It's easy to see why many people are anticipating the release of Mafia II this Fall. The Kartel was lucky enough to attend a promo event and experience a hands-on demo. Mafia II, although still being polished is already exhibiting impressive graphics, engaging storyline, and unique gameplay features. 2K is dead set on trying to elevate Mafia II above the moniker of being a historic twist on GTA. Set throughout the 40's and 50's this game offers explosive action, a free-roam city, and collectable Playboy magazines (Yes, they have actually included photos). 

We were able to get a pretty good look at how the mission structure worked for the game, and how the artistic style made the game distinct. Mafia II is set in the fictional city of Empire Bay (influenced by New York and Chicago), which we were told will have both a Winter and Summer version, which suggests that the story will be played out over the course of many years.  The whole entire city will transform based on the seasons (impressive, no?) Another element shown to us was the use of scripted events during general gameplay, which create more distinct interactive moments.  As your character, Vito, walked the wintery streets, snow was falling, people walked by shivering and war planes flew by overhead.  

The mission we played involved selling illegal cigarettes with Vito's friend Joe in order to get some money.  In the middle of trading,  local greasers set the cigarette truck on fire as punishment for invading their turf; and I'm sure you know how the mafia deals with jerks, right?  It's the same way we deal with PJing here on The Kartel. A bullet between the eyes.  

As payback, Vito and Joe meet up with the rest of the crew and trash the greaser's hangout at the Crazy Horse Bar.  Once you leave the place in flames, Vito and the gang head to a foundry to deal with the remaining gang members.  After a hefty firefight, Vito and the crew take off, leaving behind the bullet ridden bodies of the greasers.

Aside from the main mission there were plenty of things that left me eager to play the full version of Mafia II.  Highlights of the game include:

-  Realistic environments that you can actually destroy with a bit of heavy gunfire. (or if you're like me, you can run over the guy at the hot dog stand and watch his cart break into pieces)

-  A slew of classic cars for you to choose from (and eventually wreck after smashing into a few pedestrians and lampposts), and a range of different handling depending on the vehicle. I also understand that the handling is much better compared with the first game, which was a bit finicky.

-  The ability to pull strangers out of a phone booth and engage in hand to hand combat with them. (Which also causes the cops to arrive and split up the fight before it gets too ugly.)

-  Garages that specialize in car customization (Change your rims, swap out your license plate to get the cops off your tail, get a new paint job, or soup up your cars handling.)

-  Intense gunfights, where you can blow up cars by aiming at their gas tank, pick up dropped weapons, and your enemies will retreat based on their numbers.

-  Improved combat system, with the ability to take cover while fighting, and plan a more strategic attack, as opposed to just running and gunning.

-  Vito regains health by eating an all American meal of a hamburger and a Coke. (Yum!)

-  Collectible Playboy magazines sprinkled throughout the game, with 1 full photo for each. Finally something more fun to collect than coins, or stars!

I have to admit, I'm extremely impatient for this game to come out already. Even in it's current state, the game handles beautifully, despite the developer indicating that some more tweaks are necessary. This game is a perfect example of how a free-roam game should be, and based on what I've seen, it will wow fans of Grand Theft Auto and Saints Row. All we can do now is count the days until this amazing game is finally out!

Written by: Samantha Pena

[Edited By Moderator]