Mafia II: Definitive Edition

73%
Game Brain Score Based on 8,805 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • gameplay
Mafia II: Definitive Edition Game Cover
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"Mafia II: Definitive Edition" is a remastered version of the second game in the Mafia series, taking place in the 1940s and 50s in the city of Empire Bay, NY. Play as Vito Scaletta, a war hero turned mobster, as you climb the ranks of the mafia through various crimes, all while being inspired by classic mafia dramas. The definitive edition includes the main game and all DLC releases, fully remastered in HD.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

73%
Audience ScoreBased on 8,805 reviews
story1,685 positive mentions
stability666 negative mentions
  • story4,150 mentions

    The story of "Mafia II: Definitive Edition" is widely praised for its engaging narrative that follows Vito Scaletta's rise through the criminal underworld of Empire Bay during the 1940s and 1950s. While many players appreciate the character development and emotional depth, some criticize the pacing and abrupt ending, feeling it lacks the cohesion and impact of the first game. Despite technical issues and bugs that can disrupt gameplay, the story remains a compelling draw for both newcomers and returning fans of the series.

    • “The story follows the life of a mobster named Vito Scaletta, who fought against the fascists in Italy and wants nothing more than a comfortable life for himself and his family, but ends up spiraling downward as he becomes involved with organized crime.”
    • “Set in the 1940s and 1950s, Mafia II offers an immersive and engaging story that keeps players on the edge of their seats.”
    • “The story of Mafia II is nothing short of captivating, weaving a complex tale of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption.”
    • “The story was bland, predictable, and lifeless.”
    • “The characters were forgettable, the missions were repetitive, and the plot felt like an afterthought.”
    • “The story never gave me that hook to keep playing anyway.”
  • graphics1,528 mentions

    The graphics of "Mafia II: Definitive Edition" have received mixed reviews, with many players noting only minor improvements over the original game, which was already praised for its visuals at the time of release. While some appreciate the enhanced textures and lighting, numerous graphical glitches and performance issues have been reported, leading to disappointment among fans who expected a more substantial upgrade akin to the "Mafia I: Definitive Edition." Overall, the remaster feels more like a slight polish rather than a true graphical overhaul, leaving many players to recommend the classic version instead.

    • “The game has very nice graphics, a great soundtrack - the songs on the radio are well curated, several vintage cars and a very cool selection of WW2-era weapons.”
    • “Set in the 1940s and 1950s, you’ll experience the gritty, emotional story of betrayal, loyalty, and crime in the recreated world of Empire Bay, now brought to life with modern graphics and enhanced details.”
    • “The mafia ii: definitive edition is a fantastic experience that successfully captures the essence of the original while elevating it with stunning visuals and improved gameplay mechanics.”
    • “This is not a proper remaster as the graphics don't seem to have left 2007.”
    • “The graphics are nowhere near where they should be in a game released in 2020.”
    • “Despite the graphics being slightly improved, the game still looks dated.”
  • gameplay1,039 mentions

    The gameplay of Mafia II: Definitive Edition has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that it feels dated and repetitive, often relying heavily on driving and basic combat mechanics. While some appreciate the engaging story and improved graphics, numerous bugs and technical issues detract from the overall experience, leading to frustration during gameplay. Overall, the game is seen as a nostalgic trip for fans, but it lacks significant enhancements compared to the original, making it less appealing for newcomers.

    • “The gameplay mechanics remain faithful to the original, offering a mix of intense missions and thrilling criminal activities.”
    • “The gameplay is engaging and well-designed, the graphics are stunning, and the bonus storylines add more value to the game.”
    • “With its gripping narrative, richly detailed world, and immersive gameplay, it stands as a testament to the brilliance of storytelling in video games.”
    • “The gameplay and story are classic mafia, but the remaster is poorly done.”
    • “The gameplay is simple, though it can get repetitive at times.”
    • “The gameplay is boring; you always have to drive from point A to point B. Maybe for a GTA fan it can be nice, but for someone like me, no.”
  • stability686 mentions

    The "stability" of Mafia II: Definitive Edition has been widely criticized, with players reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and crashes that significantly detract from the experience. Many users noted that the game is often unplayable due to frequent crashes, especially at critical moments, and that it retains many issues from the original version while introducing new ones. Overall, the remaster is seen as a poorly optimized and buggy experience, leading many to recommend the classic version instead.

    • “Damn-near perfect and it now (as of Nov 2024) runs great on the deck at an almost locked 60.”
    • “The definitive edition doesn't have the glitches and the problems that the original has.”
    • “The game looks fantastic and runs great.”
    • “I simply cannot recommend this as this is not a definitive edition but rather an HD remaster that didn't bother to fix a lot of the bugs and glitches. The game keeps crashing at the main menu because of the stupid 2K.”
    • “This game is so buggy and filled with glitches, often crashing. The game is good though, but the technical issues are so bad I can't even play it properly.”
    • “The definitive edition is a buggy mess and skips cutscenes on its own, just to name a few issues I've had with this game.”
  • music445 mentions

    The music in Mafia II is widely praised for its authentic and immersive soundtrack, featuring a well-curated selection of period-appropriate songs from the 1940s and 1950s that enhance the game's atmosphere. While many players appreciate the nostalgic feel and the way the music complements the story and gameplay, some express disappointment over the removal of certain tracks from the original version and the limited number of radio stations. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's charm and immersion.

    • “The soundtrack perfectly complements the game's atmosphere, enhancing the immersion.”
    • “The music really puts you in the mood; it's rhythmic and gives this game a very special style.”
    • “The soundtrack is a mix of licensed classics from the era, like 'In the Mood' by Glenn Miller, and original scores that perfectly set the mood for the story's different moments.”
    • “The music selection is so much worse.”
    • “A lazy, buggy mess that butchers the original by not fixing game-breaking bugs, cutting music from the game, and massively increasing the file size.”
    • “1) Some of the licensed music was removed... which ruins the 1950's atmosphere; half the songs we sang along to as we cruised around Empire Bay are no more.”
  • optimization389 mentions

    The optimization of "Mafia II: Definitive Edition" has been widely criticized, with many players reporting severe stuttering, frame rate drops, and crashes, even on high-end systems. Despite some visual improvements, the remaster is often described as poorly optimized compared to the original, leading to a frustrating experience marred by bugs and performance issues. Overall, players recommend opting for the classic version instead, as it reportedly runs more smoothly and without the numerous problems present in the remaster.

    • “Performance and stability: while the game runs smoothly for the most part, there are occasional glitches and bugs that can detract from the experience.”
    • “The driving is the best of all 3 games, performance is stable, and the soundtrack is top-notch.”
    • “Amazing title and extremely well optimized!”
    • “Performance is atrocious for a game that barely got a visual facelift compared to its 2010 version.”
    • “The optimization of the game is a catastrophe and the stuttering is unbearable.”
    • “This remaster is the most unoptimized piece of crap I've ever played.”
  • atmosphere187 mentions

    The atmosphere of *Mafia II: Definitive Edition* is widely praised for its immersive recreation of the post-war American city of Empire Bay, capturing the essence of the 1940s and 1950s through detailed environments, period-appropriate music, and authentic character interactions. Players appreciate the nostalgic vibe, enhanced visuals, and the engaging narrative that draws them into the world, although some note that certain changes, such as the removal of licensed music, detract from the overall experience. Despite minor technical issues, the game's atmosphere remains a standout feature, making it a compelling journey through a gritty, atmospheric gangster story.

    • “The gritty, atmospheric world of Empire Bay is brought to life in incredible detail, and the story of Vito Scaletta's rise and fall is as compelling as ever.”
    • “From the authentic period-accurate soundtrack to the meticulously recreated vehicles and fashion of the era, every aspect of the game is steeped in the atmosphere of post-war America. It's clear that the developers have spared no expense in bringing this world to life, and the result is a gaming experience that is as immersive as it is authentic.”
    • “The atmosphere and setting of the 1940s and 50s are recreated beautifully in Mafia II.”
    • “The atmosphere was decent, but the world felt underutilized.”
    • “There are visual and audio bugs like I said up above, smoke animations on streets are all bugged, so once you see smoke coming out of sewers it keeps repeating itself every 4-5 seconds and ruins the atmosphere.”
    • “1) Some of the licensed music was removed, which ruins the 1950's atmosphere; half the songs we sang along to as we cruised around Empire Bay are no more.”
  • grinding102 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has been widely criticized for being excessively tedious and repetitive, with many players expressing frustration over the time-consuming nature of missions and tasks. Players noted that the game often requires extensive grinding for upgrades and achievements, leading to a monotonous experience that detracts from the overall enjoyment. Additionally, numerous bugs and glitches exacerbate the grind, making it feel even more frustrating and unpolished.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “A lot of grinding.”
    • “Your lifetime of grinding.”
    • “The game is structured over 15 chapters, but by the 9th or 10th, the gameplay becomes repetitive and tedious.”
    • “It's actually insane that this is what's called a remaster; one of the last missions is a grindfest where if you die, you have to redo the whole thing. After spending hours grinding out $24k, an NPC ran into my car and killed me, forcing me to completely restart. It's a joke of a development team.”
    • “The gameplay is passable; however, it is so repetitive that it quickly becomes monotonous and very tedious.”
  • humor99 mentions

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players praising the witty dialogue, particularly from the character Joe Barbaro, and the amusing interactions throughout the story. While some glitches and visual bugs are noted as funny rather than game-breaking, they contribute to the overall lighthearted tone, making for memorable and entertaining moments. The blend of humor with serious themes enhances the narrative, keeping players engaged and amused.

    • “Had to mention how funny it is that the developer's way of getting you behind the wheel of different cars is to use the excuse that nobody wants to drive their own car, lol.”
    • “In Mafia II, you can expect a number of strong scenes, funny conversations, and hilarious moments.”
    • “Your sidekick, Joe Barbaro, is such a funny character in each mission you have with him.”
  • emotional53 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Mafia II: Definitive Edition" receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its compelling narrative and character depth, particularly Vito's journey and the touching moments between characters. However, many criticize the game for its lack of emotional attachment due to bugs and glitches that disrupt key scenes, as well as a perceived boring storyline and uninteresting characters that fail to resonate. Overall, while the game has moments of emotional impact, technical issues and narrative shortcomings detract from the overall experience.

    • “Set in the 1940s and 1950s, you’ll experience the gritty, emotional story of betrayal, loyalty, and crime in the recreated world of Empire Bay, now brought to life with modern graphics and enhanced details.”
    • “The narrative also explores Vito’s personal struggles, including his relationships with his family and his best friend Joe, adding emotional depth to the story.”
    • “The story made me feel invested in the characters and the missions don't feel copy-pasted, though there are some that make you want to punch a desk :) but it wouldn't be a Mafia game if there wasn't that one challenging mission.”
    • “Whilst graphically this looks better than Mafia II, the game fails to make up for a boring story that drags on with the same thing repeated; uninteresting characters that you just don't care for, yet the game thinks you should.”
    • “Uninteresting characters, boring story, waste of time and money.”
    • “Boring characters, boring story, boring game.”
  • monetization44 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many reviewers expressing disappointment over the lack of meaningful updates or improvements compared to the original. Players noted the presence of in-game advertisements and forced account creation, which detracted from the experience and reinforced the perception of a lazy remaster aimed at capitalizing on nostalgia. Overall, the consensus is that this edition fails to justify its existence beyond financial motives, leaving many feeling frustrated and unsatisfied.

    • “The monetization model is fair and doesn't feel exploitative, allowing players to enjoy the game without feeling pressured to spend.”
    • “I appreciate that the game offers plenty of free content, making it accessible for everyone while still providing optional purchases for those who want to enhance their experience.”
    • “The in-game purchases are reasonably priced and don't give paying players an unfair advantage, which keeps the competitive spirit alive.”
    • “This was just a cash grab, especially after it being 4 years with no patch updates or anything to try and fix it.”
    • “The fact that the same well-known bugs that existed in the original are still present in the 'definitive' edition really makes this a quick cash grab.”
    • “This could have been a golden opportunity to release Mafia 2 in its intended form it never got in 2010, given more development time, cut content and all; instead, we got a literal carbon copy cash grab.”
  • replayability29 mentions

    Replayability in the game is a mixed bag, with some players praising its infinite replay potential and engaging DLC content, while others criticize the limited replay value of the main story and the lack of updates from developers. Overall, the game offers enjoyable replay options for those interested in collectibles and different difficulty levels, but many feel that it falls short compared to previous entries in the series.

    • “Highly recommend this game for its overall atmosphere and storytelling, superb replayability.”
    • “This game is fun with plenty of replay value, highly recommend.”
    • “The story is great and with all the DLC included you will have plenty of fun and replay value collecting all of the wanted posters as well as playboy magazines.”
    • “Dead open worlds not only kill the replayability of a game but also make the first playthrough hardly bearable.”
    • “It's a shame the story was not that long and has little replay value...”
    • “Very limited replay value.”
  • character development27 mentions

    Character development in Mafia II is widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance, particularly through the protagonist Vito Scaletta and his friend Joe Barbaro, whose believable motivations enhance the narrative. While the main characters are well-developed, some reviews note that secondary characters lack depth, often feeling like clichés from mob films. Overall, the game's storytelling and character arcs are considered standout features, contributing to a compelling and immersive experience.

    • “The voice acting and character development are top-notch, making you care about the characters and their fates.”
    • “The plot twists and character development are particularly praiseworthy, adding depth and intensity to the overall experience.”
    • “The most impressive part is the character development of the protagonist, Vito Scaletta, which goes through the ups and downs of life as the game progresses.”
    • “There are a lot of holes in the character development, their motivation, and the plot in general, but the main, ahem, 'protagonist' is the worst of them, in my opinion.”
    • “Also, the character development is already garbage only an hour and a half into the game.”
    • “While character development is a bit one-sided, mainly focusing on the two main characters (Vito and Joe), sadly the rest of the cast remain cardboard cutouts that you will recognize from every mob movie in existence.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
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Buy Mafia II: Definitive Edition

Play time

11hMedian play time
23hAverage play time
20hMain story
231hCompletionist
8-19hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 34 analyzed playthroughs

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