'Mafia 3' release date news: E3 trailer showcases story and gameplay

Mafia III2K Games

2K Games has just released a brand-new trailer for "Mafia 3" as part of this year's E3 presentation, and while it does not show that much gameplay it does give quick teases of possible gameplay options and the bold direction the game is going with its story.

"Mafia 3" follows the story of African-American Lincoln Clay, who has just arrived back in the fictional city of New Bordeaux after serving in the Vietnam War, only for his whole clan to be wiped out by the Italian Mafia. Clay somehow survives and players will control Clay as he builds an army to take vengeance on the people behind the massacre.

The trailer gives a name to the chaos, citing a character named Sal Marcono as the Mafia head responsible for the massacre against the black mob. There are also clips of the Ku Klux Klan performing their rituals in front of a burning crucifix.

As stated in a report from PC Gamer, showcasing the level of prejudice and racism that was rampant in the 1960s may be a bold decision for a video game but the trailer clearly showcases that the developers have no plan of toning these aspects of the time period down. 

Violence is also going to rampant. The trailer showcases someone being tortured, with their fingers being broken and torn by someone holding a pair of pliers. There is also a clip of Clay using a submachine gun to blow a garage and the vehicles within. 

Other aspects of the game include fighting in small-town pits and boxing rings, most likely to earn quick cash, and the ability to alter what Lincoln Clay is wearing. While driving and on-foot action is going to be the main highlight of the game, there is a clip showcasing a chase on a speedboat. 

"Mafia 3" is scheduled for release for the PS4, XBox One and PC on Oct. 7.