Zero Punctuation Season 10 Episode 42 Mafia 3

Zero Punctuation is a fast-paced game review show hosted by the hilarious and witty Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw. In season 10 episode 42, Yahtzee tackles the open-world action-adventure game Mafia 3.

Right off the bat, Yahtzee acknowledges the controversial aspect of Mafia 3's story, which takes place in the racially charged city of New Bordeaux during the 1960s. The game follows the story of Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam War veteran who is seeking revenge against the Italian Mafia for killing his family. Yahtzee notes that the game has received criticism for its handling of race relations and its use of the 'N' word. However, he also points out that the game is set in a time when such language was unfortunately commonplace, and it is used to accurately depict the era.

When it comes to gameplay, Yahtzee praises Mafia 3's core mechanics, which he describes as "fun and satisfying". As Lincoln, players can engage in a variety of activities, including driving, shooting, and stealth. Yahtzee praises the game's cover system, which allows players to easily move from cover to cover in a firefight. He also notes that the game's hand-to-hand combat system is punchy and visceral, although it can become repetitive after a while.

One of the game's defining features is its open-world setting, which Yahtzee describes as "vast and filled with things to do". Players can explore different districts of New Bordeaux and complete side-missions to earn money and earn the trust of the city's various criminal factions. Yahtzee praises the game's attention to detail when it comes to the city's architecture and atmosphere, which he describes as "meticulously crafted". He also notes that the game features a day-night cycle and weather effects, which add to the sense of immersion.

However, while Yahtzee acknowledges the game's strengths, he also has some criticisms. One of the main issues he takes with the game is its repetitive side-missions, which he describes as "cutting and pasting" the same activities throughout the game's different districts. He also notes that the game's driving mechanics can feel floaty and imprecise, especially when compared to other open-world games like Grand Theft Auto.

Despite these criticisms, Yahtzee ultimately recommends Mafia 3 to fans of action-adventure games. He notes that while the game may not be perfect, it is still a lot of fun to play. He also praises the game's story and characters, which he describes as "compelling" and "well-written". In the end, Yahtzee concludes that Mafia 3 is a worthy addition to the open-world genre, and one that fans of the series and newcomers alike will enjoy.