Well, i tried playing the first Mafia a few months ago because ive never heard of it before, and though it seemed just incredible for a goddamn 2002 game, i still found it unsatisfying for mid 2009.. so i stopped playing. u feelin me right? 
 
Anyway. im getting the new game ofcourse, and usually i like to play the first part of a game franchise, watch the first part of a movie series or listen to the first album of a series of concept albums, but sometimes i think its O.K. not to... i played HL2 without playing the first cuz its too old, and i understood everything just fine. 
 
So, can someone tell me, if you know, how the new game is related to the first? i understand that the first puts you in the shoes of the main guy where you work your way to the top of the organized crime ladder until you decide to work with the police in order to start a new life.         
 
The new game continues from where?

I may be wrong, but I believe that the new game is mostly unrelated to the original. It just shares the similarity of setting and Mafia theme. I think it is a few years into the future as well. The details may be shaky because I have not heard news on this game for awhile.

" I may be wrong, but I believe that the new game is mostly unrelated to the original. It just shares the similarity of setting and Mafia theme. I think it is a few years into the future as well. The details may be shaky because I have not heard news on this game for awhile. "

It's not a prequel, Mafia II is a non-linear sequel to the original game.
 
And I disagree, the first Mafia is still a fantastic game despite its age so...
I DON'T FEEL YA RIGHT.

Its not directly connected to the first game, but its set in the same mafia world/families if im not mistaken.

" @RHCPfan24 said:

" I may be wrong, but I believe that the new game is mostly unrelated to the original. It just shares the similarity of setting and Mafia theme. I think it is a few years into the future as well. The details may be shaky because I have not heard news on this game for awhile. "

actually the protagonist looks the same to me, with the same voice. and somebody called the first game a prequel to this one (on the new trailer's comment board) "

Mafia takes place in the 30's, Mafia 2 takes place in the 50's in the same city

You obviously never finished Mafia, if you think it's the same character.

" Mafia takes place in the 30's, Mafia 2 takes place in the 50's in the same city "

" @ozzdog12 said:

" Mafia takes place in the 30's, Mafia 2 takes place in the 50's in the same city "

No it doesn't. Mafia took place in Lost Haven and Mafia 2 will be in Empire City "

Empire City, from what I understand, is supposed to be based on New York City.  I don't remember Lost Haven being based on anything...perhaps L.A.?  Hell, it's been along time since I played it. 

" I'll fill you in. In Mafia 1 you played a mob guy who did a lot of bad stuff. After doing that bad stuff you try to get away from it all and try to live a clean life in a white picket fence style house. Only it doesn't stay white for long, it gets a paint job, only it's not paint, it's blood from the hole in your chest. That bad stuff you did way back when caught up with you and now your white picket fence is red and not white. That's about it.   Actually let me change that. You get away from it all and think you are having a nice relaxing day just watering your lawn, only it's not water, it's your own blood. Yeah, that bad stuff you did wasn't forgotten and Mr. Sallieri sent his regards, after the fact. "