Never having played the PC version, I was a bit wary of the title after hearing many reports of how bad a "port" this supposedly was - however, I have absolutely no regrets after having bought this title!
The game is really less of an open-ended romp in the "GTA" style, and more of an interactive movie. The action is very much driven by a mission-based structure, but I find that when I play games like the GTA series, I mainly stick to the missions, anyway - gamers who like to "do their own thing" might feel a bit constrained when playing "Mafia"...
As for the graphics and control issues, it's a pretty game, which suffers a bit from some pop-in of buildings and some stiff animations, but the cut-scenes are gorgeous and really move the story along well. The controls work acceptably well, but with no automatic targeting feature (or if there is one, I haven't found it yet!), combat is QUITE challenging, whether it be gunplay or fisticuffs! Driving the '30's cars is an adventure in itself - they're underpowered, and handle like drunken cows - but for some reason, having a chase at 45 MPH is just as much fun...
The sound is really quite nice, with contemporary jazz tunes on the radio and excellent voice acting that plays an important part in the game. In one mission, you have to escort a fellow mafiosi's daughter home - as you walk with her, the two of you make totally realistic chit-chat (and flirt!) the whole way home!
I really have enjoyed this game so far, but I must warn you that it can be VERY challenging! It's not really a game for kiddies, due to some adult content (R-rated violence and even sex!) and some might find the limitations of 30's technology to be frustrating (curse this 40 horsepower car!), but I think this game deserves at least a rental, and quite probably a purchase!
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