Gamer’s Review: Mafia II

After “Mafia” became a critical and commercial success in 2002, video game developer/publisher, 2K commence development on a sequel. It took game developers eight years to create a new game engine as a significant upgrade to the previous installment as well as brainstorming plot elements. Arriving home from World War II, Vito Scarletta working his way to become a made man in the mafia. His best friend, Joe Barbaro accompanies him in his rise to power. As the story progresses all heck breaks loose.

Released in 2010 (same year Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood came out) on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, “Mafia II” earned positive reviews from critics and gamers alike. Plus, it was a commercial success. A third game was released in 2016. Followed by a prequel, “The Old Country” as the most recent installment. Before Rockstar Games’ highly anticipated “Grand Theft Auto VI” will be released in November 19, 2026. Before it comes out, I wanna share my thoughts on Mafia II.

This review contains no SPOILERS.

Made & Whack Elements

Made: Voice Actors all did an excellent job for their respective performances.

Random Thought: I never played the first Mafia game or is remastered version. Maybe someday I’ll play it.

Graphics bring a fully detailed world to life.

Gameplay/Mechanics

Presented as a third-person action shooter, you play as Vito Scarletta making a living as a gangster partaking in criminal activities.
Combat enables you to grab firearms, explosives and good ol’ fist o’cuffs.
Regain health by eating and drinking consumables.
To stay alive, find cover. Otherwise, you’re a moving target.
Drive vehicles from Point A to Point B.
A unique mechanic, “speed limiter” prevents you from speeding. You don’t wanna get caught by the po po.
Wanted System’s triggered if you partake in illegal stuff. Head to the nearest body shop to lose the cops. Change the license plate, you’re good to go. If you get caught doing small crime, bribe a cop. If the law recognizes you, change clothes. This would never let you easily get away in real life.
Customize your personal car. If your car’s severely damaged, repair it at the body shop.
Spend money on ammo, clothes and consumables.
If you run outta fuel, find the closest gas station.
Lockpick cars or doors discreetly.
There are wanted posters scattered across Empire City. Think you can catch ‘em all? Good luck.
Main Missions features Playboy magazines as hidden collectibles. I didn’t expect them to be in the game. Whenever you get one, you can go the Extras and see some gorgeous women.
Pinup Girl art can only be obtained in Hard difficulty. Adding more hours to endure a challenge.

Here’s what in The Definitive Edition.

Lincoln Clay’s military jacket and car from “Mafia III.”
Tommy Angelo’s outfit from the first Mafia game.
Additional clothes including a greaser outfit that makes Vito look like young Marlon Brando in “The Wild One.”
First DLC Pack: The Betrayal of Jimmy
Second DLC Pack: Jimmy’s Vendetta
Third DLC Pack: Joe’s Adventures

The game’s narrative is influenced by epic crime dramas. Most notably, “Goodfellas.”

Good tunes from the 1940s-1950s.

The writers and producers did their homework recapturing the 1940s-1950s. Consider this a warning, the game contains racist moments. It wasn’t fun growing up in both decades. If you have the guts to play, strap in for the ride. I do not endorse racism.

Vito’s chemistry with Joe serves as the main highlight.

Primary Themes are Friendship, Loyalty, Consequence & Betrayal. Each one’s handled maturely.

There’s no requirement to play the first game. It’s a stand alone sequel.

Without giving too much away, Chapter 14 features a shocking twist it’ll make you gasp.

It took me 10 hours to beat the Main Story. Of you’re a completionist, you can play the aforementioned DLC packs, search for all wanted posters, Playboy magazines and Pinup Girl art.

Whack: Although an open-world game, it lacks side missions and fun activities the GTA series is known for like hanging out with a buddy, fast travel, buying properties, gambling, bowling, dating a beautiful gal, racing etc. What’s the point of making a huge open-world game if you don’t have anything besides the main course? As if you can’t eat a bag of fries or onion rings with your burger.

The game can be occasionally buggy. I didn’t experience game crashes on my PS5.

The Final Verdict: B, FOR BADA BING BADA BOOM!

Despite lacking additional side activities and very little glitches, Mafia II is a great game. If you’re prepping up for GTA VI, try out the Mafia series.