Mafia - La Cosa MIA!

First off, I have to say that I came into this game unsure of what to expect...I had been eyeing it up since the empty "coming soon" boxes appeared on Electronics Boutique shelves fairly early this year. Shortly after it arrived on shelves, I stumbled upon an opportunity to acquire the game for the low, low price of $20 (thank you to the fools at Wal-Mart Super Center for putting it on the wrong shelf...I'll take a copy for that price :-D).

Upon getting home, I immediately ran to the computer, eager to test out my new bargain. One of the first things that struck me when I opened the box and removed the inner packaging was the fact that the game comes on three CD-ROMs. I checked out the system requirements and was shocked to see the game takes up 1.8GB of free hard drive space; the installer provides no options for compact or full installs. To play this game, you must install the full 1.8GB to your hard drive.

So...is the game worth the price ($50 MSRP) and massive install?

While it may be reminiscent of games like Grand Theft Auto III, Mafia has a more mature edge and more complex story line. Think of it as Max Payne without the bullet-time effect, coupled with Grand Theft Auto III's sprawling city, with a bit of Hitman mixed in for good measure...in my opinion, a tasty combination.

Graphics:
The LS3D engine which powers Mafia renders the city of Lost Heaven in astounding detail. Characters are well animated, and the vehicles in the game respond to damage well. Shooting a car results in visible bullet holes while striking it with a baseball bat or a fist will produce a dent. My only real complaint in the way of graphics is the occasional blockiness on the characters' clothing (fortunately, this is only glaringly obvious in the cut-scenes).

Audio:
This game has some of the best sound effects I've run across recently. From the dull thud of a bullet nailing the trunk of a car to the whoosh of air coming from a shot-out car tire to a creaking metal sign on a deserted farm at the edge of town, the sounds effects are stunning. The game also features authentic "1930s-style" music which further enhances the overall effect of the game. The voice-acting is above average, with a few staggered hints of cheesiness.

Controls:
The controls pleasantly suprised me. I had worried that the game would force to drive entirely with the keyboard/mouse configuration (it doesn't), or that the cars would control poorly (they don't). The game allows you to configure the controls so that you cam, depending on your in-game circumstances, pick up a gamepad or joystick to control your car, or use the keyboard to control your vehicle.

"Other Stuff Worth Mentioning"/Attention to Detail:
The attention to realism in the game is amazing; car tires can (and will) be shot out, causing the car to handle differently. Things that should make noises generally do. If you shoot a car repeatedly in the right location, it will blow up, and if you're close to it, you'll get hurt. Hitting someone with your car results in a satisfying "thump" and the car is bumped slightly off course. Guns run out of ammo and cars run out of gas. The traffic and AI systems are well-programmed, although the game's combat AI is a bit sloppy at times). The Free Ride mode isn't quite as interesting or fun as driving around in GTAIII between missions, but it can be entertaining to drive around and explore.

In general, playing through Mafia is a rewarding and highly entertaining experience, and I'd recommend it to anybody that thinks they'd be interested.