User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 751 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 56 out of 751
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  1. Dec 15, 2012
    8
    While I played this on ps3 (No ps3 thing on metacritic) I enjoyed this game, story was great, graphics are better then the game its always put side to side to...Grand Theft Auto. And the characters we're fun to learn about. No spoilers but the ending is very Mass Effect 3 like.
  2. Dec 31, 2011
    8
    2K Czech did a fantastic job on this one. Mafia 2 is by far my favourite third person open world game to date. It is perhaps the perfect blend of linear game play, an open world, intriguing story, and characters that feel human. To describe the game play, the best way it can be described would be to say its an open world similar to a game such most Rockstar titles, but without an abundance2K Czech did a fantastic job on this one. Mafia 2 is by far my favourite third person open world game to date. It is perhaps the perfect blend of linear game play, an open world, intriguing story, and characters that feel human. To describe the game play, the best way it can be described would be to say its an open world similar to a game such most Rockstar titles, but without an abundance of side content, creating linear game play. Some would view this as a negative to the game, but doing this serves to bring more attention to detail, far less loading scenes, and when there are they're shorter the in GTA, and it pushes the expectation to make a quality game father then filler. There are between 30-40 different vehicles in the game as well (depending on if DLC is purchased, which actually brings it to a total of 45), and a multitude of period appropriate weaponry, including many Mob classics as the original Tommy Gun, and also many World War Two weapons such as the M1 Garand, MP-40, esc... Without a doubt the best part of the game play is that the driving mechanics are stable, and surpass the driving of GTA, and that the character himself DOESN'T CONTROL LIKE A CAR!!! Unlike in any Rockstar game, the characters to not control like a vehicle when you are not in a vehicle, and running around the city.
    The story of Mafia 2 is similar to that of many crime movies, mafia movies which is to say a "rags to riches" story focusing on the exploits of the protagonist Vito Scaletta, and his childhood friend Joe Barbaro. One of the great things about the story of Mafia 2 is that both these characters, and other supporting characters, feel human, which many games try to do but fail because of the circumstances of the games. The story is exceptionally good, paralleling the father of modern mafia stories the Godfather movies in my opinion. The game boasts a fantastic soundtrack of many time period music from Chuck Berry, The Everly Brothers, Dean Martin, Little Richard, Muddy Waters, Buddy Holly & The Crickets, Bing Crosby, Bill Haley & His Comets, The Chordettes, Bo Diddley, Rick Nelson, Eddie Cochran, The Champs, The Drifters, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, The Andrews Sisters, and many more. The music not only fits well with the game play, but also many of these songs showcase "the good life" making mafia 2 feel every bit more authentic, and grand. While on the subject on the sound and audio of the game it should be noted quite humorously that Mafia 2, while not actually being noted for it, has beat the current world record for most F-Bombs in a game which was previously set at 189, and I stopped counting after 200. Some would view that as "overkill" but because of the setting of the game, and the context of the characters its only appropriate to the game. Food for thought.
    The game is also quite good looking. It's definitely not outstanding or ground breaking, but it should be noted that not once did I notice any texture popping, or visual bugs. The game however has very good snow, and rain effects which really come into play during certain levels of the game. Character design is pinpointed to each character's personality precisely as well. An example being the character Joe Barbaro who's body, and appearance mimics his appeal to "the good life." As well as that there are 50 collectable playboy magazines in the game, and each one rewards you with actual images from old playboy magazines (appropriate to the mafia, and thank you 2K for realizing most actual gamers need that stuff). Now while I spoke only of the good, there is some bad. The checkpoint system for most levels is non-existent, as dying puts you a fair distance back in progress. As well as that there are a few minor glitches that I encountered but for the most part are unnoticeable unless your paying very close attention, or play through the game several times. So sum it all up, the game has very little problems, with entertaining game play, a great soundtrack, great controls, and a captivating story. I was able to pick up the game new for $30 in late 2010, so the game is definitely worth the price one would pay today. A must play for anyone interested in a good mafia story.
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  3. Mar 11, 2012
    8
    Mafia 2 in my opinion is such a great game with a great story, great characters (voice acting), and great mechanics. You play as Vito a boy who arrived in Empire Bay when you were very little. You learn early on that your dad didn't support the family very well, as he used most of his earnings from the shipping docks on booze. Vito has a friend named Joe. I won't get into Joe as a personMafia 2 in my opinion is such a great game with a great story, great characters (voice acting), and great mechanics. You play as Vito a boy who arrived in Empire Bay when you were very little. You learn early on that your dad didn't support the family very well, as he used most of his earnings from the shipping docks on booze. Vito has a friend named Joe. I won't get into Joe as a person to much other then he is Vito's best friend. This is a great first time play through however there is not much replay value after that. The VERDICT: Mafia 2 has a great story if I could forget a story and be able to play through it again while having no memory that I have played it before it would be Mafia 2. A great story with twists and turns through the entire game. You just never know what will happen next. - Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. Expand
  4. Jun 15, 2012
    8
    Mafia 2 is one of those games that you will remember long after you finish the story. The characters and general themes are great and reminiscent of such films like "goodfellas'. You follow the story of Vito Scalletta and his escapades with his friend Joe which goes from bad to worse as the two get in way over their head. This game will have you visiting El greco the painter/Doctor,Mafia 2 is one of those games that you will remember long after you finish the story. The characters and general themes are great and reminiscent of such films like "goodfellas'. You follow the story of Vito Scalletta and his escapades with his friend Joe which goes from bad to worse as the two get in way over their head. This game will have you visiting El greco the painter/Doctor, dealing with the Chinese Mafia and dumping bodies on the outskirts of town, the story is really enjoyable and has great character development due to the fantastic cutscenes and voice acting with an ending that provides a real emotional impact. The cover based shooting is easy to handle and makes killing rooms of mobsters fairly easy. The 1940's and 50's cars are fun to drive and speeding will often get the cops chasing you, in Mafia 2 you can rob shops, buy suits and upgrade your flashy cars but the open world experience really ends there and with no side missions it can make the game feel linear which it is and you will finish the main story in around 12 hours and most of that is doing simple tasks like going home to sleep. But despite it's lack of longevity and it's lackluster open world Mafia 2 has story and characters that few games can match. Expand
  5. Jul 18, 2013
    8
    This game is AWESOME!!! for about 3-5 hrs, then it becomes quite obvious that that 'certain something' that makes for a 'top notch' game, is certainly missing from this one.
    Still worth a play through though, IMO.
  6. Oct 10, 2013
    8
    One of the most underrated games I have ever played. Mafia 2 is a hidden gem, and one of the finest games I've played on the Xbox 360. Where do I even begin? The story here is extremely gripping, and is interesting every step of the way.The characters are sympathetic and fleshed out extremely well.There are subtle nods to films like Goodfellas and The Godfather here, and the game createsOne of the most underrated games I have ever played. Mafia 2 is a hidden gem, and one of the finest games I've played on the Xbox 360. Where do I even begin? The story here is extremely gripping, and is interesting every step of the way.The characters are sympathetic and fleshed out extremely well.There are subtle nods to films like Goodfellas and The Godfather here, and the game creates an immersive atmosphere. The soundtrack is fantastic. The gameplay is solid, and the graphics are beautiful.The main problems with the game are that there really isn't anything to do once your done with the 12-13 hour campaign. There's no multiplayer or anything of the sort, so the story is all you get. Still it's a fantastic game and worth playing just for the story. My rating:8.7/10 Expand
  7. Jul 15, 2013
    8
    Great gameplay, great story, great music, great environment, great vehicles, the only thing it lacked was things to do in the free roam world. There's hardly any interaction with non-story related characters, meaning there are no side missions. But with that being said I still easily put 20 hours of play time into the game, it's well worth the money.
  8. Oct 14, 2013
    8
    I enjoyed this game, everything about this game is fun and unique. Not much games base their setting in the 40's and 50's making this game unique, also it being a mafia type game makes it really fun. It's easy to dump 3-5 hours into this game without even knowing it, just because of it's awesome game-play and story.

    You will have fun with this game and it sticks to the main plot so you
    I enjoyed this game, everything about this game is fun and unique. Not much games base their setting in the 40's and 50's making this game unique, also it being a mafia type game makes it really fun. It's easy to dump 3-5 hours into this game without even knowing it, just because of it's awesome game-play and story.

    You will have fun with this game and it sticks to the main plot so you don't need to worry about having to do annoying side missions which you would see a lot in the Saints Row games. The plot of this game is where this game is strongest at and with every curve ball makes this game really interesting, you will want to be playing this game over others easily.

    What it lacks is customization, NOT saying there isn't any, but it would be nice to see more customization for cars and clothes for you're character would have gave the game more of a shine. Also the check point's in this game is really annoying. Defiantly if you get into a big gang fights you tend to die a lot sometimes, and the game will reset you to where you were 5-10 minutes earlier before you died making it really annoying to play at some points.

    None the less this game is really fun, the game-play is solid, plot is good, shoot outs are a ton of fun and in the end I have to say I recommend this game to anyone and is defiantly worth paying for!
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  9. Jul 24, 2014
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Mafia 2 is very great. The story strong, but depressing at the same time. The way the game ended was good, but not awesome either. After Killing Falcone, Vito gets in a car, with Leo. Turns out Joe was going to be killed because he wasn't a part of the deal, and after the game ends and if you want to go exploring you have to start the game over. I hated that. However The Storyline is great. Vito finding out that Derek was the one who killed his father, going to jail, getting your house set on fire felt real. The setting of a 1950's fictional city (Empire Bay) was sort of good but confusing. It felt like a replica of NYC, but missing a bunch of parts. It didn't really capture NYC, like GTA IV's Liberty City did. But a very great game, I would recommend this game if you're into open world games. Expand
  10. May 13, 2015
    8
    +Great story!
    +Good sandbox map

    -not the best graphical wise with screen blurring

    Looking forward to a sequel if there ever will be one!

    8/10 Recommend it
  11. May 13, 2015
    8
    Mafia II is one of those games that delivers IF you are seeking a more story driven game than a open world sandbox type game. The voice acting and music in the game is wonderful. In fact, the radio play lists are top notch and remind me of the music in the Bioshock series. The cars and weapons feel and sound like they are straight out of the 1940-50's so you need to be into that sort ofMafia II is one of those games that delivers IF you are seeking a more story driven game than a open world sandbox type game. The voice acting and music in the game is wonderful. In fact, the radio play lists are top notch and remind me of the music in the Bioshock series. The cars and weapons feel and sound like they are straight out of the 1940-50's so you need to be into that sort of thing for this game to work for you.

    There are some really memorable moments in this game, and the soundtrack at times plays into some of the banter back and forth between the very well developed characters. Another moment that I kept finding hilarious was Joe complaining every time I hit another car or blew through a red light while driving.

    There are collectibles so I don't really see why people think there is not...I mean PLAYBOYS and PIN UPS!!!

    If you are willing to take into account that this game is more story and mission centered then you will have a fun time playing this game. The game is engrossing enough to make you think about what you just played after you have completed the game.
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  12. Feb 1, 2015
    8
    Look this game came out 5 years ago and it was a huge success for 2K Czech.Maybe they could do more content, story lines and most important multiplayer.That would give a long gameplay to game and we would be still playing it.
  13. Apr 1, 2020
    8
    Mafia II is a very good open world game. Great action part of the game. It's a best part of mafia series.
  14. Sep 2, 2018
    8
    Hikaye = 8
    Oynanış = 7
    Grafikler = 7
    Sesler = 7
    Keyif = 8
    Atmosfer = 8
    Süre = 8
  15. Aug 8, 2018
    8
    Mafia ii is indeeed a worthy sequel. wich anyone would buy or play who likes open world games.
  16. Feb 26, 2020
    8
    ESSE é bom hein, vale a pena .........................................................................
  17. Jul 7, 2019
    8
    Se você é um fã de filmes como ''O poderoso chefão'' e do ''mundo'' da Máfia, Mafia II é provavelmente um dos melhores títulos que se pode encontrar no mercado. Não tão inovador quanto seu antecessor e ainda sim um game digno de ser jogado, Mafia II apresenta uma história excelente, personagens divertidos e memoráveis, uma trilha sonora fantástica e gráficos muito bonitos. Talvez o que oSe você é um fã de filmes como ''O poderoso chefão'' e do ''mundo'' da Máfia, Mafia II é provavelmente um dos melhores títulos que se pode encontrar no mercado. Não tão inovador quanto seu antecessor e ainda sim um game digno de ser jogado, Mafia II apresenta uma história excelente, personagens divertidos e memoráveis, uma trilha sonora fantástica e gráficos muito bonitos. Talvez o que o estrague seja sua gameplay, que é extremamente travada e ultrapassada, que pode atrapalhar em momentos mais decisivos na gameplay. Tirando isso, não deixe de conferir o 2º título da franquia, que é digno de muitas horas de diversão e imersão. Expand
  18. Sep 8, 2019
    8
    um jogaço e valeu cade centavo pago nele fora que a historia é fantastica
  19. Jun 9, 2023
    8
    Красивый город, атмосфера очень хороша, сюжет пусть и не без минусов, но за ним интересно следить, персонажи врезаются в память, в городе нет контента и сама игра очень короткая, графика очень красивая
  20. V7q
    Jun 19, 2022
    8
    I recommend playing and familiarizing yourself with this game. I had fun playing this game.
  21. Feb 21, 2021
    8
    With an amazing story and game play, this is one of the best games i've ever played. The ending is fabulous.
  22. Jul 3, 2023
    8
    Güzel bir hikaye, Oldukça iyi ve gerçekçi hissetiren karakterler, güzel aksiyon sahneleri ve mekanikleri, Harika sürüş deneyimi, Mükemmel müzikler, Vasat bir sonu ve Oyundan silinen kısımlar olsaydı çok daha iyi olurdu
  23. Mar 29, 2023
    8
    Would be 10/10 had they not removed too much content. Played for the first time in 2023, game did not age at all in terms of gameplay mechanics. Driving and controlling the character, and shooting is better than gta's.
  24. Dec 28, 2021
    8
    Atmosphere: 9
    Enjoyment: 9
    Gameplay: 7
    Graphics: 8
    Music: 8
    Story: 9
    Total: 8.33
  25. May 6, 2022
    8
    Amazing story, decent sandbox mechanics and cover shooting. Would love more life to make this open “world” feel like one.
  26. Jun 12, 2022
    8
    That's a great Mafia game. It was a good game, though not as good as Mafia 1.
  27. Feb 13, 2023
    8
    Considering this game came out in 2010, much can be forgiven: graphics, poor lip-sync, some screen tearing, etc ... but the story is fantastic! The combat is middling, but you don't shoot all that much really, what you have are fun missions with interesting dialogue that keeps you guessing what will happen next. A lot of tender loving care went into this, and the soundtrack takes it toConsidering this game came out in 2010, much can be forgiven: graphics, poor lip-sync, some screen tearing, etc ... but the story is fantastic! The combat is middling, but you don't shoot all that much really, what you have are fun missions with interesting dialogue that keeps you guessing what will happen next. A lot of tender loving care went into this, and the soundtrack takes it to that next level! Expand
  28. Dec 4, 2022
    8
    I can’t think of words to o express my love for this one. So many aspects of this game is what I want in gaming.
  29. Jan 27, 2023
    8
    Mafia 2 Mafia 2 Mafia 2 Mafia 2 Mafia 2 Mafia 2 Mafia 2 Mafia 2 Mafia 2
  30. Aug 26, 2010
    7
    Mafia 2 is a great, but imperfect game. On the plus side, this game has an amazing story of friendship and crime. On the negative side, the game is full of bugs and the gameplay is pretty generic, but not bad. There are points in this game that are frustrating as hell but that is because of the broken checkpoint system that will make you loose 20 minutes of game time because you get killedMafia 2 is a great, but imperfect game. On the plus side, this game has an amazing story of friendship and crime. On the negative side, the game is full of bugs and the gameplay is pretty generic, but not bad. There are points in this game that are frustrating as hell but that is because of the broken checkpoint system that will make you loose 20 minutes of game time because you get killed by the imperfect cover system.

    The games characters are pretty much ripped off of the film "Goodfellas" which is not a bad thing at all. Your character Vito is Ray Liotta, Joey is Joe Pesci, and Henry gets killed by a pack of angry asians.

    In the end it comes to the fact that the game is good, really good at points. But that doesnt make up for the lackluster cover system, myraid of glitches and generic gameplay. All in all, give this game a rent because without the amazing story, this game would suck.
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Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 79 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 79
  2. Negative: 5 out of 79
  1. Jan 12, 2011
    60
    A great story that manages to make old ground seem fresh, coupled with out-of-this world sound design, is sadly attached to a middle-of-the-road, limited third-person gaming experience.
  2. Mafia II's exciting action and uncompromising mob story make for an impressive and violent adventure.
  3. I'm a sucker for a good mob story, but Mafia II's is merely decent.