Gaming News: Reasons Why ‘Mafia III’ is a Potential Candidate for GOTY

The third installment in the "Mafia" series, "Mafia III," is one of the most anticipated releases of the year, and with the gritty open-world video game only a few weeks away, it is already considered as a serious candidate for Game of the Year.

The third chapter in the acclaimed crime series from 2K Games, "Mafia III," will be hitting stores on October 7, but even before it's release, many are already calling it one of the best games of 2016. Video game website, This Gen Gaming, tells us why it could possibly be given the award for Game of the Year.

The first aspect of "Mafia III" that makes it so great is it's realistic storyline. The series has consistently given fans a roller coaster ride of emotions with the plots of the previous games, and the new installment will be no different. "Mafia III" brings players to 2K Games' version of New Orleans, called New Bordeaux, set in 1968, where they will play as Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam war veteran who returns home and joins the Black Mafia. Clay, who is betrayed by the Mob, seeks revenge and looks to take back the city of New Bordeaux.

Also, the game tackles the real life issues during its time, as 1968 was a pivotal period for civil rights, the developers of "Mafia III" did not shy away from tackling the racial issues that were present at the time.

Next is the gameplay of "Mafia III," which has fans and critics both raving about the open-world exploration, in a city filled with different and well developed characters. "Mafia III" features 10 districts for players to explore, which means 10 different locations with distinct and diverse backgrounds.

The graphics of the game are also very good, even with the usual standards of today's video games, "Mafia III" presents a colorful background coupled with the accuracy of the 1960's setting. Adding to a beautiful musical score, one that Rolling Stone calls a "kick-ass sixties soundtrack," then you have a possible Game of the Year candidate.