Mafia II

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 61 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 61
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 61
  3. Negative: 2 out of 61
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  1. Eurogamer
    40
    Mafia II gets the last word by destroying the myth that the mafia is interesting at all. It contends that the mob world is a hell of boredom populated by aggressively stupid automatons. These drones wake up each morning, carry out a series of repetitious tasks, and return home.
  2. Gameblog.fr
    40
    Here's how to sum up Mafia II : 12 hours of repetitive, linear missions, with but a few gameplay mechanics. Shoot, drive, punch, a tiny little bit of stealth, that's it. There's nothing more to be done than to follow the unfolding of the plot, which is clearly sub-par, especially when considering how easy it is to watch a rerun of The Godfather or a season of the Sopranos instead. Replay value is nil, there's no multiplayer. You can't even roam freely in the city after the ending (what for anyway, one may ask). Combat is way to easy, cars don't provide much thrill. In the end, Mafia II is a very pretty box, but an empty one. 80% of what has been developed doesn't serve any real purpose. The rest isn't enough to make a great game. If you're a die hard fan of the 50's atmosphere (nicely rendered), and the Mafia genre, you might still enjoy it. Otherwise...

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Best PS3 Game of 2010
16
#16 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2010
23
#23 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2010

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 464 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 333 out of 464
  2. Mixed: 93 out of 464
  3. Negative: 38 out of 464
  1. Bob_H
    Aug 24, 2010
    10
    Having already marathon played this game, I can say that it is not a GTA game, but still great. These negative reviewers repeatedly complainHaving already marathon played this game, I can say that it is not a GTA game, but still great. These negative reviewers repeatedly complain about this game's linear nature and lack of sub-missions, but (because I began playing the game knowing it was a linear action title) I was very pleased with it. In Grand Theft Auto games, you are given many activities to do - but none of them are very refined. In Mafia II, the opposite is true. Shooting is very satisfying, the cars are fantastic simulations, and the game - particularly the cutscenes - looks amazing. This game is much shorter than GTA at around 12 hours, but the action is much more focused.… Full Review »
  2. i_like_games
    Aug 26, 2010
    9
    I'm not sure what all the people with negative reviews were expecting. I'm going to try to list my take on the game.

    The story is linear    I'm not sure what all the people with negative reviews were expecting. I'm going to try to list my take on the game.

    The story is linear and there are no side quests. But the first Mafia was like this. It's a game and it's trying to tell a story, and it's a pretty good one. Unfortunately there is currently no free ride mode as in the first Mafia. This essentially means that hunting down the centerfolds and wanted posters and exploring the city must happen in mission. Which is totally fine. The only thing that sucks is that the current save mode, with saves only occuring at mission check points. It would be nice to have a save point you could go to, to save your progress (guns and clothes).

    The centerfold collectibles are far more interesting than item crates (JC2), and shooting pigeons (GTA IV). For some people they may want to actually find all 50. And how much "Extra" crap do you really need to do? Just Cause 2 is full of extra crap, so much that the actual storyline missions are only ok.

    The graphics are beautiful. And in the cut scenes the vehicles and clothing of your character are in the exact state they were before the cut scene (new outfits, bullet holes in car, etc.)

    The radio station rocks. The action can be intense. And for anyone who's mission isn't to race through the chapters as quickly as possible if you start a few gun battles with police you can get automatic weapons right away! I really enjoy this game. And my only qualm is the current save system as I'd like to be able to save my status after getting new guns and messing with the police. A longer story might be nice as well, but hopefully there'll be some decent DLC's to fill in the gaps.    … Full Review »
  3. Blswylde
    Aug 25, 2010
    10
    Mafia 2 is not trying to be GTA, you must know that going in or you will be disappointed. Mafia 2 is a much more linear, hands on experienceMafia 2 is not trying to be GTA, you must know that going in or you will be disappointed. Mafia 2 is a much more linear, hands on experience for the players that only want story, sure, you can run around town, but the options are limited. It has a great story, enjoy it of that. If you're like MAINEiac then you must only want a rocket launcher and a crowd to shoot it at, Mafia 2 doesn't give you that, it gives you a compelling story with above average voice acting.… Full Review »
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