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.