The busy bees over at 2kgames have recently released some news for a game that we are slightly interested in. Yes! Mafia 2 has had it's release date pushed back once again (see the news post below this one) but we have had several pieces of information released.

The most recent is news that Playboy (I will avoid linking you to that site, sorry Hef) has given permission to have authentic vintage centrefolds in the game. According to 2K president Christoph Hartmann:

"In partnering with Playboy, we are able to add a unique element of authenticity to the game by using vintage images from the magazine that illustrate the power of Playboy’s influence on the attitudes and culture of that generation.”

Also released recently was a new trailer.

Remember you can stay right up to date with the latest Mafia 2 news by following the following forum topic - http://mafiascene.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=67&t=18058 It has pretty much every mafia 2 news piece that exists.

Also don't forget our twitter feed for the latest news. Follow us @mafiascene

Here's the news most of us were expecting, but also dreading at the same time: Mafia 2 is delayed once more. IGN are reporting that the game has been delayed until Take 2's fourth fiscal quater, which means anytime between August 1, 2010 and October 31, 2010.

Most of us had probably guessed that this sort of news was coming, but it's still a shame. Hopefully the extra time is being used to apply all the polish that the game deserves, and will mean that the final product is even better than we're all expecting.

Well after a very slack last month or so on the news updates I am about to bring you some of the latest happenings in the Mafia 2 universe. Most (all) of this information is available in our mafia 2 information vault, but I am going to give you the crème de la crème of the selection.

First up we have a few images that show of some of the action packed gaming we can expect, and also a shot of what looks to be the Mafia 2 version of the carcyclopedia.

IGN have posted up a new preview today, entitled "The Open World". In the preview they describe in detail a 30 minute demo they recieved from 2KC at GamesCon 2009. Here's a small taster of what they wrote about:

It's early evening in Empire Bay, so the traffic is thin and the street lights are just starting to come on. The team is intentionally staying away from a true time of day and weather cycle in the game because they want to establish the right mood for each of their set pieces. Anyone who remembers the farm level in the original Mafia know just how much the rainy night contributed to the atmosphere of the scene.

No new screenshots or videos unfortunately, but hopefully there'll be more to come soon. Be sure to head on over to IGN and check out the full preview right here. Once you've read the whole thing, head back here to discuss the latest preview in our Forums!