The first of what we’re assured will be many developer diaries, the inaugural behind-the-scenes look at open-world crime-fest Mafia II focuses on character and story. We meet Vito, the protagonist of the piece, and Joe, his shadier more volatile best friend. Shades of Goodfellas here, the resemblances continuing with the title also having a similar story and wide range of interesting characters.
Though an open-world game with acres of 1940s styled city to explore, Mafia II will have a strong linear plot arc, one that not only encompasses the glamourous side of organised crime, but also its seedier, more ruthless aspects. The “digging a grave in the woods while gagging” scene in particular is a nice hat-tip to past genre material the game has obviously been inspired by.