This past week 2K Games announced the return of the Mafia franchise after years on the shelf. And by Mafia franchise, that means the whole franchise so far. The announcement was for the Mafia Trilogy, a seeming rerelease of the three Mafia games in the series. Unfortunately, the announcement was mostly for another, bigger announcement. The Mafia Trilogy won't be fully revealed until May 19. In the meantime, certain details about the package have leaked. The latest example is a potential release date for a Mafia 2: Definitive Edition.
The latest leak comes via the official Microsoft Store, which published a retail listing for the Mafia 2: Definitive Edition. The listing was quickly pulled from the storefront, but not before watchful internet denizens were able to see some key information. Specifically, the listing noted that the Mafia 2: Definitive Edition will be released on PC, PS4, and Xbox One on May 19. If the listing is right, it'll launch the day of 2K's big Mafia Trilogy announcement.
Microsoft's listing for Mafia 2: Definitive Edition also makes clear exactly what the game is, too. Part of the game's leaked profile says that it's "remastered in stunning HD detail," so Mafia 2 is likely to be a more straightforward remaster rather than a remake or merely an updated port for modern platforms.
For comparison's sake, the Microsoft Store made a similar leak several days ago that revealed some exciting information about the first Mafia game. Rather than a more straightforward remaster, as both Mafia 2 and Mafia 3 will receive, Mafia has been fully remade. The listing states clearly that the game has been "re-made from the ground up."
Unfortunately, while the Mafia 2: Definitive Edition is potentially launching as soon as this week, the original Mafia is further off. According to the leaked listing, the remake of Mafia would launch on August 28.
It's important to clarify that these leaks are not official and have not been confirmed. Retail listings are historically very unreliable, though these listings are more reliable than most due to a variety of official assets found in each profile. The Mafia Trilogy will be fully announced on May 19, in just a few short days, so fans won't have to wait too long for the truth. Mafia 2, and maybe Mafia 3 as well, could be in players' hands sooner than expected.
Mafia 2 was released in 2010 for the PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.
Source: IGN