Sequel to a groundbreaking 2002 open-world classic, Mafia II hits the mean streets this week -- and it looks like Italian-American associations aren’t the only ones a little underwhelmed with it.
Mafia II’s story is much tighter, critics say, giving players few reasons to explore its city or pursue its sparse set of side tasks. But there’s broad agreement that if you can put up with its linear nature, it’s well worth taking a walk on the wiseguy side.
While praising Mafia II’s “competent game mechanics and absorbing narrative,“ Destructoid’s Nick Chester felt fenced in by its "sometimes mind-blowingly boring” missions and awarded it a lackluster 6.5/10 on the PC and Xbox 360, and a 7.5/10 on the PS3.
Why the higher mark on the Playstation? While it’s not the prettiest of the three, it does have the most content thanks to an exclusive, free downloadable content pack. It’s pretty clear: If you are fortunate enough to have the choice, opt for the PS3.
Game Informer sees the on-rails storyline as a plus, saying “those who never finish lengthy games will appreciate Mafia II’s direct storytelling.” It’s a “gripping drama about family, friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and pragmatism,” they say, finishing with a recommendation that’ll make any budding mafiosi look up from his spaghetti: “if you’re fond of quoting Don Corleone and Tony Soprano, don’t miss this game.”
