first Mafia 2 review: 80% in PC Zone

so what do you guys think? supposedly marks were taken for it's liinearity and darkness..........sounds a bit daft to me, I don't see anything wrong with linearity in an open world environment, the first one was also linear. no complaints about actual gameplay, that's a good sign at least.

The first verdict on 2K's Mafia II is in - and PC Zone's view is that, despite some annoying flaws, it's still a winner.

The mag gives the Mafia title 80% in its new October (yes, bloody October) issue - which is with subscribers now.

The game's major drawback, says Zone, is that it's an 'extremely linear driver and shooter'.

However, if you can get over that rather restrictive fact, there's plenty to enjoy for those nostalgic for the Cosa Nostra's days of US dominance.

The mag says that the dialogue is 'fine, and extremely well acted', adding that driving, 'as you'd expect from the former Illusion Software [2K Czech], is great'.

It continues: 'The collection of cars is great too - all timely models that damage so gently that you'll try to take care of them.'

All aspects of the game are covered in Zone's spectacular seven-page review - with more praise coming for the game's weapons and action sequences, despite a slightly 'cold' storyline.

It adds: 'Mafia II is 10 hours of driving, story and extremely competent gun action. Running at top specs, it looks stunning, and if there was a soundtrack album, I'd buy myself a copy.'

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=257937

I think it will boil down to storyline. I tried the demo and the gunplay was solid and enjoyable. The driving was annoying, but maybe that's how cars of the day handled. And the presentation was just great. So the story is what most people will look for (considering that it's less 'sandboxy' than GTA4).

the reviews are going to get brought done by the console version, just like metro 2033.

still getting it, and gonna wait it out a bit.

Ten hours of gameplay? That's pretty short.

the reviews are going to get brought done by the console version, just like metro 2033.

TerrorRizzing

Ten hours of gameplay? That's pretty short.

[QUOTE="TerrorRizzing"]

the reviews are going to get brought done by the console version, just like metro 2033.

Legolas_Katarn

i was waiting on reviews to decide if i want this game, but if they're consistent with this review, i'll definitely pass.

[QUOTE="Legolas_Katarn"]

Ten hours of gameplay? That's pretty short.

[QUOTE="TerrorRizzing"]

the reviews are going to get brought done by the console version, just like metro 2033.

TerrorRizzing

Hmm.. it's kind of worrying that the story was one of the weakest aspects they had to talk about, considering this is a very story-driven game. That's the only thing I'm really worried about at this point since everything else seems to work really well, especially the cutscenes. I haven't had a good story-driven sandbox game since Red Dead Redemption. I'll wait for some more reviews until I make my final decision or perhaps wait until it goes down in price like others have suggested.

Btw, I made a long post of my walkthough of the demo with pictures if you want to check it out, its in the sig:).

[QUOTE="TerrorRizzing"][QUOTE="Legolas_Katarn"] I believe the 360 version already got 70. I think they said it had a poor story, bad driving, and was too linear. At least, that is what the guy posted.

Legolas_Katarn

I was pleasantly surprised by the demo, enjoyed it very much, but the 10 hours of gameplay is biggest problem for me. I'll probably buy it when it comes down to $20-$30.Gooeykat

10 hours of gameplay for a single player story-driven game, and a "cold story", does not sound good at all.F1_2004

I think that's one of the things that deterred me the most when I first learned about it. It kinda annoyed me that the game is only going to take 10 hours to complete, is about 1/3 the size of GTA, and doesn't have a multiplayer component (Which is strange since this game would be great with multiplayer) yet is that expensive. The reviews about the game saying that the story is unsatisfying are starting to make me feel like passing on this one or at least wait until it's on sale.

I am still holding out for a possible free-ride mode.

Why would consoles bring down the review?

(psst, I'm hugely anti-console, so don't worry about offending me :) )

I think it will boil down to storyline. I tried the demo and the gunplay was solid and enjoyable. The driving was annoying, but maybe that's how cars of the day handled. And the presentation was just great. So the story is what most people will look for (considering that it's less 'sandboxy' than GTA4).

giant11

[QUOTE="giant11"]

I think it will boil down to storyline. I tried the demo and the gunplay was solid and enjoyable. The driving was annoying, but maybe that's how cars of the day handled. And the presentation was just great. So the story is what most people will look for (considering that it's less 'sandboxy' than GTA4).

Born_Lucky

Ok, that makes sense. I just couldn't understand why the handling was so awkward. It just didn't seem natural.

Niice, exactly what I expect is scores from 8-9/10

Mafia is all abotu story, character good missions, good music and atmosphere.... while GTA is more open ended.

10 hours of gameplay for a single-player experience is almost becoming the norm these days, isn't it? There's too much work being spent on graphics and not enough on innovative gameplay or story. Maybe that's just me. BretlyPBoDiddly

[QUOTE="giant11"]

I think it will boil down to storyline. I tried the demo and the gunplay was solid and enjoyable. The driving was annoying, but maybe that's how cars of the day handled. And the presentation was just great. So the story is what most people will look for (considering that it's less 'sandboxy' than GTA4).

Born_Lucky

I can't find anything on the PC zone, and isn't the game supossed to be out on the 24th? Is this a review of the demo?

I'm confuzed.

In all honesty... maybe that 10 hours thing is them RUSHING thru it? ive spent close to 10 hours just on the demo..

In the past reviews said certain games where how ever many hours but when I played the game it lasted me twice as long (Dragon Age took me 70 hours.. while some places said 30 hours, The Witcher also took me alot longer then review said it would and same with Risen). I just think a game like this is meant to be enjoyed and not rushed thru, same iwth most rpgs, but maybe thats just me.

In all honesty... maybe that 10 hours thing is them RUSHING thru it? ive spent close to 10 hours just on the demo.kozzy1234

In all honesty... maybe that 10 hours thing is them RUSHING thru it? ive spent close to 10 hours just on the demo..

In the past reviews said certain games where how ever many hours but when I played the game it lasted me twice as long (Dragon Age took me 70 hours.. while some places said 30 hours, The Witcher also took me alot longer then review said it would and same with Risen). I just think a game like this is meant to be enjoyed and not rushed thru, same iwth most rpgs, but maybe thats just me.

kozzy1234

my first thought was this. reviewers sprint through games. not to mention they are probably extremely good at games, so that probably speeds things up.

I've heard them say Portal takes 3 hours, it's madness.

[QUOTE="kozzy1234"]

In all honesty... maybe that 10 hours thing is them RUSHING thru it? ive spent close to 10 hours just on the demo..

In the past reviews said certain games where how ever many hours but when I played the game it lasted me twice as long (Dragon Age took me 70 hours.. while some places said 30 hours, The Witcher also took me alot longer then review said it would and same with Risen). I just think a game like this is meant to be enjoyed and not rushed thru, same iwth most rpgs, but maybe thats just me.

jpph

my first thought was this. reviewers sprint through games. not to mention they are probably extremely good at games, so that probably speeds things up.

I've heard them say Portal takes 3 hours, it's madness.

Jack from 2K was not too pleased about the story comment from their review. I can not wait for this game. If you guys are interested here is a good list of Q&A.

[QUOTE="kozzy1234"]

In all honesty... maybe that 10 hours thing is them RUSHING thru it? ive spent close to 10 hours just on the demo.dakan45

[QUOTE="kozzy1234"]

In all honesty... maybe that 10 hours thing is them RUSHING thru it? ive spent close to 10 hours just on the demo.dakan45

What is the complaint about the "cold story" supposed to mean? Cold as in cold-hearted/dark or just uninteresting? They make it seem the latter.

What is the complaint about the "cold story" supposed to mean? Cold as in cold-hearted/dark or just uninteresting? They make it seem the latter.

mouthforbathory

What is the complaint about the "cold story" supposed to mean? Cold as in cold-hearted/dark or just uninteresting? They make it seem the latter.

mouthforbathory

[QUOTE="Legolas_Katarn"]

Ten hours of gameplay? That's pretty short.

[QUOTE="TerrorRizzing"]

the reviews are going to get brought done by the console version, just like metro 2033.

TerrorRizzing

The devs said the game lasts 13 hours if you rush and 15-20 if you take your time.

The devs said the game lasts 13 hours if you rush and 15-20 if you take your time.

Freak2121GTAF

Only ten hours of something I already found to be disappointing? The original game took at least 15-20 hours to finish.

Yeah, now I'm DEFINITELY waiting for a price drop.

Only ten hours of something I already found to be disappointing? The original game took at least 15-20 hours to finish.

Yeah, now I'm DEFINITELY waiting for a price drop.

mo0ksi

[QUOTE="mo0ksi"]

Only ten hours of something I already found to be disappointing? The original game took at least 15-20 hours to finish.

Yeah, now I'm DEFINITELY waiting for a price drop.

millerlight89

[QUOTE="dakan45"]

[QUOTE="kozzy1234"]

In all honesty... maybe that 10 hours thing is them RUSHING thru it? ive spent close to 10 hours just on the demo.KHAndAnime

[QUOTE="KHAndAnime"][QUOTE="dakan45"] I agree about rushing it. But come on, 10 hours in the demo? Thats not even possible.

SAGE_OF_FIRE

And that's just it. I spent about 12 minutes and finished the demo mission (until I drove to the roadblock). I just did the missions and game over. I didn't drive around and experience the city. I bet if you just stick mostly to the mission, the game IS about 10 hours...but if you screw around and do random stuff in the city, the game is longer.

wow ive spent 26 hours on the demo.supertrooper23

Out of curiosity, what have you done of interest in the demo for 26 hours?

wow ive spent 26 hours on the demo.supertrooper23

How did you manage to do that? I beat it twice and even that was arguably excessive.