25/01/2021
Embarking on the criminal underworld of Empire City in Mafia II, players will inevitably find themselves entangled in Vito Scaletta's burgeoning career. Among the early missions that test Vito's mettle and cunning is the acquisition and subsequent sale of gas stamps. This guide will delve into the intricacies of these missions, specifically "The Gas Stamps" and "Selling the Gas Stamps," offering a comprehensive walkthrough to achieve optimal rewards and coveted achievements like "The Professional" and "Mail Man." From navigating the bureaucratic labyrinth of the Office of Price Administration to the high-octane dash across the city, we'll cover every crucial step.
Work at the Docks: Dealing with Derek Papalardo
The journey into more significant criminal undertakings begins with a seemingly mundane task: reporting for duty at the docks. After a call from Vito's mother, the immediate objective is to meet with Derek Papalardo. Should your personal vehicle be damaged or flagged by the authorities, don't hesitate to acquire a new one discreetly from the street; the goal is simply transportation, not a joyride.
Upon arrival at the docks, follow the designated path to the warehouse. Park your vehicle and ascend the stairs to find Mr. Papalardo. A keen-eyed player might spot Playboy #18 outside his office. Following Steve will lead to a rather uninspiring job of loading crates. Be warned, these crates stack high, making this a tedious task with no immediate reward or achievement tied to its completion. Your priority should be to exit this situation as swiftly as possible to unlock the "real job."
Once your affiliation with Joe is established, Vito is upgraded to protection racket duties. This involves collecting dues from various individuals within the docks. The process is straightforward, though some persuasion might be necessary.
Collecting the Dues and Facing Bill
Proceed down the stairs and approach the first man at the bottom. A brief fistfight will ensue, requiring you to block his initial combo and then retaliate effectively. Once he's subdued, he will hand over the money. Collect the dues from the two men near the boat; their intimidation factor is already high, making this a simple transaction.
The third collection presents a more significant challenge: a formidable fighter named Bill. Defeating Bill requires more than just brute force; strategic blocking and timely dodges are essential. Watch for Bill's dodge animation; when he pulls his fists up and begins blocking, refrain from continuous punching, as he will counter your assault. Instead, dodge his attacks and land a few powerful hits to gain the upper hand. Maintain momentum to secure victory.
With Bill defeated, the remaining individuals will readily pay up. Return to Derek and submit the collected dues. He will reward Vito with an additional $50 for his triumph over Bill.
The Gas Stamps: Driving Ms. Agnello
The next pivotal mission involves meeting Joe at the bar, where he introduces Vito to Henry Tomasino, a new mafia contact who presents a genuine mission: stealing gas stamps from the Office of Price Administration. This operation requires a discreet approach.
Your first step is to meet a contact at her apartment building. As with previous driving segments, maintaining a low profile is crucial; a wanted poster would only complicate matters. Upon reaching the apartment, locate the contact's door, likely the first on the left. A Playboy magazine (Playmate #4) can be found near the entrance in the corner.
After speaking with Maria Agnello, return to your car. She will insist on engaging the speed limiter and driving cautiously. While she tolerates careful driving, excessive speeding will not be tolerated. Follow the on-screen route to the hospital and drop her off. The Office of Price Administration is conveniently located across the street. Park in the rear alley, which provides access to the building's rear entrance.
Executing a Silent Robbery: The Professional Achievement
The objective is to obtain the gas stamps without raising any alarm, a requirement for "The Professional" achievement and the full $600 reward. Henry's definition of "no shooting" extends to avoiding police response and any indication of your presence. This means utilizing stealth takedowns, which are effectively sleeper holds and do not count as kills.
Navigating the Office of Price Administration
Enter the building through the bathroom window. The main lobby contains three guards. As you enter, one guard will begin patrolling the wing with the safe, while another patrols your immediate area. Crouch and proceed up the stairs to the right. Wait for the patrolling guard to pass and turn towards the balcony. Execute a stealth kill from behind and drag the body into the Industrial Specialist's office on the left. Within this office, you'll find Playboy #5.
Next, enter the director's office and retrieve the keys from his desk. Upon exiting the director's office, turn left (which is to the right as you ascended the initial stairs). This path leads to the other wing where a guard is on patrol. This guard is also susceptible to a stealth takedown. There's no need to hide the body.
Disabling the Silent Alarm
Crucially, do not attempt to open the safe immediately. A silent alarm, indicated by a blinking red light above it, is present. Even with the keys, opening it will alert the remaining guard and trigger a police response, jeopardizing "The Professional" rating. While escape is possible, it signifies a mission failure in Henry's eyes, reducing your payout to $200.
Descend the stairs and perform a stealth kill on the guard seated in the chair. Locate Playboy #40 on his table. Proceed to the left side of the lobby and through the double doors, leading to the back entrance area. Continue to the end and enter the blue door to access the maintenance area and boiler room. Inside, the second door on the left houses the safe alarm panel. Disable it. Another Playboy magazine (Playmate #6) is in the adjacent room.
Although the coal chute offers an escape route now that the double doors are open, it's unnecessary given the silent exit achieved.
Securing the Gas Stamps
Return to the area behind the security desk and open the door to the safe room. Pick the lock on the cage, use the keys to open the safe, and collect the gas stamps. You can then either pick the lock on the back door or exit through the bathroom window to return to the alley. Drive back to Freddy's to deliver the stamps and report to Henry. A new complication arises: the stamps are set to expire, necessitating their immediate disposal.
Selling the Gas Stamps: The Mail Man Achievement
The final phase of this operation involves selling the gas stamps. There are eight gas stations available for this purpose, though only six are required to complete the objective. Speed is not the primary factor; rather, a steady pace and avoiding crashes will prevent triggering a police response. Even with a fast car, engaging the speed limiter and driving cautiously is advisable. Completing this segment with time to spare is achievable.
Strategic Gas Station Deliveries
Consult your map and set a waypoint for the closest gas station. Drive between the pumps and the cashier, wait for the glass to clear, and honk your horn to complete the sale. Systematically visit the remaining stations. A recommended sequence includes the station just north, then the one on the bottom right, the central city station, and the one on the left side. For the final required station, choose an outlying one, such as the one on the bottom left. The tunnel is considered a highway, and traffic is generally manageable. Successfully completing these deliveries within the time limit should award you both "The Professional" and "Mail Man" achievements.
It's worth noting that completing the chapter without visiting all six stations is possible, but it will result in a reduced payout. Each non-professional robbery yields $35, while a professional, alarm-free transaction earns $100 per station.
Once all deliveries are complete, drive back to Joe's apartment via the highway and park your car. Retire to the kitchen couch to conclude the chapter.
Mafia Series Overview
The Mafia series offers a compelling single-player, third-person shooter experience set within sandbox-style environments, focusing on fictional Mafia families and meticulously recreated American cities. The franchise includes titles such as Mafia, Mafia: Definitive Edition, Mafia II, Mafia II Mobile, Mafia III, Mafia III: Rivals, and Mafia: The Old Country.
Mafia: The Original
Initially released for PC in 2002, Mafia was later ported to PlayStation 2 and Xbox in 2004. It is currently available on Steam and in physical retail. Players step into the shoes of Tommy Angelo, a taxi driver who becomes embroiled with the Salieri Crime Family in Lost Heaven. Set between 1930 and 1938, the game features missions ranging from assassinations to liquor smuggling during Prohibition.
Mafia II and its Definitive Edition
Mafia II: Definitive Edition, launched on May 19, 2020, is a remastered version of the original Mafia II, boasting significantly improved visuals and audio. It supports 4K resolution and includes the base game, all downloadable content (DLC), and bonus materials for owners of other games in the trilogy.
Mafia II Mobile
Mafia II Mobile, a top-down shooter developed by Twistbox Entertainment and Oasys Mobile, was released in August 2010. Set in 1938, it follows Marco Russotto, who seeks revenge against Tommy Angelo. The game comprises 17 chapters.
Mafia III and its Definitive Edition
Similar to its predecessor, Mafia III: Definitive Edition was released on May 19, 2020, offering a remastered experience with all DLC and bonus content. The game allows players to navigate the criminal underworld of New Bordeaux.
Mafia III: Rivals
Mafia III: Rivals, a mobile battle RPG by 2K and Cat Daddy, launched on iOS and Android in October 2016. It provides a new perspective on the world of New Bordeaux, allowing players to climb the ranks of the criminal underworld.
Mafia: Definitive Edition
This title represents a complete reimagining of the original Mafia, featuring a new engine, updated gameplay mechanics, and a compelling narrative that stays true to the source material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much is it to rob a gas station in Mafia 2?
In Mafia II, the payout for robbing a gas station varies. A standard, non-professional robbery yields $35 per station. However, if you execute the robbery flawlessly, with no alarms or police involvement (as required for "The Professional" achievement), you can earn $100 per station.
Q: What is Mafia 2 mobile?
Mafia II Mobile is a top-down shooter version of Mafia II developed for mobile phones. It features a different gameplay perspective and a distinct storyline focusing on Marco Russotto's quest for revenge.
Q: How do I get the "The Professional" achievement in Mafia 2?
To achieve "The Professional" rating during the gas stamp heist, you must complete the mission without triggering any alarms, causing any police response, or engaging in any direct combat that results in guards being killed openly. Stealth takedowns (sleeper holds) are permitted. You must also disable the silent alarm on the safe before opening it.
Q: How do I get the "Mail Man" achievement in Mafia 2?
The "Mail Man" achievement is obtained by successfully selling the gas stamps at six different gas stations within the time limit. It's advisable to drive cautiously and avoid attracting police attention during these deliveries.
Q: Is it possible to fail the gas stamp heist?
Yes, it is possible to fail the gas stamp heist, particularly "The Professional" aspect. Triggering alarms, being detected by guards, or failing to disable the silent alarm on the safe will result in a lower payout and prevent you from obtaining "The Professional" rating and its associated rewards.
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