Graphically Mafia II can very well compete with other titles in this genre.
Only Essens- drinking animations are strange. But this can not be expected also.
Particularly relevant these are not in order to refer to the whole game.
Even after / beside the story can do without missions and explore the area.
One case may not have too many options, such as in GTA, but the feeling of the old town, the old clothes and old cars is especially good! Who is on police pursuits or just want to drive around only in the area, so that comes guaranteed not too short!
I would look forward to a third part of the Mafia series especially.
Until then I will guarantee several times by playing this game.