Had potential, but fell short due to incredibly short story

User Rating: 7.5 | Mafia II X360
By shaun_levins | Review Date:
In my opinion, the game was mediocre. Compared to the first Mafia game, the graphics were better, the cars handled better, the city was more explorable, and it wasn't as jittery (although PC for Mafia and Xbox 360 for Mafia 2). I would recommend the game HOWEVER, not to buy, only to rent as the game can easily be completed within the renting time (I finished the story on Medium in approx. 11 hours playing time). Initially, I was very excited about this game from the first time I caught news about it probably 3 or 4 years ago. That being said, how do you develop a game for that long and produce such a short and (for lack of a better term) imperfect game!? I was hoping for there to be a unique and attractive multiplayer, a 30 or 40 hour campaign minimum (can't remember how long the first Mafia took to run through, but it most definitely was not 2 days; GTA 4 has got to be upwards of 30 hours too no?), a huge city to free roam with lots to do to keep entertained, and a game that I would not want to return to the store 2 days later.
Pros:
I liked the graphics and look of the game (good lighting and edges although the textures seemed to appear grainy at some points more so when in the shadows of trees); the controls themselves were manageable and the destruction of the environment was a really cool feature.
Cons:
If I were to change something in the game, it would be the length of the story/campaign, the ability to make custom controls (RB ebrake would have been great), and a better free-roam system with the ability to save your game.

Other Helpful Reviews for Mafia II

Load Comments (0)