I just finished Mafia 2. I enjoy the option of being able to explore an open world but not really needing to. All of the collectibles are only in the area that the current chapter takes you, not needing to explore aside from the missions & tasks if they require.
The story was great, it is now my favorite gangster story, beating out Casino.
The dialog is spot on, including ll of the racial slurs that are thrown around.
8/10