out in 2010. Powered by 2K Czech’s next-generation Illusion Engine built specifically for Mafia II, players will experience the true evolution of the game. Gunfights, hand-to-hand combat and vehicular exploration feature new depth and dimension that allow players to experience the world of Mafia II in a way that will keep them coming back for more. Gamers that are familiar with the first Mafia game or any of the Grand Theft Auto titles will instantly feel at home in Mafia II. The game world is massive and as you progress through the story more areas will become unlocked; everything is tied together with the typical map system that is found in most sandbox games. Driving around in classic 40s and 50s era cars felt solid, as did the aiming system and other combat features. The graphics in Mafia II were impressive to say the least, never once did I think to myself that the development team didn’t know what they were doing or waste those precious years of crafting. In a game like this the most important aspect to most gamers is going to be the story and how well it grips you, causing the player to continue playing no matter how many hours in the virtual world it takes. Mafia II does that with skill and I can’t wait to get my hands on the final product in a couple weeks, look for a detailed review right here at PlanetXbox360.com when it hits retail in late August.
Mafia II Key Game Features:
- Action-Packed Gameplay: Take part in heart-stopping car-to-car chases, visceral hand-to-hand combat and intense gunplay, all of which come together to form a deep and engrossing gameplay experience.
- Epic Gangster Story: Inspired by iconic mafia drama, the compelling characters and cinematic presentation will pull players into the allure and impossible escape of life in the Mafia.
- Immersive World and Period: Enter the world of Empire City—World War II is raging in Europe and the architecture, cars, music and clothing all echo the period. As time passes, hot rod cars, 50s fashion and some of the era’s best music reflect the birth of a cool new era.
- Illusion Engine™: 2K Czech’s proprietary Illusion Engine, allows gamers to explore Empire Bay’s 10 square miles of beautifully rendered outdoor environments and intricately designed interiors.
- Soundtrack Reflects the Mood of the Era: Players will be immersed in the Golden Era of America as Mafia II features tracks from some of the era’s most influential artists.
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