Mafia II

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 751 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 550 out of 751
  2. Mixed: 145 out of 751
  3. Negative: 56 out of 751
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. pots555
    Sep 11, 2010
    10
    This is why I don't get most of the reviewers out there. Mafia 2 is an absolute blast to play IF you enjoy an amazing story with great characters. The gameplay works very well in every aspect of this game. The driving was the part I enjoyed the most. Different cars have different feels and the town is gorgeous. It took me around 14 hours to complete the game. Sure, I took my time,This is why I don't get most of the reviewers out there. Mafia 2 is an absolute blast to play IF you enjoy an amazing story with great characters. The gameplay works very well in every aspect of this game. The driving was the part I enjoyed the most. Different cars have different feels and the town is gorgeous. It took me around 14 hours to complete the game. Sure, I took my time, but it was worth it. I cannot wait for Mafia III.… Expand
  2. Eternal
    Mar 28, 2011
    9
    The Mafia 2 is way better then Mafia one. I know many people won't agree. Mafia one was unique, but it's hard to be unique in mafia world if there is first game. M2 has great graphic and animation and the feeling you get from the game is amazing. And for those who compare with GTA... please, stop doing that.
  3. humzababri
    Oct 15, 2010
    10
    1. This game is not GTA(which is a good IMHO). GTA/RDR/etc are completely different games. I liked both of those games, but I had a lot more fun playing Mafia 2. I'm going to compare it to GTA because that seems to be the popular counter example on the internet, and we all know the internets never lie. And someone needs to stand up for a good game where the moronicons come out of the wood1. This game is not GTA(which is a good IMHO). GTA/RDR/etc are completely different games. I liked both of those games, but I had a lot more fun playing Mafia 2. I'm going to compare it to GTA because that seems to be the popular counter example on the internet, and we all know the internets never lie. And someone needs to stand up for a good game where the moronicons come out of the wood work screaming "NO BLIND FIRE, NO EUPHORIA!!! NO 100 HOURS GAME SUCKS MY B's I GIVE IT A SCORE OF TOO!!" What Mafia 2 tries to do, is to put the player in an immersive, realistic environment + story/narative + fun gameplay = Great Game! The city, and the people in it, are a set piece more than anything else. It is highly detailed and visually/audibly rich. The voice acting is great, the story is great, and the movement feels real. As a result you care about your character and the people around him and the actions he takes. It's linear, but it's good(by the by GTA IV and RDR are linear, with passable story lines). The characters are rich and serious, which is refreshing after all the rockstar games were every character is a trite pulp fiction type who makes 1000 pop references a second. There's really no free roam or anything like that, although you can do whatever you want in on the way to missions/home. I just mean there's not a lot of side content, and consequently the game is shorter. However, that being said, since the story missions were so tight, I had a lot more fun playing this game then most. Less messenger boy, chores to do. I think why I like this game the most, is that it is a little more realistic. Gun fights are quick and deadly, car crashes are the same. And maybe it's just me, but in GTA IV, I wasn't even worried about cops until 4 stars, but in mafia 2, I find myself super tensed up when the cops get involved. It actually takes a level of skill to lose them. This is a really good game. I like the cinematic look and feel, I like the game play. GTA IV(and by extension all open world games) is a totally different animal. That being said. You get more for your money with GTA, but If I think back, I actually had more fun playing Mafia 2, and consequently, think it's a better game. Graphics, open world, linear/non linear, blind fire, etc doesn't matter. If you have fun playing a game, then it's a good game. I had more fun in Mafia 2 then GTA IV… Expand
  4. dubesor
    Jun 1, 2012
    6
    I expected more. The game feels rushed even tho it had 8 years between release and part 1. The story is good (except for the ending) and the characters are great! The gameplay is a letdown tho. The driving is boring and gets repetitive. The game sends you from one part of the map to another to see a cutscene and then drive to another etc. It feels like it just wants to drag out someI expected more. The game feels rushed even tho it had 8 years between release and part 1. The story is good (except for the ending) and the characters are great! The gameplay is a letdown tho. The driving is boring and gets repetitive. The game sends you from one part of the map to another to see a cutscene and then drive to another etc. It feels like it just wants to drag out some playtime. But it is boring, since you can't do anything while driving. The town feels generic, The people are all clones of each other, the AI of cops and population is beyond horrible. There are no sidemission or anything to do besides the Storyline. There is no free-ride mode. No eastereggs (besides the posters/magazines which are... dull). It just felt like the game had much more potential. The city is empty and uncharitably, which makes all the driving a torture. Then again, The graphics are good, the story is and the voiceacting was also great! Only buy if you can handle very basic, extremely linear gameplay. And don't expect any freedom, this is not a sandboxgame or an open city or anything like that. You can't compare it to GTA4. Compare the city to, say L.A. Noire.… Expand
  5. spadenx
    Nov 29, 2011
    9
    This game is great (I havent played the original Mafia so im not biased). The story is good from start to finish and it ends perfectly. The game looks great but does feature the occasional bug and glitch. The melee combat is a little poor but the gun play is great and fun to play. I enjoyed it a lot.
  6. Swimming_MANGO
    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.    … Expand
  7. Rox22
    Sep 12, 2013
    5
    I actually preferred the first game to this one. Mafia 2 is bigger, has better graphics and a stronger story, but where it suffers is in its gameplay.

    Mafia 2 is meant to be an open world game, yet it feels like you are on rails most of the time. The main story id VERY good and excellently executed, but side missions are almost non-existent. and exploration feels pointless (old playboy    I actually preferred the first game to this one. Mafia 2 is bigger, has better graphics and a stronger story, but where it suffers is in its gameplay.

    Mafia 2 is meant to be an open world game, yet it feels like you are on rails most of the time. The main story id VERY good and excellently executed, but side missions are almost non-existent. and exploration feels pointless (old playboy cover collectibles are not much of an incentive when you consider how much "better" content is available online.)

    Overall:
    Mafia 2 does try to be better than the first game, and for the most part it does that successfully. But, as a game it feels a bit limp and feels more like you are traveling from one cut scene to the next. I can understand that many people will like this, but I didn't.    … Expand
  8. TheHonestJack
    Dec 1, 2015
    7
    Mafia II features an intriguing story with likable characters, and excellent music, all in a sprawling atmospheric open world. The only problem? That's all it has. Because along with the great story and characters come rather poor technical aspects.

    Optimization on console is somewhat poor, with frame rates varying drastically at certain points in the game. Gameplay consists of decent    Mafia II features an intriguing story with likable characters, and excellent music, all in a sprawling atmospheric open world. The only problem? That's all it has. Because along with the great story and characters come rather poor technical aspects.

    Optimization on console is somewhat poor, with frame rates varying drastically at certain points in the game. Gameplay consists of decent driving controls, along with very bland combat and shooting mechanics (The crosshair in shooting sections isn't even in the middle of the screen), albeit with a neat cover system.

    Even the entertaining story is hurt by the extreme linearity of the game. Sure, you have a big open city to explore and buy things in, but that's it. There are no side missions, you are restricted to the main story with nothing else to do other than just messing around. Robbing stores and diners adds a little fun, but it doesn't last long.

    The story, music/art, and presentation in this game are all there, but the lack of actual open world elements such as side missions or NPC interaction in this supposedly "open world" RPG and lackluster combat mechanics makes it a rather boring game when you want to do something other than main missions or robbing a shirt store for the 20th time.

    Not a bad game by any stretch, but it leaves something to be desired.    … Expand
  9. Karimzadeh7
    Oct 8, 2016
    10
    Best story, best gameplay, best graphic
    That's realy great! I played it on pc and xbox 360...This game can win good rewards...I realy love it........!
  10. Shabran
    Sep 5, 2010
    8
    Mafia 2 is the kind of game that you play for the story. Before picking this game up I had it in my head that it was an open world game. This initial thought was wrong and instead I was presented with an experience. This experience consisted of a great story that not many games can hold today. The amount of twists and turns throughout the game is truly a breath of fresh air. Not only doesMafia 2 is the kind of game that you play for the story. Before picking this game up I had it in my head that it was an open world game. This initial thought was wrong and instead I was presented with an experience. This experience consisted of a great story that not many games can hold today. The amount of twists and turns throughout the game is truly a breath of fresh air. Not only does it throw you from place to place but the game manages to make you care (or hate) these characters.

    From a visual standpoint this is an incredibly good effort. Each part of the world looks and feels realistic with props set out all over to make the world as believable as possible. As long as you go into this game not expecting a GTA kind of game then you are going to love the way this game plays out (very unique). However, if you are here to play a GTA game set in the 1940's with a Mafia sensibility then you should look elsewhere.    … Expand
  11. BIGREESE
    Sep 6, 2010
    8
    The game is good! let that be made clear, BUT... i think the reason why i enjoyed it so much is because i am a sucker for a good story and convincing story. the graphics are also great, while the depth of the city is no where near lets say GtA, it really doesnt need to be. It does lack on the gameplay side, it isnt broken or anything, its just pretty flat. So if u are one of those guys whoThe game is good! let that be made clear, BUT... i think the reason why i enjoyed it so much is because i am a sucker for a good story and convincing story. the graphics are also great, while the depth of the city is no where near lets say GtA, it really doesnt need to be. It does lack on the gameplay side, it isnt broken or anything, its just pretty flat. So if u are one of those guys who plays a game for gameplay and gameplay only and who skips the cutscenes, i woundn't waste the $60 on it. But be sure to pick it up somtime.… Expand
  12. crackmonkey
    Oct 20, 2010
    8
    People who purchase this game or compare it to GTA are unfortunately uninformed. The game is not a sandbox based game. It is a linear story with player interaction between cut scenes. Almost like a movie where the player gets to interact. It is a nice change from the typical FPS or sandbox. If you want a good story with 1 or 2 missions in between the scenes this game is for you. If youPeople who purchase this game or compare it to GTA are unfortunately uninformed. The game is not a sandbox based game. It is a linear story with player interaction between cut scenes. Almost like a movie where the player gets to interact. It is a nice change from the typical FPS or sandbox. If you want a good story with 1 or 2 missions in between the scenes this game is for you. If you want to run around sandbox style and kill anything walking or have dozens of side missions this game is not for you. IT IS NOT A GTA STYLE GAME!… Expand
  13. Justinavery7074
    Apr 9, 2013
    7
    It's ok, I guess. Some times I felt I shoudl be playing something else, though. The story is so short. For games like this, the campaign should be extensive, lush and brimming with life. It's just oka
  14. jimbot21
    Jun 16, 2011
    10
    Loved it Mafia 2 deserves so much more than 74. Almost everything about it is superb. The compelling storyline, the awesome characters. Gameplays great it suits the style Mafia 2 offers. The cusomisation of cars is great, something you don't get often in games. Empire Bay is a beautiful city despite being a bit empty. The ending is something different that gives it a fine edge over otherLoved it Mafia 2 deserves so much more than 74. Almost everything about it is superb. The compelling storyline, the awesome characters. Gameplays great it suits the style Mafia 2 offers. The cusomisation of cars is great, something you don't get often in games. Empire Bay is a beautiful city despite being a bit empty. The ending is something different that gives it a fine edge over other games. I hope they make a Mafia 3. They better...… Expand
  15. SpunkyMonkey
    Nov 26, 2012
    5
    I've just copied and pasted YogibBear's review because it was so spot on........"Absolutely stunning engine, and gun mechanics. Great atmosphere. Ruined by terrible gameplay and boring plot with missions design that is severely limiting. I don't know what happened with this game, but it had the potential to be amazing and it fell flat on its face with bad level design, bad characters, badI've just copied and pasted YogibBear's review because it was so spot on........"Absolutely stunning engine, and gun mechanics. Great atmosphere. Ruined by terrible gameplay and boring plot with missions design that is severely limiting. I don't know what happened with this game, but it had the potential to be amazing and it fell flat on its face with bad level design, bad characters, bad plotline, bad missions, and relentless linearity and tunneling when it came to execution that screamed "I am a video game and thou shall play me exactly as I say, press A to win, don't press B else I'll tell you off".." - He's hit the nail on the head, the world is simply stunning and so rich that you can't help but be blown away by it, but the game as a whole is lame. I put Vice City on after playing this and within seconds it became clear just how much sandbox games have de-volved into borefests.… Expand
  16. Theguyoffire
    Nov 18, 2012
    9
    I just wish there was open world in the game. Best part about it is the story. Best story in any sandbox game there ever was.
  17. magee
    Aug 28, 2012
    10
    This Game is super if you loved Mafia 1 you have to play this game. Its different then Gta i love the story telling, yes there is not much to do after you finish game but that was the same with mafia 1 its not a gta clone. GET THIS GAME you wont be dissapointed!
  18. Matty2012
    Oct 19, 2014
    9
    One of the best games ever created. I've been gaming since gaming began, and this game goes down in my top 8 games of all time. The story is great, the gameplay is solid, and the graphics are brilliant and still look brilliant in 2014. It is one of them rare games that makes you feel like your actually there. A very well made solid game. The only thing negative i can say about it is theOne of the best games ever created. I've been gaming since gaming began, and this game goes down in my top 8 games of all time. The story is great, the gameplay is solid, and the graphics are brilliant and still look brilliant in 2014. It is one of them rare games that makes you feel like your actually there. A very well made solid game. The only thing negative i can say about it is the pedestrian AI, they are a bit dumb and not as good as in other open world games like Grand Theft Auto. But thankfully the enemy AI is much better. If you love open world games with a nice long engaging story, then this is a must own. Can't wait for Mafia 3.… Expand
  19. ICEExMagic
    Apr 28, 2013
    5
    This game shouldn't be called a open world game.The entire game you have to beat the story and if you explore a red line appears at the bottom and never leaves.The controls are also horrible.The game is okay but only if you rent it.
  20. LegendaryNOFX
    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.    … Expand
  21. SirPercivale
    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.
  22. brendo214
    May 22, 2019
    9
    Mafia II is one of the best GTA-like games. At the very least, it has the best story of any GTA-like game.
  23. Miguelbpaes
    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
  24. FrankCreeper
    Jul 28, 2023
    10
    A fantastic openworld game with an amazing characters and one of the best protagonist of this series of game,the atmosphere is still pretty good,gunplay and car fisics are very awesome...aged very well still worth it to play
    P.S (I Play both console versions PS3/XBOX360)
  25. MusicCriticG
    Aug 28, 2023
    9
    This game is truly amazing, so many plot twists, and jaw dropping moments that make this game special in its own way I would play this game again 100%
  26. NatDurman
    Aug 31, 2010
    8
    Mafia II is the best game of it's kind. It's visceral, fierce and down right brutal, but alot of fun. With one of the best narratives that has graced the genre, rivalling that of films such as GoodFellas and The Godfather you'll feel like your a character in a film, rather than that in a video game. The basic story is that Vito Scaletta, a wounded soldier of WW2, returns to America to findMafia II is the best game of it's kind. It's visceral, fierce and down right brutal, but alot of fun. With one of the best narratives that has graced the genre, rivalling that of films such as GoodFellas and The Godfather you'll feel like your a character in a film, rather than that in a video game. The basic story is that Vito Scaletta, a wounded soldier of WW2, returns to America to find is family in a financial crisis. What happens along the way, and after though is alot more deep and interesting, as Vito and his buddy Joe Barbaro descend into the dark world of the Mafia. There are times where it seems like all will be well, but then, as we all know, the Mafia never forgets. The story is strong all the way through, taking twists and turns, and subjecting it's audience to some of the most brutal cutscenes in recent times. You'll feel for the characters, mainly due to their excellent voice acting. They all have great attributes, and feel like real gangsters right out of The Sopranos. Missions will vary, from Car stealing to whack jobs, Mafia II has it all. There are some truly harrowing moments, whilst others are extremely satisfying. There are also alot of references to pop culture movies and shows, most notable is the scene with Vito and Joe burying a deceased mobster, remember GoodFellas?

    The graphics are also a major part of the game, creating the fictional city of 'Empire Bay' that is loosely based on New York City. Everything from the diners to the shoe shiners breathes atmosphere, great authentic music from the likes of The Cadillacs and Dean Martin (just to name a few) also contribute to the 40's/50's feel. However, make no mistake, this is not an open world game. Waypoints constantly point you to your next objective and the game is chapter is split into chapters, giving you no time in between missions. Sure, you can rob clothes stores, gun shops and diners but what 2K Czech is trying to do here, is give the best experience possible. The story is the main selling point, and giving the players an open world would just be a mistake. However, it would have been nice to see an option to free-roam after the credits roll, rumours have already started circulating the internet, suggesting that 2K may be bringing this in an upcoming DLC.

    Overall then, Mafia II is a very good game. Sure, there are some draw backs, glitches that forced me to reload and not much to do after the credits roll, but they aren't game breakers. Taking just over 15 hours on the 'hard' difficulty setting, it won't take you long to complete, but whilst you are playing, it's a thrill ride that transports you back to the era of organised crime, cathouses and rocking tunes. This is definitely not one to miss.    … Expand
  27. Titus
    Sep 5, 2010
    9
    Immersion and story are big selling points here. However, that being said I found the gun-play extremely satisfying. Guns are punchy and their slight accuracy and recoil differences mean you'll be debating whether to use a zippy colt 1911 or a beefy magnum. The cover system works very well and does not make you invulnerable, enemies will take advantage if your arm is sticking around aImmersion and story are big selling points here. However, that being said I found the gun-play extremely satisfying. Guns are punchy and their slight accuracy and recoil differences mean you'll be debating whether to use a zippy colt 1911 or a beefy magnum. The cover system works very well and does not make you invulnerable, enemies will take advantage if your arm is sticking around a corner and will tear your cover to shreds if they can thanks to the physics system, making fights intense. Critics are complaining that the open world aspect of Mafia 2 is empty and that there are no side missions, however this is meant to be a more linear story based than GTA, as was the original Mafia, and the city still feels alive with its impressive attention to detail. Whereas the original Mafia was a romantic crime epic, taking notes from films like the Godfather, Mafia 2 has a more gritty and streetwise style, heavily influenced by Scorsese's Goodfellas and to an extent The Sopranos. Mafia 2 is slowly unfolding and the high notes are therefore more significant. My only gripe is that I finished the game wanting more, but that could also be seen as a good thing. Not a game for everyone.… Expand
  28. yogibbear
    Nov 28, 2011
    6
    Absolutely stunning engine, and gun mechanics. Great atmosphere. Ruined by terrible gameplay and boring plot with missions design that is severly limiting. I don't know what happened with this game, but it had the potential to be amazing and it fell flat on its face with bad level design, bad characters, bad plotline, bad missions, and relentless linearity and tunnelling when it came toAbsolutely stunning engine, and gun mechanics. Great atmosphere. Ruined by terrible gameplay and boring plot with missions design that is severly limiting. I don't know what happened with this game, but it had the potential to be amazing and it fell flat on its face with bad level design, bad characters, bad plotline, bad missions, and relentless linearity and tunnelling when it came to execution that screamed "I am a video game and thou shall play me exactly as I say, press A to win, don't press B else I'll tell you off". Yet the original Mafia 1 was a much freer experience and was all the more better for it. If Mafia 1 was set in Mafia 2's engine with Mafia 2's gun mechanics it would be an 11. Sadly it wasn't to be.… Expand
  29. raefon
    Aug 24, 2010
    6
    Although Mafia 2 has been anticipated and will obviously do well I have to ask myself why. Having played through the first and made the obvious comparison with the Godfather competition I cant really see any redeeming qualities that make the game stand out. Yes it is linear and of course this hold true to it being a story driven FPS rather than a Sandbox that kind of rings through in itsAlthough Mafia 2 has been anticipated and will obviously do well I have to ask myself why. Having played through the first and made the obvious comparison with the Godfather competition I cant really see any redeeming qualities that make the game stand out. Yes it is linear and of course this hold true to it being a story driven FPS rather than a Sandbox that kind of rings through in its portrayal and hype surrounding its release. Although I wasnt expecting it to be so much sandbox and GTA style unless they were really going to remove themselves from how the first game played out, I would have expected some more depth and scope to actually play as a character that had a wide range of choices and could move freely around his environment with something to do rather than live out a one dimensional story line.

    But hey, linear is not always bad....unless you were really expecting something different. So here I am to tell you done and you wont be disappointed.

    However the game really has nothing more to offer than the same graphics, gun play and some witty dialogue if you can be bothered not skipping the ever so endless, and I mean every time you fart or want to take a **** up pops some more dialogue. God seems like you cant take a dump without the game wanting to tell you some back story about wiping you ass. If you into that then hey enjoy.

    Overall the game does nothing to move the genre ahead, offers nothing more than some reasonable game play and dialogue, but with so much more that could be done with consoles, and PC's alike, none of the new game titles are pushing anything ahead. Yet they just seem to be treading water and offering a graphics upgrade.

    If your bored and have the extra cash by all means go ahead and buy the game, but dont expect anything new, exciting or markedly different. It all been done before. Nothing new to offer.    … Expand
  30. oneilc818
    Aug 27, 2010
    5
    Never before in my life have I ever been so amazed at a games story but so horribly disappointed at the finished result. Let me first start with the great things this game contains : An amazing storyline; I was so compelled by the story. I couldn't wait to finish each mission so that I could start the next's cutscene. I swear this game's cutscenes are of the highest cinematic quality outNever before in my life have I ever been so amazed at a games story but so horribly disappointed at the finished result. Let me first start with the great things this game contains : An amazing storyline; I was so compelled by the story. I couldn't wait to finish each mission so that I could start the next's cutscene. I swear this game's cutscenes are of the highest cinematic quality out of any game Ive ever played. The graphics look beautiful, even on the aging 360. Car handling is realistic and fun. Now onto the negative: Maybe this was just me, but when a game looks and feels like GTA i expect the same type of gameplay. Let me start off the negatives with a news flash to everyone - THE GAME HAS NO MULTIPLAYER, NO FREEROAM AFTER THE FINAL MISSION, THERE ARE NO CHEATS EVEN AFTER THE GAME IS OVER, AND THE QUALITIES THAT MAKE GTA GAMES FUN IS LACKING IN THIS ONE. Now that Ive gotten that off my chest I can continue and explain. What makes GTA fun? Is it the endless possibilities to do after (or during) the main story? Is is the fun car chases? The massive cop battles? If your answer was yes to any of these things youre going to be disappointed. The only extra things to do in Mafia II DURING missions are driving around exploring the landscape, robbing stores, and stealing cars. All three are useless during the story since you are given ample amount of money and ammo on your countless weapons. Being wanted by the police is fun untill you get in a car chance with you and are shooting you out of their car's window at 80 MPH with a shotgun and getting 1 or 2 hit kills on you, or when youre trying to get back to your house when wanted and there is a cop around every corner. Over all I think this game is very incomplete. Give it cheats, give me more to do and give me a god damned free roam mode in the DLC and all for under 10$ I refuse to spend 80$ on a game that should only cost 65$… Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2010
11
#11 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 79 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 79
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 79
  3. Negative: 5 out of 79
  1. Video Game Talk
    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.
    Read full review
  2. GameSpot
    85
    Mafia II's exciting action and uncompromising mob story make for an impressive and violent adventure.
    Read full review
  3. Giant Bomb
    60
    I'm a sucker for a good mob story, but Mafia II's is merely decent.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »