Introduction
Released in 2010, Mafia II by 2K Czech is an open-world action-adventure game that immerses players in the gritty underworld of Empire Bay during the late 1940s and early 1950s. As the sequel to the 2002 title Mafia, this game explores the life of Vito Scaletta, a young mobster rising through the ranks of the criminal world. Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its initial release, Mafia II has maintained a dedicated fanbase and was later remastered as Mafia II: Definitive Edition in 2020 for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. This guide delves into the cheats and exploits available for Mafia II, detailing methods for easy money, city points, and Playboy magazine collectibles across different platforms including PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.
Overview of Mafia II
Mafia II places players in the shoes of Vito Scaletta, who returns from World War II only to find himself drawn into the criminal world of Empire Bay. The game offers a richly detailed open world, but it focuses heavily on a linear narrative with a series of story-driven missions. Players navigate through a city filled with mobsters, police, and a variety of characters, engaging in activities ranging from car chases to shootouts.
The game’s structure is both a strength and a criticism. On one hand, it allows players to experience a detailed story set against a well-crafted backdrop. On the other hand, the game’s linearity and repetitive mission design can feel limiting to some players. Despite these criticisms, Mafia II is appreciated for its atmospheric setting and compelling characters.
Key Characters in Mafia II
The characters in Mafia II are integral to the game’s narrative, providing depth and emotional weight to the story. Here’s a look at the main characters:
- Vito Scaletta: The protagonist of the game, Vito returns from World War II seeking to carve out a place for himself in the criminal underworld. His journey from a soldier to a mobster is central to the game’s plot, offering a look at his rise through the ranks of the Falcone crime family.
- Joe Barbaro: Vito’s best friend and a member of the Clemente crime family. Joe introduces Vito to the world of organized crime and becomes a crucial ally throughout the game.
- Carlo Falcone: The Don of the Falcone crime family, and the primary antagonist. Carlo’s initially friendly demeanor towards Vito gradually reveals a more sinister nature as the story unfolds.
- Henry Tomasino: A key figure in the Clemente crime family, Henry serves as a mentor and confidant to Vito. His involvement in the storyline adds complexity to the game’s depiction of mob life.
- Eddie Scarpa: Another member of the Clemente crime family, Eddie plays a significant role in various missions, influencing Vito’s journey through the criminal underworld.
The Mafia Series
The Mafia series, published by 2K Games, is known for its storytelling and historical settings. While the franchise has not reached the same level of mainstream success as Grand Theft Auto or Saints Row, it remains popular among fans of narrative-driven open-world games. Here’s a quick look at the series:
- Mafia (2002): The original game that set the stage for the series, focusing on the life of Tommy Angelo, a cab driver who becomes involved with the Salieri crime family.
- Mafia II (2010): The sequel, continuing the exploration of organized crime through Vito Scaletta’s story.
- Mafia III (2016): This installment shifts the focus to Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam War veteran seeking revenge against the Italian mob that betrayed him.
- Mafia: Definitive Edition (2020): A remake of the original game with updated graphics and gameplay improvements.
- Mafia II: Definitive Edition (2020): A remastered version of Mafia II, featuring enhanced graphics and additional content.
Cheats and Exploits for Mafia II
Unlike some games from its era, Mafia II does not feature traditional cheat codes. However, players can still use various in-game exploits to gain advantages. This section provides a comprehensive guide to these methods, including easy money and city points, as well as the locations of collectible Playboy magazines.
Easy Money Cheat
If you’re looking to accumulate money quickly in Mafia II, there’s a simple exploit you can use:
- Head to Bruski’s Scrapyard: Locate the car crusher and find a car parked next to it.
- Crush the Car: Break into the car and crush it using the car crusher. This action will earn you $400.
- Exit and Re-enter: Drive out of the scrapyard through the north exit, then head under a nearby bridge. Turn around and drive back to Bruski’s Scrapyard.
- Repeat the Process: The car will have respawned, allowing you to crush it again for more money.
This method can be repeated as many times as needed to accumulate your desired amount of cash.
Easy City Points Cheat
To earn city points quickly and unlock the “Millionaire” achievement, follow these steps:
- Drive to Sand Island: Locate the store with the sign “Luncheonette Natural Food & Vitamins.”
- Glitch Through the Store: Drive through the store’s window to fall through the map.
- Earn Points While Falling: As you fall, you will accumulate city points continuously.
- Leave the Game Running: To reach 1,000,000 points, leave the game running for approximately four hours. Note that the game cannot be saved during this period.
This exploit is a faster alternative to earning city points through regular gameplay.
Playboy Magazine Locations
In Mafia II, Playboy magazines are collectibles scattered throughout the game. Here’s a detailed guide to their locations:
- Chapter 2:
- Joe’s Apartment: On the coffee table. #1
- Bruski’s Scrapyard: On a shelf in the three-car garage. #3
- Chapter 3:
- Derek’s Office: On the left of the exterior, before entering the warehouse. #18
- Maria Agnello’s Apartment Building: On the left side of the floor inside the entrance. #4
- Office of Price Administration (Lobby): On the corner of the guard’s desk. #40
- Office of Price Administration (Basement Storage Room): On the floor between shelving. #6
- Office of Price Administration (Windowsill): Opposite where you get the safe keys. #5
- Chapter 4:
- After Exiting the Bookstore: Next to a box of books on the floor. #9
- Under the Stairs: After obtaining the previous magazine. #2
- West Side Mall: In a rooftop shelter in front of the mall. #8
- Joe’s Apartment Building: Near the wooden gate on the first floor. #7
- Chapter 5:
- 233 Misery Lane: Between two doors on the stairs. #11
- The Distillery: On a shelf in an office on the first floor. #10
- After Killing Sidney Pen: Between three chairs and a storage cage. #12
- Chapter 6:
- Prison Yard: Behind the bleachers next to a sleeping prisoner. #13
- Basketball Court: Between a shed and a fence. #14
- After the Fight with the Inmate: On a large industrial clothes dryer. #15
- Chapter 7:
- Joe’s Apartment Building (Top Floor): In the corner of the hallway. #50
- Scaletta Apartment Building (Second-Floor Landing): On the table. #17
- Harry’s Gun Shop: At the bottom of the stairs. #16
- Chapter 8:
- Kitchen Table: After Vito wakes up. #46
- Foundry: In a shack on top of a drum after turning right for the first time. #19
- Ground in the Foundry: Next to two barrels, after the rail yard. #21
- Small Homeless Shack: Under the stairs to the left, next to a bed. #20
- Chapter 9:
- The Maltese Falcon: At the end of the bar. #41
- Tunnel After Vito Gets Drowned in Sewage: On the left. #23
- Slaughterhouse: Behind the second scrap bin on the left. #22
- Room with Two Butchers and the Guard: In the back corner next to the bloody bin. #24
- Chapter 10:
- Back Door Hallway: On a desk inside a room with a sign titled “Daily Room.” #25
- 16th Floor: After leaving the conference room. #27
- Control Panel of the Window Washer’s Lift: On the roof. #26
- Villa Scaletta (Master Bathroom): On the counter next to the sink. #48
- Chapter 11:
- Galante Mansion: On a windowsill in the entrance hall. #47
- Bathroom: In a wicker basket. #29
- Scetta Apartment Floor: Between the legs of a guy sitting down. #28
- Joe’s Bed: On the floor next to Joe’s bed. #49
- Hill of Tara Bar: On the floor through double saloon doors. #30
- Chapter 12:
- Sea Gift Fishing Co. Warehouse: In a corner behind a bin. #31
- After Cutscene with Cops: On the floor at the top of the staircase. #33
- Far Side of the Courtyard: Behind a Shubert Truck. #32
- Chapter 13:
- The Red Dragon Dining Hall Balcony: On the left side. #34
- Empty Room Downstairs from the Buddha Statue: On the floor. #36
- Drug Manufacturing Room: In a room with spare weapons. #35
- Chapter 14:
- Top of the Building: Behind a wall on the southeast side. #44
- At the Bottom of the Stairs: On scaffolding to the left. #37
- Doorway to the Right: After passing through the burning doorway. #38
- Chapter 15:
- First Room After Entering: Down the stairs past a barricade. #45
- Roof Telescope Room: Behind a corner to the left. #39
- Telescope Room Guardrail: Near the railing. #43
- Center of the Room: After killing Carlo Falcone. #42
FAQs About Mafia II Cheats
Why Aren’t There Any Mafia II Cheat Codes?
By 2010, traditional cheat codes were becoming less common in games. Mafia II reflects this trend, focusing more on its narrative and gameplay mechanics than on providing cheat codes.
Can I Mod Mafia II Instead?
Yes, PC players can use mods to modify their Mafia II experience. The modding community for the game is not very large, but there are some available mods on platforms like Nexus Mods that can enhance or alter various aspects of the game.
Are There Any Cheats for Mafia II: Definitive Edition?
The remastered version, Mafia II: Definitive Edition, maintains the same gameplay structure and limitations as the original game. This includes the absence of traditional cheat codes.
Conclusion
Mafia II offers a rich and immersive experience set in the criminal underworld of Empire Bay. Although the game does not feature traditional cheat codes, players can still utilize various exploits to gain advantages. Whether you’re looking to quickly accumulate money, city points, or collect Playboy magazines, this guide provides all the information you need to enhance your gameplay experience. Despite the lack of cheats, Mafia II remains a compelling journey through the world of organized crime, with its detailed characters, immersive story, and engaging gameplay.
For those looking to explore further, mods and remastered versions of the game offer new ways to experience Mafia II. Whether you’re revisiting the classic or trying out the Definitive Edition, these cheats and tips will help you get the most out of your time in Empire Bay.
