Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gripping, violent, GTA-type mob story for mature players.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
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Mafia II
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 19 parent reviews
Based on 45 kid reviews
Kids say the game is a fun and engaging experience, praised for its strong story and immersive setting reflecting 1950s New York, but it is heavily criticized for its extreme profanity, violence, and mature themes, making it inappropriate for younger audiences. While some reviewers argue that older teens might handle the content given proper context, a consensus remains that it is best suited for mature players due to its graphic depiction of crime and frequent use of explicit language.
- profanity issues
- mature themes
- engaging story
- not for kids
- immersive experience
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
Step into the dark and dangerous world of organized crime in the 1940s and 1950s with MAFIA II, the sequel to the award-winning and best-selling game that delivered intense shootouts and white-knuckle car chases. This follow-up "sandbox"-style adventure is even more ambitious, as you're immersed in a living, breathing city, populated by memorable characters. Even the storyline has a more epic feel. You play as Vito, a poor Italian-American who joins the mob with his childhood friend, Joe, to find wealth and respect as a "made man." This third-person, single-player shooter starts with you taking on low-level jobs, such as intimidation and petty theft, but as you work your way up in the family you can expect many more challenging tasks -- and tough decisions that can alter the storyline. As with Mafia, you can take on missions in the order you choose.
Is It Any Good?
Mafia II can be a very good game, but strictly for mature gamers who recognize this as interactive fiction. Older gamers who are looking for a gripping Grand Theft Auto-style mob story won't be disappointed with this ambitious, gratifying, and stylized shooter. Mafia II is a big game: The fictitious Empire Bay (based on New York City and San Francisco) boasts 10 square miles of virtual landscape to explore, all rendered in high-definition. Mid-20th century architecture, cars, fashion, music, and advertising are all authentically reproduced. Equally as impressive is the lack of load times and nearly two hours of in-game cinematics (with characters that, while sometimes over the top, are well-acted). You can also go out on your own and walk or drive around this bustling city. Downloadable add-on missions extend the gameplay further. Despite its controversial subject, Mafia II is a thoughtfully-designed and well-"executed" adventure. Note: All three versions of the game are the same, except for downloadable mission packs.
Online interaction: There is no multiplayer component but gamers can download new episodes online, such as "The Betrayal of Jimmy," free add-on content for PS3 gamers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether gamers want sequels. Is this sequel merely trying to keep the Grand Theft Auto-style genre alive -- and counting on the controversy to help sales -- or is this meant to be harmless fun for mature gamers who want to vicariously step into the shoes of the mob. This game is sort of an interactive version of The Sopranos or The Godfather -- does the interactiveness make it more violent than the movies or TV shows.
The game is incredibly violent and bloody, but after experiencing the over-the-top violence of games like Grand Theft Auto, are we becoming desensitized to it?
Families can also discuss the portrayal of women in the game. Females are depicted as prostitutes, strippers, or nude models; any female characters are subservient to the men in the game. How does this affect your playing experience?
Game Details
- Platforms : PlayStation 3 , Windows , Xbox 360
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : 2K Games
- Release date : August 24, 2010
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : June 19, 2019
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