Vito Scaletta is an Italian immigrant in America. Born into an impoverished Sicilian family, Luigi grows up in Empire Bay. He quickly becomes closest friends with Joe Barbaro, who convinces him that crime is just a method to make quick money. Vito gets captured after attempting a robbery and is given the option of going to jail or joining the army by the police. Having chosen the latter, he was drafted and sent to Italy to fight Mussolini and his supporters. After being injured and discharged, he comes to Empire Bay and discovers that his deceased father owes a large sum. Vito meets Joe to shield his family from debt collectors, and the two gradually begin to steer their life towards organized crime, unknowing of the price they would have to pay.
Mafia II maintains the same premise and core gameplay concept as Mafia; despite it taking place later in time and following the life narrative of a different protagonist, the tale shares a few similarities with its predecessor. The game’s story begins in the 1940s and continues into the 1950s. The story is organized into segments that each depict a different occurrence in Vito’s life and his hardships and tribulations after becoming associated with the Mafia.
Like its predecessor, the game blends free-roaming driving with third-person shooting levels, concentrating on the latter. Though the player is free to explore the city (by car or on foot), most of the driving gameplay is limited to tasks involving arriving at the destination, stopping to buy stuff, hijacking various vehicles, etc. There are significantly fewer chases or violent interactions during the driving sequences than in the previous game. Police may arrest Vito for speeding or violent behavior; the player can pay officials for his freedom.
The third-person shooting mechanics have been revamped with a cover-based system akin to Gears of War. Vito’s health regenerates quickly and cannot be repaired in other ways. He is killed soon when rushing in the open; therefore, taking cover and periodically shooting is the preferred strategy. World War II-era weaponry in the game, such as the MP 40 and M3 submachine guns and armaments from the previous round (Colt 1911, Tommy gun, pump-action shotgun, and so on). During the filming process, Vito is occasionally assisted by Joe or other characters.
There are melee-focused brawls in one section of the game, which takes place inside a prison. Players can search the interiors for souvenirs, notably vintage Playboy magazines with pornographic photos. The PlayStation 3 version of the game comes with unique access to The Betrayal of Jimmy DLC. It is only available for free to people who buy the main game.
