Mafia II: Definitive Edition Review (Liviu)
Mafia 2: Definitive Edition is a remastered version of the original Mafia 2 featuring improved graphics and all previously released DLC. However don't expect a huge difference like in the first Mafia from 2002 and its remake. If you somehow skipped Mafia 2 in the past or played the original version but you missed the dlcs you have a good reason to try this,especially if you can get it on a discount. As a warning for those of you who experienced the original ,everything from story to music and collectibles remains untouched so if you'll be disappointed if you wished for new content.
For me this was a chance to revisit Empire Bay again, to step in the shoes of Vito Scarletta and experience his transformation from an ordinary poor kid to a crime boss. In the early years his father decided to move in America to escape poverty but as it turned out the plan didn't work so well. Vito and Joey Barbaro become best friends in a world where poverty made them choose to attempt small heists like the jewelry shop rob. Unfortunately Vito is caught and offered a choice to avoid prison and enlist in the army and this is how his transformation process begins. On his return he had a choice to respect his mother will and live a lawful life or follow his buddy steps and become involved with the mafia. However doing slave labour work like his father did for the same man at the docks and discovering a 2000 dollars debt his family had for a loan shark was the trigger Vito needed to make his choice.
This was just the introduction for a great story which follows Vito Scarletta and his rise through the ranks of criminal organizations,his struggle for a better life and a beautiful friendship with Joey Barbaro. Speaking of Joey, he is so great that the game has a dlc where you can play as him. In Joey 's Adventures i had a lot of fun engaging in various missions and activities,set in the time Vito was in prison.
I had a great time driving around ,listening to music on the radio and somehow the game successfully captures the atmosphere of the 1940's and 1950's in the fictional city of Empire Bay(inspired by real life locations like New York ).
In a nutshell mafia 2 is one of the best games ever made from my perspective,i strongly recommend playing this if you never did before.
Pros:
-Story
-Voice acting and music
-atmosphere
-great dlcs
-great driving
Cons:
-for a definitive edition the improvements in graphics are not enough
My review score:
Story - 10
Gameplay- 9
Graphics- 8
Sound - 10
Overall - 9.25