Mafia is Da Bomb

[Aku]

This game is a classic. The story is great. It's linear, so what? It's like you're in a movie. The city is incredible. Graphics/sound are stellar. All the different cars. The car race is cool, I don't care about the complaints. The missions are fun, and I love to just roam around the city. I love the way the missions are structured, making you feel like you are living in the city. You have a job to do, you don't just start at the location, you gotta go drive there. Ride the elevated rail. The whole game's a blast. Haven't finished the campaign yet, but I must be close (I'm on chapter 19). My first official Aku review will come out in the next couple of weeks for this game.

Aku
Shapeshifting Master of Dobian

[moya]

<div class=\"smallfont\">you don't just start at the location, you gotta go drive there.</div>

This, along with the fact that there are a LOT of (admittedly well done) cutscenes, is one of the reasons why Mafia could never be a classic in my eyes. Great premise, brilliant atmosphere (and music), but the game just wasn't all that for me.

[Fragmastar]

...Well, I think Grand Theft Auto 3: Vice City is just an inch better than Mafia.

[Aku]

I've never felt like, 'Oh, not another cutscene'. The scenes and the dialogue give the missions real context, so you're not just going somewhere and shooting people just for the sake of shooting them. And making you drive around both helps you to learn the geography early on, and really immerses you into life of this gangster. I like that it's not all just action shoot-em, Max Payne style. And there is good variety between driving around, racing the clock, and third-person shooter...even some stealth and undercover missions thrown in.

Aku
Shapeshifting Master of Dobian

[Aku]

<div class=\"smallfont\">...Well, I think Grand Theft Auto 3: Vice City is just an inch better than Mafia.</div>

I've never really played GTA3 (not VC), just played around with it on a friend's computer. The only thing I can compare between GTA3 and Mafia is the graphics, and Mafia beats GTA3 hands down in all departments. I also give Mafia an edge because of its steering wheel support. Playing this game with a wheel and pedals is a must.

Aku
Shapeshifting Master of Dobian

[Suicides-by-Steve]

<div class=\"smallfont\">...Well, I think Grand Theft Auto 3: Vice City is just an inch better than Mafia.</div>

Hell, I'll give it a yard! More action, less snoozey cut-scenes!!

[Aku]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

Hell, I'll give it a yard! More action, less snoozey cut-scenes!!</div>

Yeah, and I bet you slept through The Godfather, too. ;)

[ShotgunShy]

I agree with Moya on the enduring goodness of Mafia. For anyone who's played throught the whole game, it's obvious, in my mind, that this is one of the best written and executed games of recent times. I personally thought the cutscenes were well done and the soundtrack was brilliantly put together (the intro is one favorites in any game) however the voice talent could've been better in a few cases. Mafia is to crime/gangster games as The Godfather is to crime/gangster movies.

[moya]

<div class=\"smallfont\">I agree with Moya </div>

I think you mean Aku.

To Aku:

It's not that I don't think the cut scenes were well done, they clearly were, and it all contributed to the great atmosphere of the game. Note that I don't think Mafia's a bad game, it's just not a classic in my eyes. Too much interactive movie and not enough game for me, but maybe it's just not my thing.

As for the comment about the wheel and pedals, I'm not sure how many people have got such a set-up. I certainly haven't and I couldn't justify purchasing it for all the (oh, about 2) games I'd actually use it on. I hope your comment wasn't meant to imply that I can't fully appreciate Mafia (and therefore can't give an informed opinion on it) unless I've played with a wheel...

By the way, I strongly recommend you try GTA: Vice City. It's not the same as Mafia but the two are comparable (in gameplay as well as graphics), and for my money VC is just way more fun.

[Aku]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>
I hope your comment wasn't meant to imply that I can't fully appreciate Mafia (and therefore can't give an informed opinion on it) unless I've played with a wheel...</div>

I think I was talking to Fragmaster when I mentioned the wheel support as one advantage in favor of Mafia. I don't know where you got that idea from. Yeah, I know a lot of people don't have a wheel. But, a game like Mafia with a big city to drive around in is definitely targeted at people who like driving games, and a lot of them would probably think it's worth it to get a wheel, if they don't have one already.

[Aku]

Now that I'm done with the story (great ending, BTW), I'll have to spend a little time cruising around in the Freeride mode. Then it's back to Throne of Bhaal.

[Static_Fred]

<div class=\"smallfont\">Now that I'm done with the story (great ending, BTW), I'll have to spend a little time cruising around in the Freeride mode. Then it's back to Throne of Bhaal.</div>

AHHH a game that brings back so many memories!!
Your making me want to reinstall it again!

Oh, but regarding this topic, i liked Mafia, but because i was so intrigued by GTA3 and VC's non-linear process, i couldn't stand not being able to do whatever i wanted!

[moya]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

I think I was talking to Fragmaster when I mentioned the wheel support as one advantage in favor of Mafia. </div>

My mistake.

[Aku]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

My mistake.</div>

No problem.

[DBS]

I really enjoyed Mafia and finished it and alot of the extreme missions but I also am digging Vice City now as well. Each has the strong points and I have enjoyed them both with it being a toss up as to which I like better. I haven't finished Vice City so for now it is more popular with me and I will see how I feel when the ride is over.

[ShotgunShy]

I've played both Mafia and Vice City and those two are among my favorites games I've ever played. I don't understand why for some people, liking one of them means not liking the other. They need to be looked at by their own merits respectively. Mafia is a linear, story-driven, cinematic experience that it more or less goverened by realism. Vice City on the other hand, is a non-linear virtual sandbox that lacks in story (I don't care what others say, but giving the main character a name does NOT give the game a story) but excels in gameplay. They're both amazing and definite must-plays in their own rights.

[Aku]

I like Mafia because you get he best of both worlds. You get your linear story-driven adventure, a city car driving game, and an arcade-type action game. I'll get around to GTA3 one of these days.

[moya]

Forget GTA3, just pick up Vice City.

[Suicides-by-Steve]

<div class=\"smallfont\">Forget GTA3, just pick up Vice City.</div>

It's that much better than the "original" eh?

[Static_Fred]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

It's that much better than the "original" eh?</div>

When the original GTA3 came out on PS2, i thought it was the coolest game in the world, i couldn't imagine another game that could top it. But in all honesty, when i played VC, i was completely blown away. Part of the reason is because i never liked the hardcore "gritty" feel of GTA3, and VC definitely has a refreshing atmosphere (not to mention the ability to buy property and "grow" as a criminal). One of the biggest improvements that VC offers is the sound-track, which consists of 80's hit songs.

[Suicides-by-Steve]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>
One of the biggest improvements that VC offers is the sound-track, which consists of 80's hit songs.</div>

LOL This is a selling point to you!? :confused: :eek:

[Aku]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

LOL This is a selling point to you!? :confused: :eek:</div>

Hey, I wouldn't mind cruising around town to Prince's 'Little Red Corvette', or Thomas Dolby's 'She Blinded me with Science'. How about a little Bananarama? C'mon! ;)

[Suicides-by-Steve]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

Hey, I wouldn't mind cruising around town to Prince's 'Little Red Corvette', or Thomas Dolby's 'She Blinded me with Science'. How about a little Bananarama? C'mon! ;)</div>

LOL Yeah, me neither! :rolleyes: :p

[Fragmastar]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

Hey, I wouldn't mind cruising around town to Prince's 'Little Red Corvette', or Thomas Dolby's 'She Blinded me with Science'. How about a little Bananarama? C'mon! ;)</div>

YUCK!

Sorry but I'm just not a fan of the 80's music. I enjoy GTA 3 more. While I play, I wear earphones and listen to music from my CD Player. The CD I listen to is loaded with hard rock and nu metal tracks from the late 90's.

80's hit songs? *snickers*

[Suicides-by-Steve]

Static_Fred:

D00d! UR 0\/\/|\|3|)!! 2()457e|)...

:cool: :D

[moya]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

Sorry but I'm just not a fan of the 80's music. I enjoy GTA 3 more. While I play, I wear earphones and listen to music from my CD Player. The CD I listen to is loaded with hard rock and nu metal tracks from the late 90's.

80's hit songs? *snickers*</div>

Kids today... tsk. ;)

Anyway, the '80s music is a matter of taste. Personally I love it. It adds immensely to the atmosphere of the game just as the Mafia music added to that game's atmosphere. Besides, the presenters (especially the guy on Emotion and V-Rock) are hilarious! The same options available in GTA 3 (re: the custom MP3 radio channel) are also available in VC anyway so there's no reason to favour it in that respect. So go ahead, listen to your Linkin Park or whatever other inane fluff is "now" at the moment. It'll totally detract from the whole feel of the game, but hey, if you enjoy it the option's there...

Besides the music aspect, VC is a much, much superior game when compared to GTA3. The changes are subtle, but have a major impact on the game. For instance, instead of being some no-name thug who goes around doing everyone's dirty work for lack of anything better to do (as in GTA3), you play an actual character - Tommy Vercetti. Sure, you do some jobs for local crimelords, but the missions and dialogue are well written and eventually you end up working for yourself with a huge mansion on one of the islands. All in all, it feels like you're actually more in control (even though it's arguably just as linear).

You can also purchase several properties around the city which have various missions associated with them. Completing the missions means the properties start earning you money, which you can then collect. There are also loads of cool cars, as in the original. And bikes... not featured in GTA3. And tons of new weapons, including a katana and chainsaw, along with different sorts of shotguns, sniper rifles, and automatic weapons. You can now go into certain buildings. And there are loads of extra/hidden missions as well...

Look, it's simply a better, more polished version of GTA3. With 80s tunes. Which is why I recommend getting VC over GTA3 if you haven't got or played either. Given the choice, I wouldn't go back to GTA3.

[Suicides-by-Steve]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

Kids today... tsk. ;)

Anyway, the '80s music is a matter of taste. Personally I love it. So go ahead, listen to your Linkin Park or whatever other inane fluff is "now" at the moment. It'll totally detract from the whole feel of the game, but hey, if you enjoy it the option's there...

</div>

Oh, man... I'm so sorry. But why all the cock-rock and pop!? Bands like Slayer, Skinny Puppy, and the Stones were about then, so why not something a little less main-stream... (well, excluding the Stones), and a little more heavy? It's almost like they were trying to parody the game themselves... which they probably were doing... Personally that is my biggest sticking point with the game right now... I keep holding off buying the game simply because it IS set in the 80's... Miami Vice sucks and because of that, I'm scared this game will too.

[Fragmastar]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

the '80s music is a matter of taste. Personally I love it. It adds immensely to the atmosphere of the game just as the Mafia music added to that game's atmosphere. So go ahead, listen to your Linkin Park or whatever other inane fluff is "now" at the moment. It'll totally detract from the whole feel of the game, but hey, if you enjoy it the option's there...</div>

Well, I gotta give the 80's rock bands some cred since bands like Linkin Park, RATM, etc. actually idolized those bands. Without the music of the 80's, there wouldn't be music nowadays.

But the 80's music does NOT add to the atmospere of the game! It just makes the game seem dull and boring. Face it, you can't really shoot, nor look at blood and guts when you are listening to slow/relaxing songs. The music of the late 90s and the early start of the 21st century really give players the adrenaline rush. We now have hardcore rock bands like Disturbed, Marilyn Manson, Trapt to pump up the Mafia scenes. The 80's hardly touches on the Mafia subject.

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>For instance, instead of being some no-name thug who goes around doing everyone's dirty work for lack of anything better to do (as in GTA3), you play an actual character - Tommy Vercetti. Sure, you do some jobs for local crimelords, but the missions and dialogue are well written and eventually you end up working for yourself with a huge mansion on one of the islands. All in all, it feels like you're actually more in control (even though it's arguably just as linear).

You can also purchase several properties around the city which have various missions associated with them.

Look, it's simply a better, more polished version of GTA3.</div>

I agree with you on that one. I'd like to thank the people of Rockstar Games for taking the time to build their masterpiece. The gameplay of Vice City was better than the GTA 3's gameplay.

[moya]

<div class=\"smallfont\">
Oh, man... I'm so sorry. But why all the cock-rock and pop!? Bands like Slayer, Skinny Puppy, and the Stones were about then, so why not something a little less main-stream... (well, excluding the Stones), and a little more heavy? It's almost like they were trying to parody the game themselves... which they probably were doing... Personally that is my biggest sticking point with the game right now... I keep holding off buying the game simply because it IS set in the 80's... Miami Vice sucks and because of that, I'm scared this game will too.</div>

God dammit man! Motley Crue, Dave Lee Roth, VER MAIDEN FOR GOD'S SAKE!?! The music on V-rock RAWKS!

And anyhow, YOU CAN PLAY YOUR OWN SONGS ON THE MP3 STATION! So you can play your obscuro-bizarro Skinny Puppy shiznatch etc. if you want. So none of these objections matter and VC will own you all!

LOLOLOL THIS WAS TEH JOKE!

[moya]

<div class=\"smallfont\">
Well, I gotta give the 80's rock bands some cred since bands like Linkin Park, RATM, etc. actually idolized those bands. Without the music of the 80's, there wouldn't be music nowadays.
</div>

You know, they used to say the same about the 50s and 60s and Elvis and the Beatles. :p

<div class=\"smallfont\">
But the 80's music does NOT add to the atmospere of the game! It just makes the game seem dull and boring. Face it, you can't really shoot, nor look at blood and guts when you are listening to slow/relaxing songs.</div>

I'm afraid I can't understand anyone who doesn't appreciate the joys of pumping innocent bystanders full of lead to the lilting tones of Foreigner or the pulsating funk of Billie Jean by Michael Jackson. This is pure gaming bliss man, what is wrong with you?! ;)

[ShotgunShy]

Moya's absolutely right. VC has numerous stations that you can tune into, each playing different genres of music. You don't necessarily have to listen to the pop songs (which are groovy in their own right ;) ) if you don't want to. I personally like them all, I mean cmon, I got such a kick out of running down golfers with a golf cart listening to some 80s salsa :). And if you still don't like listening to the songs that are in (for some God-forsaken reason) you can just listen to your own, dammit!

Suicide-by-Steve said: <i>
"I keep holding off buying the game simply because it IS set in the 80's... Miami Vice sucks and because of that, I'm scared this game will too." </i>

I guess the question here is whether you liked GTA3 or not. If you did, then you'll definitely love this game regardless of whether it's set in a time period that you have bad memories of ;). Now if you DIDN'T like GTA3 then ... well... you'll still like this game. Gameplay man, it's all about gameplay. And there's no loosening up in the gameplay department here (not to say that it's weak in other departments). Give it a shot at least.

[Suicides-by-Steve]

"...obscuro-bizarro Skinny Puppy..."

Puppy? Obscure?! Peshaw!! :mad: You're asking for a bunch'o'fives Moya! LOL ;)

[Suicides-by-Steve]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>
I agree with you on that one. I'd like to thank the people of Rockstar Games for taking the time to build their masterpiece. The gameplay of Vice City was better than the GTA 3's gameplay.</div>

Now, we can only hope that they remake Body Harvest in such a well-polished way.

[Suicides-by-Steve]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>
I'm afraid I can't understand anyone who doesn't appreciate the joys of pumping innocent bystanders full of lead to the lilting tones of Foreigner or the pulsating funk of Billie Jean by Michael Jackson. This is pure gaming bliss man, what is wrong with you?! ;)</div>

Yeah, but that's what made the original so great... The made up songs were of AWESOME quality, yet were total parody! I mean... the songs were funny as hell if you listened to them... I have to ask, do they have the great quips from the DJ's still inserted in all the tunes like the original; or did the obvious commercial influence ban that totally, and enforce music playback without interruption?

[moya]

Nope, they've still got the DJ's comments and advert parodies as before (new ones this time of course) and most of them are hilarious (like the Viking self-help book: "I'm having problems with my love-life, what should I do?" "Take 20 of your finest men and a longboat..."). They even have the DJ's talking over the songs sometimes (just like REAL radio!) so the long arm of the record companies didn't even prohibit that.

[Static_Fred]

All i want to know is, how did Micheal Jackson's record company (which i think Micheal owns) convinced MJ into letting Rockstar put Billy Jean into one of the most violent and hateful games in our time? I just think it's funny because it contradicts what MJ is pretending to be on TV nowdays.

[Suicides-by-Steve]

<div class=\"smallfont\">All i want to know is, how did Micheal Jackson's record company (which i think Micheal owns) convinced MJ into letting Rockstar put Billy Jean into one of the most violent and hateful games in our time? I just think it's funny because it contradicts what MJ is pretending to be on TV nowdays.</div>

"Pretending" is the key word. He's really a psycho, don't you know!? Who else would dangle their kid from a friggin' window (let alone cover them with a blanket at all times, and then CALL him Blanket!). Man, I'd like a few moments with that chap!

[ShotgunShy]

<div class=\"smallfont\">All i want to know is, how did Micheal Jackson's record company (which i think Micheal owns) convinced MJ into letting Rockstar put Billy Jean into one of the most violent and hateful games in our time? I just think it's funny because it contradicts what MJ is pretending to be on TV nowdays.</div>

Money talks and bullcrap walks ma man. Even if you're MJ.

[Suicides-by-Steve]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

Money talks and bullcrap walks ma man. Even if you're MJ.</div>

LOL I was thinking of the EXACT same quote actually! :)

[Static_Fred]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

Money talks and bullcrap walks ma man. Even if you're MJ.</div>

LOL, that's funny, but probably true.