Mafia II: Definitive Edition

May 29, 2020

Written by Jeff Siepman

What can I say about Mafia II that hasn’t already been said? In my opinion, it has to be one of the most underrated games ever made and is in my top 5 all-time favourite games. So needless to say I was more than a little excited to see what the Definitive Edition had to offer.

Originally released in 2010, Mafia II is a gritty period piece action-adventure developed by 2K that chronicles the rise of war veteran and ex-con turned mobster Vito Scaletta, the son of Sicilian immigrants.

Set in a fictional 1940s and early 1950s Empire Bay, a thriving East Coast metropolis that is home to a few criminal organizations including three powerful Mafia families that are all trying to take over the city’s smuggling, extortion, and drug rackets. Based loosely on New York City and Chicago, 2K did an amazing job of making it feel like a real place with a level of detail that is just astonishing.

The original game included 15 chapters that move the games main storyline along. These will keep you busy with a twisty, dramatic plot. Mafia II: Definitive Edition will have you spending a bit more time in Empire Bay with access to all the DLC released for the game in the past. This includes add-ons that expand the main story with different perspectives from familiar characters.

This game is not loaded with a bunch of side missions or loads of collectables but you’ll still enjoy exploring the streets taking in the details, finding wanted^* posters or Playboy^** magazines, stealing cars and robbing places between missions.

The game mechanics of Mafia II are pretty basic for a third-person shooter but you have to remember this is a 10-year-old game… they do however get the job done.

Unfortunately, Mafia II: Definitive Edition didn’t get the remake treatment Mafia is getting, but the boosted 4k resolution and updated lighting make it look spectacular. Mafia II: Definitive Edition truly shines when you look out for the attention to detail included in the original game that now comes shining through.

In conclusion, this is the ideal opportunity to discover and enjoy a forgotten classic. I utterly enjoyed replaying Mafia II and although there were a few glitches they didn’t take away from the overall experience.