These past several days have been exciting with the 2016 showing of E3, an event that all console and PC players look forward to in order to get a view of all the big games coming out. Now while some of you watched the whole thing to get a view of everything being offered, I chose to sort through the videos being posted on the YouTube channels of major video game companies to seek out further information on the games I already knew about and was interested in.
One such game is Mafia 3, where the setting goes from Empire City in the previous game to New Bordeaux, which the creators cited as their version of New Orleans. Following a tragic event after returning from the Vietnam War, the protagonist Henry Clay sets out to get his revenge with the help of a handful of other individuals who also have grudges to settle with the Italian Mob.
The Mob made a grave mistake by not making sure Henry Clay was dead. (Image courtesy of the IGN YouTube Page)
Now the world of entertainment has seen plenty tales of revenge. No matter your age, your genre interests or your zodiac sign, I would bet you can name a number of stories you’ve seen or played that have the protagonist or antagonist with an agenda of getting even with someone. So stands the question: Why am I so excited about playing this game?
Well, beyond the trailer that I absolutely love and fills me with so much hype (Please listen to the song used in the trailer, “Bottom of the River” by Delta Rae, before seeing it to truly appreciate the combination of the game’s theme and music.), the in-depth look that IGN did with the game mechanics has me convinced that they are going to offer a new take on the classic plot line.
As was stated in the synopsis of the story, "Family isn't who you're born with, it's who you die for." (Image courtesy of the IGN YouTube Page)
This is done through the option of choosing how you, the player, has Henry Clay get his revenge. You can choose from stealing away the competition from the mob, going in guns blazing everywhere or executing everything from the shadows. I have been playing “Mafia 2” for the past few weeks and one of the more discouraging things is having me having to run to and fro places for the main storyline, and having any time I take to explore the city on my own seems forced. Now as you begin to take away the territory from the Italian mob, and even several smaller groups, it falls to you to divide up the conquered land among your new crew. Each member gives you different bonuses if you give the land to you, and sometimes penalties if you don’t. You should definitely see the videos IGN has posted on their YouTube channel to see more about this, but trust that the relationships you have with your crew has an important impact on your gameplay, so choose the division of your criminal empire wisely.
Judging by the popularity of series of “Mass Effect”, “Fallout” and everything made by TellTale, it seems that people enjoy having video games that allows them to choose how to play the game. It makes the game approachable for all types of people, giving them the choice to add their own personal spin to the overall plot. “Mafia 3” seems to be no different, and the use of a 1960’s Southern backdrop for your African American character promises to make this experience truly memorable.
