Mafia II is set from 1945 to 1955 at the height of mob activity. This all new sandbox-style game explores mob life in a large, open environment. Featuring many different vehicles (hip to the time), 40s/50s music, and a wide array of weapons, mob life never looked so good.

2K Games, the company distributing Mafia II, has released a development diary, which explores the story behind the game a bit more in depth. You can check out this video here:

All of the videos and screenshots I’ve seen of this game just reaffirm the fact that this is a game I want to own.

Here’s 2K’s description of the game:

Explore the story and characters behind this epic fiction: Born the son of a poor Italian immigrant, Vito Scaletta is looking to escape the life of poverty that consumed his childhood, he is soon swayed by the lure of power and wealth that a life of organized crime can bring. A petty criminal his whole life, Vito, along with his childhood friend, Joe, will descend into the world of organized crime. Together, they will work to prove themselves to the Mob as they try to make their names on the streets.

Mafia II is rated M. It is slated for release on PS3, Xbox 360, and PC on August 24, 2010.

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