Topic: Mafia 2

[MysterD]

Looks like Mafia 2 will have in-game product placement...

[Pugnate]

I remember when that was a big deal. Now, who cares.

Let's just hope considering the game's period, that they get it right.

[MysterD]

15 hours of Mafia 2.

   
15 Hours of Mafia II
   
[Mar 10, 2010, 10:17 am ET] - Share - Viewing Comments
The Interview with Mafia II producer Denby Grace on Joystiq discusses the upcoming life of crime sequel, learning the reasons for the game's delays and how the release version will differ from the versions they've demonstrated for the press. When asked if there were concerns about fitting the open-world game onto a single DVD, he explains the scope of the game, saying there will be about 15 hours of gameplay:

    There were at one time. We've resolved those issues now. Not to go into too many details, because it's not very interesting, but we had to split out languages. We're doing full localization for every language, which is pretty unheard for an open-world game, but it's something we're committed to because we have such a huge following in Europe. So we've had to do that, but the English fits fine. It's one disc. The experience is fifteen hours, so it's not too bad. But the scope is pretty huge, the script's like 600 pages; 160,000 words; 300 speaking characters. It's huge, but it fits on a disc.

[iPPi]

15 hours seems a little short.  I think the first Mafia was a lot longer than that, but it has been many years so I can't remember. 

[MysterD]

August 24th, 2010 is the new release date planned for Mafia 2.

[MysterD]

Mafia 2 will get NVidia PhysX support, APEX support, and 3D Vision support.

[MysterD]

Mafia 2: Collector's Edition revealed.

Mafia II Collector's Edition Contents

    * Collectible SteelBook Casing: Brushed metallic SteelBook hard case with debossed logo containing two pieces of art featuring Vito and Joe, the stars of Mafia II.

    * Made Man Pack: Free access to in-game downloadable pack that lets players get behind the wheel of two different luxury automobiles modeled after cars from the period. In addition, Vito will look the part with two new "made man" suits, including a vintage tux.

    * Hardcover Art Book: Get to know the families of Empire Bay with a 100-page photo album-style art book that takes fans through the artistic design process of the game.

    * Mafia II Orchestral Soundtrack: Immerse yourself in Empire Bay's symphonic masterpiece with the Mafia II score recorded by the Prague FILMHarmonic Orchestra on CD.

    * Map of Empire Bay: Get familiar with the neighborhoods and own the streets with a high quality, tear-resistant map depicting the 10 square miles of Empire Bay and all the hangout spots.

[MysterD]

Mafia 2 - PC Version's system requirements.

Mafia II PC System Requirements Announced
Jul 08, 2010 at 1:57 PM - Andrew Burnes - 7 Comments
2K Games has announced the minimum and recommended system requirements for Mafia II on the PC, along with the kit required to play when the PhysX enhancements are enabled:

    MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

  # Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP (SP2 or later) / Windows Vista / Windows 7
  # Processor: Pentium D 3Ghz or AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ (Dual core) or higher
  # RAM: 1.5 GB
  # Video Card: nVidia GeForce 8600 / ATI HD2600 Pro or better
  # Hard Disc Space: 8 GB
  # Sound Card: 100% DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card
  # Peripherals: Keyboard and mouse or Windows compatible gamepad

    RECOMMENDED SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

  # Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP (SP2 or later) / Windows Vista / Windows 7
  # Processor: 2.4 GHz Quad Core processor
  # RAM: 2 GB
  # Video Card: nVidia GeForce 9800 GTX / ATI Radeon HD 3870 or better
  # Hard Disc: 10 GB
  # Sound Card: 100% DirectX 9.0c compliant card
  # Peripherals: Keyboard and mouse or Windows compatible gamepad

    PHSYX & APEX ENHANCEMENTS SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

  # Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP (SP2 or later) / Windows Vista / Windows 7 Minimum Processor: 2.4 GHz Quad Core processor
  # Recommended Processor: 2.66 GHz Core i7-920 RAM: 2 GB

    Video Cards and resolution: APEX medium settings

  # Minimum: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260 (or better) for Graphics and a dedicated NVIDIA 9800GTX (or better) for PhysX
  # Recommended: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 470 (or better)

    Video Cards and resolution: APEX High settings

  # Minimum: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 470 (or better) and a dedicated NVIDIA 9800GTX (or better) for PhysX
  # Recommended: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 480 for Graphics and a dedicated NVIDIA GTX 285 (or better) for PhysX NVIDIA GPU driver: 197.13 or later.
  # NVIDIA PhysX driver: 10.04.02_9.10.0522. Included and automatically installed with the game.

[scottws]

Wow you really have to have a beast for PhysX and whatever Apex is.

[MysterD]

Wow you really have to have a beast for PhysX and whatever Apex is.

@Scott.

NVidia APEX was explained in a link some few posts up of mine w/ the other exclusive NVidia features and stuff they announced that they would have.

Here's the link and some quotes to explain what Nvidia APEX does:

The integration of PhysX and NVIDIA APEX technology, including the APEX Clothing and Particle modules, enable the city and personalities of Empire Bay to truly come alive on Windows PC. The NVIDIA APEX Clothing module allows for more dynamic movement in clothing, making in-game characters even more realistic and reactive to environmental conditions.

With the implementation of NVIDIA APEX Particles, players are engulfed in lifelike explosions that are bigger and brighter, including weapon fragments, in-game debris and destructible environments that are amplified in both quantity and realism through the integration of APEX Particles.

For example, a pistol fired into a glass pane will emit hundreds of glass shards; a shotgun blasted through a wooden landing will splinter the wood; and a Tommy Gun will chip into a brick or stone wall to methodically fracture and break it into pieces.

I hope that helps, bro.

[MysterD]

Oh, BTW...
Mafia 2 PC requires Steam.

[Xessive]

Mafia 2 Demo is now available only through Steam.

Approximately 1067MB download.

[MysterD]

Reviews are rolling in now.
So, yeah - check top of this thread for links and stuff.

[ren]

Loved the demo on 360. Hopefully the game is good too.

[Xessive]

I got me paws on it! It is pretty sweet. I've got about 2 hours in it and so far the reviews' complaints (and praises) seem to be accurate. Fantastic detail but some parts can drag on a bit, especially when you have to drive around a lot.

[MysterD]

Gamasutra -> UAE bans Mafia 2.

Xessive, you bought the game already...

If so - especially since it's tied to Steam - can Valve block you out?
I hope not, since you already bought it...

If you want - can they refund your money?

[Xessive]

I got it through Steam and no trouble at all. I've seen it in the stores here so this ban must be recent. It must have something to do with the Playboy collectibles in the game.

Btw, I can't visit Gamasutra at all, it says my IP address is not "spidering" properly. Here's the message:

Your IP Address has been identified as belonging to a host not following standard protocol for spidering. To follow the standard protocol, the spider or index machine's user agent field must properly reflect it is a spider instead of an end user browser device.

Not really sure what it means but it could explain why I can't visit certain sites from the UAE.

[MysterD]

Xessive, from my Gamasutra link.

The United Arab Emirates' National Media Council has banned the sale of 2K Games' Mafia II, reportedly due to "excessive violence and nudity."

So says Nitin Mathew, marketing manager at Dubai-based Red Entertainment Distribution, according to a report in UAE-based ArabianBusiness.com. Mathew says the game's expected August release date in the country was put on hold when the NMC told him of the ban on Aug. 25.

The Mafia II ban apparently follows that of its predecessor; the 2002 release of the original Mafia was also reportedly banned in the UAE.

The culturally conservative United Arab Emirates government has a history of prohibiting sales of games with content it deems unacceptable. This year's releases of Darksiders, Heavy Rain and Red Dead Redemption join past releases like God of War III and Grand Theft Auto IV in being banned by the country.

Still, past reports suggest that these games may still be available in the UAE via marked-up, under-the-table sales.

Outside of the UAE, Mafia II has garnered middling reviews and seen strong sales in the UK along with protests by Italian-American group UNICO National over the game's content.

[Xessive]

Uh, that's inaccurate. Red Dead Redemption, Darksiders, and Heavy Rain are not banned here. All three games are available in the major retailers; I was just at the Virgin Megastore yesterday and they were definitely stocked.

I can confirm that God of War 3 and Dante's Inferno are banned here. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is also banned but CoD: Modern Warfare 2 is not.

In the UAE, games and movies don't get banned for violence, just sexual content and political stuff. I can agree with the desire for censorship on excessive sexual content i.e. gratuitous nudity and pornography, I'm not particularly fond of it (see True Blood HBO series it's basically softcore gay porn).

[MysterD]

This is bloody ridiculous...
When is the Steam sale and or GOTY Edition (with everything Original Game + ALL DLC) coming?

EvilAvatar -> FOUR more $DLC released; each priced at $3.

2K Games sent along a note letting us know that they've put out another four pieces of $DLC for Mafia II, each costing $3.

    * Vegas Pack: Get a taste of old school Vegas in this new downloadable content pack from Mafia II. Bring a taste of Vegas to Empire Bay as you cruise through the town in 2 new cars with smooth handling and timeless lines. Vito shows his Vegas style in 2 new suits.

    * War Hero Pack: The ‘40s wouldn’t be complete without a war hero. Vito plays the role well in the War Hero add-on pack. Drive two military style vehicles and notice the superior handling in all weather conditions. Vito looks sharp in two new military outfits including fatigues and a dress uniform.

    * Renegade Pack: Show off your inner renegade in this new add-on pack. Start with two new cars, one with the slick styling and tight handling of a small sports coupe and the other with the revved up engine of a ‘50s hot rod. Outfit Vito in two new suits including leather and lettermen’s jackets to fit his renegade persona.

    * Greaser Pack: The Mafia II Greaser downloadable pack is all about speed. These two new hot-rod speedsters will win you pink slips every time. Pair that with two new suits for Vito, one with leather jacket and heavy boots, the other a leather racing suit, and get ready to start your engines.

[Xessive]

It's a shame the game doesn't offer anything beyond the story. The DLC is not really worth having.

[MysterD]

It's a shame the game doesn't offer anything beyond the story. The DLC is not really worth having.

I'm really getting tired of DLC-mania and this nickle-and-diming stuff...

I might just have to honestly wait for Complete Editions for games we know likely will have DLC, from now forward...

What drives me nuts more than anything is for original vanilla version game owners, DLC is the only way to get the DLC's, unless you buy a re-release. That's b/c they often don't release enough DLC to package together at expansion pack pricing on disc - and that to me is a BIG problem.

I wouldn't mind spending say another $20-30, to get on disc: All the DAO DLC; last two Borderlands DLC; All the Mass Effect 2 DLC; etc.

[Cobra951]

Loved the demo on 360. Hopefully the game is good too.

Me too.  Played it several times, most of them just the free-roaming 12 minutes, rinse, repeat.  Then I read the reviews and felt let down.  Is it really that linear and devoid of reason for such a gorgeous open world?  Crap.

You know, this proves that GTA 4 could have looked a lot better on the consoles.

[MysterD]

From GameSpot
Mafia 2 interview w/ 2K about the music in Mafia 2.
Also, 5 tracks from the Mafia 2 game for GameSpot members (Free or paying) to download.

Enjoy.

[MysterD]

Took me around 13 hours in-game to get through the actual Mafia 2 game. Hell of a story; outstanding storytelling; and awesome action set-pieces - that pretty much sums it up.

But, the game-world...just seems to be lacking side-quests and other side-stuff to do, given how big the actual game-world itself is. Very small complaint, though - since the game itself was great.

[Xessive]

That was my issue with the game; it's beautifully crafted but the game world felt hollow. It felt like a lot of great work gone to waste for lack of a little more.

[MysterD]

That was my issue with the game; it's beautifully crafted but the game world felt hollow. It felt like a lot of great work gone to waste for lack of a little more.

It feels like the Wanted posters; Playboy mags; and steal a car for crushing side quests are the only things for side-stuff to do here...

[Cobra951]

That was my issue with the game; it's beautifully crafted but the game world felt hollow. It felt like a lot of great work gone to waste for lack of a little more.

Makes it the disappointment of the year for me (regardless of when it was released).  After playing the demo, I was ready to jump in with both feet, thinking it was what GTA IV would have been if it had been programmed by a talented team.  Then I found this out.  I'm sure it's a fine game as is, but too much of a letdown from expectations.

[Xessive]

That's just it, the disappointment. The worst part is when you compare it to the original Mafia.

If anything Mafia II was a great demonstration of what kind of quality the studio is capable of producing.

[MysterD]

Makes it the disappointment of the year for me (regardless of when it was released).  After playing the demo, I was ready to jump in with both feet, thinking it was what GTA IV would have been if it had been programmed by a talented team.  Then I found this out.  I'm sure it's a fine game as is, but too much of a letdown from expectations.

Oh, Mafia 2 is nowhere as disappointing as Splinter Cell: Conviction. As good of a "action" game Conviction was, the removal and stripping of many "stealth elements" [can't drag bodies; can't hide bodies; shooting out lights is nowhere as important as in the old games]; poor technical performance on many PC's; U-Play DRM [on PC], and the disappointment of Interrogation scenes is enough to make it the most disappointing game I played this year.

Even when Mafia 2 has its stealth levels - there's a few of those, actually - those were even better and more stealthy than even what Conviction offered. In Mafia 2, in those few stealth-forced levels, you can even drag and hide bodies.

Mafia 2's problem...since the world itself is huge, where's the side quests? Unlike Mafia 1, there's no separate "Free Ride" Mode in Mafia 2. In Mafia 1, there's a mode called "Free Ride" and it's basically all kinds of side quests. I think that's what the DLC's add to Mafia 2 PC, a Mode like Free-Ride  - but don't quote me on it, since I don't have any Mafia 2 DLC.

[Xessive]

Regardless of the DLC, I've already put in my $50 for Mafia 2, I'm not putting in more cash to get rather standard value from it. If all DLC adds up to $5 maybe, but at $10 for each additional campaign (Jimmy's Vendetta or Joe's Adventure)and $3 for each cosmetic pack they're asking too much, especially from early adopters.

[MysterD]

Regardless of the DLC, I've already put in my $50 for Mafia 2, I'm not putting in more cash to get rather standard value from it. If all DLC adds up to $5 maybe, but at $10 for each additional campaign (Jimmy's Vendetta or Joe's Adventure)and $3 for each cosmetic pack they're asking too much, especially from early adopters.

If they could package all the DLC together at say $5-10, it'd be a no-brainer for me.