f13.net

Really liked the first game. Nice change of pace from the GTA games, slower driving at first and having to obey the law or have the cops come after just made a lot more sense. The soundtrack was amazing, but I'm a fan of that period of music. Definitely a quirky game, but I don't mind that kind of thing so much. Lots of people had problems with the race mission, it was one of my favorites in the game; even though I won it the first time through, I replayed it a couple times for fun. Kinda shocked people struggled with it.

Anyway, you can get the first game now if you pre-order, though it's probably dated now. Wish I had the bucks for a pre-order purchase!

I really, really loved the original and if I didn't still have the game I would definitely pre-order this. No idea if it'll work as well but like Sky I love the setting and some of the missions were so much fun. I think my favourite was getting ambushed in the little Sicilian restaurant and having to fight your way out the back while protecting the Don. Having actual driving laws and only being able to steal cars you've been taught how to jimmy made sense and like having cars improve as the storyline progressed actually added to the atmosphere rather than just feeling like a cockblock.

Playing GTA4, I really miss Mafia's garage feature.

I really liked Mafia.  But, unfortunately,  I am one of those that failed repeatedly at the racing mission.  Just killed any momentum I had in the game.   With a more intelligent check point system, like in RDR, this sort of thing wouldn't be an issue.  I'd be able to start at the race rather than having to pick up the car every time.