Mafia II

1940s America takes the spotlight in this sequel to the intricate open-world title that lets players work their way through the ranks of the Mafia crime family.

With games such as Grand Theft Auto III showing the world how over-the-top crime titles should be done, the original Mafia took a more sombre and realistic approach - placing players into 1930s America as they struggled to survive in the criminal underworld. Mafia II moves the action forward a decade, with players taking the role of Vito, a struggling Sicilian immigrant and World War II veteran, as he joins the iconic crime family in 1940s Empire Bay.

Although Mafia II could still be considered an open-world title, its story is now far more concise and driven, taking its inspiration from classic gangster films such as The Godfather. As Vito moves through multiple decades in his time with the family, players will take part in gang shootouts, car chases and dramatic family conflicts on their way to the top.

Mafia II attempts to create a more mature and realistic approach to gangster video games while keeping a sense of drama and exploration in its detailed city of Empire Bay.