Mafia II (PS3/360)

[ASB37]

Re: Mafia II (PS3/360)

Just finished chapter 2, good set up. I can already tell I will probably love the story. Had a weird glitch where the screen froze for a quick second inbetween some cut scenes but other than that I haven't noticed any issues.

[bluengold34_OS]

Re: Mafia II (PS3/360)

Put in about 2 hours so far with this gem, and have not looked back. I wasn't expecting the greatest game ever, and I think that's why I am enjoying this title so much. There may not be any side mission's, so to speak, but that doesn't mean the city is dead and empty. It's sprawling with people, and feels as alive as much as I hoped it would.

The atmosphere is really well done, as I feel like I am in the late 40's, early 50's time period. The controls are a little wonky, but I have got myself acclimated well enough.

What has really impressed me, are the little things. When driving in snow, you spin out, if you try to accelerate to quickly, are if you hit a snow mound, you feel it. You feel like your driving on snow and ice, and that's pretty damn impressive.

The story is very good so far, and the characters have real life to them. The character models, movements, and overall visualizations are beautiful. If I had to put a list of pro's and con's based off of my limited play so far, it would go as this.

Pro's
1. Atmosphere
2. Story
3. Character introduction( the characters feel alive and real)
4. Visuals
5. Attention to detail
6. Fun to play

Con's
1. Controls
2. Map isn't the best
3. Camera make's me a little nauseous once in awhile


Keep in mind, this is only after 2 hours devoted. I will say the game has me wanting to play more.....which is a good thing. The reviews are all over the place on this one, and I kind of understand why. If you are hoping for an open ended, sand box type of game, there might be a level of disappointment. If you're ok with a linear navigation through the 1940's and 50's. then I think you will get a lot of enjoyment out of this title.

Bob

[Flightwhite24]

Re: Mafia II (PS3/360)

I'm a little concerned that it only took me like 10 minutes on normal to complete Chapter 1. Hope its not this the whole game. The beginning is really good though

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: Mafia II (PS3/360)

I'm just gonna play this through on Hard.

[bluengold34_OS]

Re: Mafia II (PS3/360)

I'm a little concerned that it only took me like 10 minutes on normal to complete Chapter 1. Hope its not this the whole game. The beginning is really good though

Don't worry bro, you just have mad stick skills

[ASB37]

Re: Mafia II (PS3/360)

I'm playing through this on hard. Haven't died once through 2 chapters, but I assume that's just cause its the beginning of the game and they are trying to get you acclimated with the controls etc.

[Jgainsey]

Re: Mafia II (PS3/360)

Ok, I've been playing for the last couple of hours and so far I'm pretty impressed. I only stopped because the game froze up on me in the middle of a somewhat lengthy mission... but it's ok.. I'm not mad... lol.

Like others have already said, it's not exactly an all out open world type game, but I don't necessarily view that as a negative. From what I can tell, it looks like you can go basically where ever you want, there just aren't a ton of things to keep you occupied outside of the main story line. So if you're expecting a GTA/RDR type Mafia game, you're probably going to be disappointed. Personally, I wasn't the type of guy who could spend a couple of hours hunting or playing cards in RDR. Not that there's anything wrong with that...

Though to be honest, I haven't spent much time exploring Empire City, so I really can't speak to how much freedom Mafia 2 allows the user. The story starts off nicely, so I've just been trying to get past the "starter" missions and into the meat n' potatoes.

Speaking of meat n' potatoes, here are my impressions so far:

Graphics - The in-game visuals are very well done. Just as good, if not better, than any other game in the genre. Plus, the cut-scenes are great looking too. Not like GTA 4 or AC2, where the cut-scenes were almost an eye-sore.

I only have two minor gripes in this department. The framerate could stand to be a little more stable. It not bad by any means, just a few moments every now and then where it becomes noticeable, really no biggie there.

My other issue is with the screen tearing. Again, it really isn't that bad, but at times it's definitely noticeable. I guess it's just bad enough to warrant mentioning.

Gameplay - I'm really liking the driving so far. The vehicles have a considerable amount of weight to them, and they handle realistically. That is if you change the driving mode to simulation(a must in my opinion).

The game starts out in the middle of a very cold winter, and it's pretty fun trying to drive on the icy snow covered roads. It's tough very tough to handle at high speeds, but rewarding as well. The speed limiter is a nice touch too. Kudos to whoever thought that one up.

The gun play is another plus. The cover system works well, and is important too. The bullets seems to be more deadly than your average 3rd person action game for sure. Nice to see a good amount of destruction too. The controls aren't the best, but they're not terrible either.

Story/Missions - I feel like this is almost more of a 3rd person action game than it is an open world sandbox type game. The missions are good enough to almost feel like I'm playing a game like Uncharted(not quite that good, but you catch my drift) or something. Where as a sandbox game puts more emphasis on the environment, and the users ability to interact with it. So while the game may come up short on open world end, it kind of makes up for it with certain well crafted missions.

The story has been very good too. The characters are built up well, and so far everything feels very real or believable... in a mob movie way of course. No really annoying reoccurring characters yet either. Hopefully it stays that way.


Oh, and awesome idea with the playboy mags. To be honest, I can't believe nudity and video games aren't mixed together more often. They're like peanut butter and jelly together. I'm not one to go and find the hidden easter egg types things in game, but finding a way to make those items naked women was genius.

My first impression would be to say that this game is probably an 8.5 to 9, if judged in the correct context. And if you love all things mafia like I do, it's easily worth 60 bones.

[Bellsprout]

Re: Mafia II (PS3/360)

LOVING the game so far. Not RDR love, but still. Played for a few hours (2, 2 and a half, something like that) and it's very, very fun.

I love driving. I don't know why, but putting the speed limiter on and driving to my next mission while listening to the radio is something I'm really enjoying. Similar to enjoying riding my horse to every mission in RDR. There are no random encounters like that game, but the city is so alive and so varied that it really is quite enjoyable driving around it. Not that the game gives you a choice. Far as I can tell you HAVE to drive to every mission.

Gun play seems pretty standard. I'm not struggling with it a whole lot, though I'm playing on Easy my first time through.

Stealing cars is a bitch. There are literally cops everywhere and they're difficult to lose. I've taken to just walking out of Joe's apartment, stealing the first car I see, and driving it right back to my garage. Seems to work.

And the Playboys. Oh, the Playboys!

Really wasn't expecting a ton given the mixed reviews, but pleasantly surprised is what I'll say right now. I certainly see myself playing this to the end and then keeping it. Really unexpectedly happy with the purchase.

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: Mafia II (PS3/360)

The cut scenes in AC2 were an eye-sore?

[Jgainsey]

Re: Mafia II (PS3/360)

The cut scenes in AC2 were an eye-sore?

I though some of the characters in the cut-scenes were bad at times. Eye-sore was probably a little strong, but the cut-scenes in this game are a definite notch above those in AC2 or GTA. I guess I meant that buy comparison they were almost an eye-sore.. If that makes sense.

[Bellsprout]

Re: Mafia II (PS3/360)

I don't know if anybody wants it or needs it, but there's a dude on GameFAQs who listed where every Playboy is:

http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/942955-mafia-ii/56115326

I have it bookmarked on my comp under 'Mafia II Mag Locations'. Damn family computer sharing. I'd love to bookmark it as "BOOBS! GLORIOUS BOOBS!".

[Candyman5]

Re: Mafia II (PS3/360)

I don't know if anybody wants it or needs it, but there's a dude on GameFAQs who listed where every Playboy is:

http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/942955-mafia-ii/56115326

I have it bookmarked on my comp under 'Mafia II Mag Locations'. Damn family computer sharing. I'd love to bookmark it as "BOOBS! GLORIOUS BOOBS!".

LMFAO!

[Bellsprout]

Re: Mafia II (PS3/360)

Favorite car I have so far: Smith V8

Classy. As hell. And painted up nice with a Maroon/Buttermilk paint job.

Just used up my GameStop DLC. Unlocks two very gay looking Vegas costumes, two military costumes (basically the stuff he's wearing at the beginning of the game), a convertible, a Jefferson Futura (weird as hell looking, but tops out at 114), and 2 military Jeeps. Useless, I say! Oh well. Not like it cost anything.

[canes21]

Re: Mafia II (PS3/360)

As someone who stills plays GTA IV as one of his main games, still plays the Mafia II demo every day a few times, and loves the era, but finds 15 hours a little short. Would you recommend me the game?

[Bellsprout]

Re: Mafia II (PS3/360)

If you play the demo that much and love the era, I don't know what you're waiting for.

Just don't expect the open world feel of GTA. It isn't there. Technically, this is an open world game, but all it amounts to is driving from mission to mission. There's nothing really to do other than that. Except jack cars, I suppose.

But that said, this game is very, VERY fun and I would recommend it to pretty much everyone. Especially if you love the era.