Mafia II (PC) -game

The game's got superb graphics, game play mechanics and a solid story, but it ends too abruptly

Good graphics, cover system works well, scalable engine, engaging story, authentic 1940-50s atmosphere, missions are tense and action-packed

Story mode is short and incomplete, turning on APEX Physics hampers performance badly

One of the most anticipated games of 2010 is finally here. We were simply thrilled to have the sequel to one of the most impressionable games that simply wouldn't leave your memory if you've ever played it. Mafia wasn't like any other game at that time and even today, in its new avatar, retains that exclusivity and charm we fell in love with many years ago.

Mafia II opens up a new chapter in this crime drama set in the 1940-50s, ten years after the events of the first game. The set for Mafia II is Empire Bay, a bustling multicultural city that's home to three major Italian mobs. As a war veteran you come to Empire Bay during one of the coldest winters the city has ever faced. The game starts in the 1940s and the cars and clothing reflect this very well. This continues for the first few chapters in the game and then there is a gap of seven years where your protagonist, Vito Scaletta returns to Empire Bay and it's now the 50's after a short stint in the slammer. This gives the game a bit of variety and keeps things fresh.

Vito is relieved of his duty, thanks to your best friend Joe Barbaro who calls in some favors as he currently works with the Clemente family, one of the three mafia gangs in Empire Bay. In typical Hollywood fashion, Vito learns that his mother and sister are stuck with his father's debt and the only way to come up with that kind of money is to join the mob. Thanks to your buddy Joe you are quickly accepted into the Clemente family where you start-off with small time jobs like stealing cars, etc.

As you progress in the game you are finally accepted in the family and become a 'Made Man' which means you're no longer a freelance thug but a part of the mafia family. The story has some interesting missions like planning an assassination of the head of one of the families, breaking into a bank while remaining undetected, going all guns blazing in Chinatown as you fight your way to eliminate the head of the Chinese mafia (which was my favorite mission) etc.

Timeline of Apple iPod

The evolution of the world's best-selling music player

The world is divided in two types of people: those who have heard of the iPod and those who live in a cave. To say that the iPod is an incredibly popular device is a gross understatement. Since its launch in October 2001, the iPod has sold over 275 Million units worldwide making it not only the highest selling music player, but also the highest selling gadget ever. Period. Such is the popularity of the iPod that for most people a 'portable music player = iPod', the way 'burger = McDonald's'. It has a cult following of its own and many people swear by it and for them it is the best music player in the world.

So how did the iPod attain this status? We put on our helmets and take a ride in our trusty time machine to take a look at all the iPods that ever came out of Cupertino, California. See its progress from a revolutionary music player to an iconic one.
As if the iPod touch wasn't thin enough already, Apple went ahead and made it even thinner this year. This despite the fact that it comes with several additions. First is the Retina display, which was only seen on the iPhone 4 so far. Next is a forward facing camera for FaceTime calls over Wi-Fi with other iPod touch and iPhone 4 users. There is also a camera at the back which can record videos in 720p. The new touch also gets the faster and more efficient A4 chip for better performance and the 3-axis gyro for better gaming experience. Surprisingly the battery life is higher than before, with 40 hours for audio and 7 hours for video. The new iPod touch is sold in three versions, 8GB, 32GB and 64GB at $229, $299 and $399 respectively.