Original article: Mafia 2 is the upcoming third-person open-world action sequel to 2002’s “Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven” (ported to the PS2 and Xbox in 2004). The game is developed by 2K Czech (previously named Illusion Softworks) and will be released by 2K Games on June 30, 2009 for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.
Mafia 2 basically plays out like Grand Theft Auto but in a time of entirely different style and aesthetics as you’d expect from a Mafia game. The story is set during the 1940s and 1950s in Empire City, a fictional city that is modeled after San Franciso, California and New York City, taking it’s name from New York’s nickname of “The Empire State”.
In the game all of the cars, buildings, people, weapons, etc. are modeled after the time period for a realistic world that is entirely open-ended with no restrictions, even when you first start the game. Known as much for it’s weapons as it’s era, Mafia 2 will see the return of firearms like the Thompson M1928, the Colt 1911 and the pump action shotgun.
Born the son of a poor immigrant, Vito is a beaten down Italian American who is trying to secure his piece of the American Dream. Looking to escape the life of poverty that consumed his childhood, Vito is soon swayed by the lure of power and wealth that a life of Organized Crime can bring.
A petty criminal his whole life, Vito, along with his childhood friend, Joe, will descend into the world of Organized Crime. Together, they will work to prove themselves to the Mob as they try to make their names on the streets of a cold and unforgiving city.
Mafia 2 immerses players in the mob underworld of a fictitious late 1940’s / early 1950’s scenario. The game engages you in a cinematic Hollywood movie experience in a living, breathing city, fusing high octane gunplay with white knuckle driving and an engaging narrative.
Key Features of Mafia 2 include:
* Take part in heart-stopping car-to-car gunfights, white-knuckled hand-to-hand combat and intense gunplay, all of which come together to form an intense and exciting experience
* 2K Czech’s next-generation engine allows gamers to travel from beautifully rendered outdoor environments to intricately designed interiors seamlessly without the need for loading times
* The writing team from Mafia I returns to deliver another powerhouse script that portrays a stunning tale of survival, camaraderie and the pitfalls of pursuing the American Dream
* Players are immersed in the Golden Era of America as Mafia II features tracks from some of the era’s most influential artists
Below are several videos showing off the world of the game, your interaction with various characters, various cut-scenes (all of which are done with the in-game engine), lots of voice acting and glimpses at the third-person gunplay which uses a cover system.
Once the game is released, be sure to check out our guides for the Mafia 2 walkthrough, Mafia 2 Playboy Magazines locations, Mafia 2 Wanted Posters locations and Mafia 2 achievements and trophies.