Mob violence victim calls for Mafia II ban

The daughter of a Sicilian journalist murdered by the Mafia has called for 2K Games' Mafia II to be banned.

Sonia Alfano, a member of the European Parliament and president of Italy's association for the families of Mafia victims, told Bloomberg, "It really, really hurts. We can't allow this to happen, our wounds are still too fresh."

Alfano's father Beppe, was murdered by the Mafia in January 1993.

"These games transform the Mafia, a reality of death and destruction, into a thrilling and hands-on virtual pastime," she continued.

"Even if momentarily, players identify with brutal killers and for us who have experienced violence firsthand, it's appalling."

Alfano has called on the European Commission to consider banning the title as well as others like it.

Publisher Take-Two was quick to refute claims that the violence depicted in Mafia II was gratuitous or irresponsible.

"Mafia II tells a compelling story about organized crime in America - a subject that for decades has been featured in award-winning movies, television shows and novels such as The Godfather and The Sopranos," explained communications VP Alan Lewis.

"We fully and completely stand behind our creative teams and products, including Mafia II."

This isn't the first time that the game has attracted controversy. Prior to its launch earlier this year, a group of Italian-Americans called for the title to be shelved, insisting it encouraged "demeaning" ethnic stereotypes.

Eurogamer's John Teti awarded 2K's crime epic 4/10 when it eventually made it into stores in August.