I don't know if you played the original Mafia, but the game was literally like playing through an interactive movie. It had such a good narrative, it sucked you right into the game world and made you feel like you were actually there.
Damn straight. Mafia 2 will be such total win.
Mafia was, and still is, one of the top best single player games I've ever had the pleasure of playing through. Profound storytelling, characters you could believe in (superb voice acting w/ a backstory!), outstanding plot development, diverse missions that spared no chance for action.
You actually wanted to watch every minute of the cutscenes in Mafia, amazing stuff.
On the topic of GTA4, I'm really looking forward to it. Not necessarily hyped because anything can become a let down, but I've loved the GTA series since it went 3D more and more. 3 was awesome, Vice City was awesomer, and San Andreas was superawesome numero uno. I still hop in SA now and again to blow off some steam.
The GTA games still lead the pack in the genre of nearly complete open-ended gameplay. I love the scope of the games and freedom of action, which unless Rockstar just comes down with Alzheimer's while making IV, will be represented in all it's glory with further updated graphics.
Those who say it looks "last gen" need to get their panties straightened out, GTA games have always been more about gameplay than looks.
Oh and PC games > console games any day.
Yeah it looks ok, I want to play assassins creed!
Assassin's Creed is terrible. Perfect example of over-hyped, it's all graphics and no gameplay. Mash the same 2 buttons in very repetitive combat situations and there's no true stealth and sneaking aspect like there is in say a Splinter Cell game. Save your money.