Trying to get a straight answer (Mafia 2 related)

Hey, I haven't asked the question yet because it's been posted all over, but each time I click to see people's responses I never get the answer i'm looking for. So, here it goes. Is Mafia II any continuation from the first Mafia? The answers i've been seeing are like this one: "The city is the same", "Some characters are the same", "Some things that happened in the previous game could affect the next game." Answers like this are what i'm getting, but I want to know whether or not playing the first game is crucial in order to understand the second installment? Thank you for the answers!

No I think it's a brand new story.

Their will be references to mafia 1 but that it, Mafia 2 has a different story line.

Ahahah on 3 answers there is 2 answers with the word "think" you still have to wait for your straight answer... as I have too :]

I know, haha. Atleast I got something.

You get shot to death in Mafia 1, so Im not sure where it would continue.

Mostly because no one knows... And your asking for an answer that suites you and chances are you'll keep looking until someone says "Yes its a direct sequel". People state what they know which is as you can imagine pretty vague.JohnF111

Their will be references to mafia 1 but that it, Mafia 2 has a different story line.

Melpoe