The Mafia doesn’t exist, at least according to the Mafia it doesn’t, but game developers know different. Between the first Mafia, circa almost a decade ago, and the sequel, are games like The Godfather, Scarface and more, all built on Grand Theft Auto’s sandbox city concept. (What this means is that your character and the story take place in a virtual city where, dotted all over the landscape, missions and side missions abound.) Mafia I took us back to the roaring 20’s and prohibition. Mafia II brings the 40’s and 50’s to life and does that with style and panache, if not a few noticeable flaws.

Mafia II is a beautiful game. Clearly no expense was spared when it came to voice acting, graphics and fine cinematic touches. There’s period music on the car radios and the cars are to die for. The missions are strong, backed by an excellent cover system for shootouts, there’s a robust boxing mode, and the driving physics feel right. These cars feel like they’re made of chrome and steel and the glass shatters like glass, not like today’s shatter proof windshields. The story is excellent but hurts itself by re-staging film moments from the Godfather, Goodfellas and loads more. If you don’t know the references, that’s a plus. If you do they’ll make you smile, but something inspired is missing.

That’s not the only flaw. Mafia II requires a lot of driving – often back and forth and then back again, with forth just waiting after the next cutscene. The city is beautiful and fun to explore but the cabs won’t pick you up like in GTA and there’s no stagecoach to cut down travel time like Red Dead Redemption. If the driving gets old – “Hey paisan, you drive my car” – there’s no avoiding it. Another big flaw is that they forgot the side missions that help flesh out the character. Mafia II is one story mission after another. Fighting the cops is suicidal, there’s none of the over-the-top police battles but the cops do react to speeding and hit n’ run. Their pursuit is weak, but it does inspire some careful driving (further making the travel in the game even more monotonous.

The game is unflinching when it comes to language. Slurs are used by the “dago/wop” Mafiosos loosely and often. A “spook” is a black person, a “mick” is Irish, a “chink” is Chinese, etc., This is realistic but jarring at times. I know, these guys are the bad guys and they did talk like that we’re just not used to it being casual and I’m not entirely sure the game makes it understood that it isn’t condoning the language so much as using it. A fine and maybe crucial distinction, to be sure.

SPOILER

Part of the story is venturing from the forties to the fifties, like most mob story this is done by going to jail. This leads to a sobering look at prison as it comes complete with guards who go heavy on the nightstick, dangerously rapey showers and just walking in you’ll notice blacks on one side, whites on another and Chinese in a third. A sobering look at segregation.

—-END SPOILER

So, yes parents, this game earns the Mature title and all the descriptors are about as mature as you can get. Characters drink and get drunk, one receives a memorable blowjob (under the table but with a mouth wipe when finished) and sex on a kitchen counter. It’s not your character getting lucky, in fact, your character is easily the nicest and coolest character in the game.

Now if you let your kids watch mob movies or shows like The Sopranos, then there’s nothing worse in this game. The casual racism, violence and everything from the cars to women’s fashion to the music IS very much a learning experience. It’s adult, crude and rude, but a great way for a teen to immerse themselves in a story and time. Just make sure that they know the racial language is “of its time” and not a cool thing to bandy about with friends. This is for the grown ups and if not them, then I recommend some big-time parental involvement/supervision.

Tags: Game Reviews