The original version ofMafia IIhit consoles in 2010, while the remasteredMafia II: Definitive Editionarrived 10 years later. Neither version is without flaws, and if you’re expecting something as good or as polished as a Grand Theft Auto game, then you’re going to be disappointed. But if you’re looking for a compact crime story that you may finish between longer games, then there’s more than enough here inMafia IIto recommend playing it.
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Mafia II’s best asset in 2010 was its story, and the same is true for the definitive edition. The game plays out as a mixture ofThe GodfatherandGoodfellas. That may not be groundbreaking territory, but it’s got enough plot and character to get players through the game’s storyline. Some fans may not appreciate how linear it is, but it never lets up on the story and it actually lets gamers worry about its heroes when their good fortune inevitably goes bad.
The tale is primarily set just after World War II as players step into the role of Vito Scaletta and help guide him toward a lucrative life in the Clemente crime family. This is Vito’s journey, but it’s also the story of his best friend, Joe Barbaro, who helped Vito get into the family. Joe even gets his own side story inJoe’s Adventures, which was originally released as DLC.
Vito and Joe have some really hard luck, but they’re both ride or die. Neither Vito nor Joe are going to stab each other in the back, and that’s refreshing in this world. They can count on one another even when the chips are down — they just can’t necessarily extend that same level of trust to anyone else.
In addition to its memorable story, MafiaIIfeatures some familiar open-world gameplay that Grand Theft Auto fans will adore. Temper your expectations, though; Empire Bay City is a far cry from GTA’s Liberty City or San Andreas. This world may not be as big, but it’s still charming to see 1945 and 1951 represented in an explorable game world. As a bonus, the relatively smaller sandbox is easier to take in, making it far less exhausting than a lot of its modern peers. That’s not to mention that it’s more stylish to traverse in period appropriate, vintage cars.
Considering that there aren’t many games that commit to taking place in mid-20th century America,Mafia II: Definitive Editionstill holds up as a special little experience. Whether you want a good story to sink into or just need to kill some time beforeGrand Theft Auto 6‘s debut trailer, make sure to claim your copy before it leaves PS Plus next week.
