Mafia Wars is a multiplayer browser game created by Zynga. As of June 2009, the game has more than 5 million users. It has won the Webby award for People’s Voice Winner.
Some players find it addictive. A free online game that draws you in by slowly giving you quick fix “energy pacs” that leave you wanting more and special loot and achievements trophies that encourage you to come play again the next day
Gameplay revolves around timers. Players have limited energy for doing jobs, health and stamina meters for fighting other players, but these can be slowly recharged over time. By using other mafia members that you recruit, you can eventually fight other mafias, which usually results in the theft of cash, or gaining experience points which allow you to level up.
If play gets dirty and someone hits you too many times or they rob you blind you can put them on the hit list and other player can attack them for the bounty. This kind of balances out the power. The mind game play is when you need to fight. Of course you want to win so when choosing your opponent you automatically choose one with less mafia members. It encourages you to grow your mafia and gets more players to join in. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising and ad space becomes a premium, and that keeps the game free.
Although the game sounds violent, the graphics are “G” rated and it requires a lot of reading skill so the little ones won’t be able to play unless they have advanced reading skills or they are with someone who does. Probably not a good night time story. I would say over 13 is safe.
For you iphone users it is available as an ap, but you can’t use your same mafia players unless they have the same ap too.
Great fun for those times you’re at work not really wanting to work. It keeps you looking busy.
So next time you need something to do give it a try. Become one of the “Family”. New episodes are still being written. Story suggestion are even taken.