Everyone who is excited by the atmosphere of 1940s – 50s and remembers the first part of Mafia, lived to see publication of the continuation in Mafia II from 2K, developed in the Czech studios.

The story starts with the move of Scaleta‘s family from Sicily to the Empire Bay area. Young Vito Scaleta grew up with his buddy Joe Barber, who pulls Vito into problems. In a recent robbery police arrested Vito. His debt to society is worked off in the 2nd World War, where he is serious injured and after leaves the hospital to visit his family. His Family is poor and has a simple life in debt because of his father, who works at the docks and does not earn much money and loses money to drinking until he eventually dies. Vito finds himself working at the docks which doesn’t bring a lot of money to cover the debt so he needs to do something.

Vito hooks up with Joe upon his return and knows something must be done because he doesn’t want to go back to the war. Here begins a long story of fame and money in the crime world.

Vito is a cool hero without humor and smile but his partner Joe is the funny guy, but also pretty explosive. I must say that the characters and the environments were really well done.

Somewhat less than satisfying is the short story. It has its moments when you are pulled into the game, but also times when you’re bored. The game starts quite fast, but then on a straight line with little options to do anything extra. The story is accompanied by cut scenes with dialogues with humor that appealed to me personally. (This review was done with the Czech dubbed version as I’m a Czech native speaker).