Mafia II Critic Reviews

This might not be the best game of the year, but it is certainly the best and most immersive interactive cinematic experience this reviewer has had in 25 years of gaming.

Even if you don't become fully immersed in the gunplay, you'll easily be pulled into the suspenseful build of Vito's entry into the mafia. Storytelling is king here and Vito's entry into the mob families is more than compelling enough to warrant a trip to Metropolis.

In an era when video games are moving away from relying on cinematics for storytelling, Mafia II draws on the rich mobster film history to weave a gripping drama about family, friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and pragmatism. If you're fond of quoting Don Corleone and Tony Soprano, don't miss this game.

This is one of the best launches of the year. It is ambitious in its presentation, the script immerses us in the life of a gangster from the very beginning, and the missions are hardly repetitive: there is always an unexpected twist or a new situation which tests our abilities.

Even though it couldn't quite hold up to our expectations, Mafia 2 is a great game which is driven by the narrative. This is a big plus in a gaming world where deep, believable characters are the exception, not the rule. If you want a truly cinematic experience, go out and buy the game - you won't be disappointed.

Mafia II is a great game, crafted with incredible care by its developers. If you're looking for a game with a strong story and a great shooter component, don't think twice about buying it. Just don't expect a myriad of side missions typical of other free roaming activities: this is a very story-driven and linear experience.

The setting is what really defines Mafia II, providing a genuinely immersive sense of time and place with an impeccable attention to detail in its architecture, sartorial style and superlative soundtrack.

If you're looking to blow up city blocks with a rocket launcher, Mafia II may not be your cup of cappuccino. However, if, like me, you're hoping HBO's upcoming Boardwalk Empire fills the gaping Soprano-less void in your life, Mafia II's ready to fit you for a nice pair of cement shoes.

Mafia II is exactly the sequel Mafia fans have been waiting all these years for.

This medium is still in narrative infancy, but Mafia II goes a long to proving that it's not merely literature and film that can tell a tale, but videogames too. Along with it, you get a damn fine game to boot.

The developers have managed to maintain the flair that made part one so special. However, some missions seem to be stiff and monotone, but if you're just after a good story, this one works for you.

Mafia 2 looks like your everyday Open-World game. But don´t be fooled. At it´s core it is as linear as a laser-beam. And it´s telling a gripping, epic gangster-story you just have to play for yourself. If you enjoy such a thrilling ride, you will love the game. But if you hope for a 50`s GTA, you will be disappointed. And that would be a shame!

Mafia II's exciting action and uncompromising mob story make for an impressive and violent adventure.

Authentic, brutal and uncompromising, but a few niggling flaws hold it back from greatness.

The wait was worth it. Mafia II delivers nice campaign of singleplayer missions with a mesmerizing story and a great bunch of characters.

Mafia 2 is a great experience, thanks to a believable cast of characters and a wonderful setting. Sadly, the lack of longevity and some technical flaws somehow spoil the global experience, especially if compared with other recent free roaming experiences.

Despite its technical shortcomings, Mafia II manages to become more than the sum of its parts. With a script that could have just as easily driven a major motion picture instead of a video game, Mafia II grabs hold early on and never lets up, not even at the very end.

Linearity and middling mechanics let the side down, but this is still a cracking sequel.

Due to some weaknesses in terms of story (extremely disappointing ending) and gameplay (savepoints), Mafia II turned out to be a good game, but not the masterpiece we've hoped for. Most of these problems can be quite easily forgiven though, thanks to its overwhelming atmosphere and charm.

The gameplay is fun and mixes it up at the right moments, giving it great pacing, and as a whole all of the parts come together for a solid experience. It may not be perfect, and there may be some technical aspects that aren't up to par, but Mafia II is a game worthy of your time and attention.