Mafia

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Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven (often shortened to Mafia) is a 2002 game developed by Illusion Softworks for Microsoft Windows. Most users report no issue with running the game on modern versions of Windows (once Compatibility Mode is enabled), however, a small number of people experience issues that can be resolved in a number of ways.

Windows

Issues And Fixes

Running On Vista/7 (Boxed Version)

Some users may experience issues with running the game on Windows Vista or 7. The following solution offers the best experience for users of these operating systems.

1. First install the game. If you run into issues at this stage, set MafiaLauncher.exe and MafiaSetup.exe on the first CD to Windows XP SP2 Compatibility Mode. If the issue still occurs, execute both as administrators.
2. Once installed, go to C:\Program Files\Mafia and set the executable Game.exe to Windows XP SP2 Compatibility Mode.
3. Download Mafia patch v1.2 (users should note there is no difference between patch 1.3 and 1.2)
4. Go to C:\Program Files\Mafia and execute Setup.exe. Ensure it is configured as follows
   File:Mafiasetupimage.jpg

   Users should note 'Display' refers to their installed graphics card, and will vary from that shown
5. At this stage the user may be able to run the game. You can test this by running intro.avi in C:\Program Files\Mafia. If the video runs, the game is now ready. If not, follow the remaining steps.
6. Intro movies in Mafia run using an Indeo codec, which is unsupported by Windows since XP SP1, so the user will need to download a freeware Indeo codec such as this. Since version 5.2 the software has become a paid product, so it is important to find a version before this.
7. Open a command prompt with elevated right (press the Start button, type 'CMD', right click on it and choose 'Run as administrator'). In the console, type regsvr32 ir50_32.dll
8. Attempt to run the game.

Red Blocks/Black Lines On Screen

Some users have reported seeing red blocks of colour, or black lines run across the screen during play, similar to the following:

This error can often be resolved by opening Setup.exe in C:\Program Files\Mafia, and clicking on 'Open expert settings...', then selecting 'Multipass rendering' rather than 'Hardware Transform&Lighting'.

Settings Bug (Non-English Steam Versions)

Some users of non-English versions of the game have reported an issue whereby changing the settings of the game in the Settings launcher has no effect, with Mafia always running with default values. In some cases, this has also led to Mafia not running. This issue can be resolved as follows:

1. Set Mafia's language in Steam to English
2. Wait until download is complete
3. Start Settings launcher
4. Select desired settings
5. Save and exit launcher
6. Set Mafia's language in Steam to your desired option
7. Wait until download is complete
8. Start the game - it should run in your desired language with your desired settings

Error 4205 Generic

Some users experience an 'Init error error: #4205 Generic' error message upon startup. There are a variety of possible fixes for this issue - below is a checklist of things to try to resolve the issue:

1. Download the freeware Indeo codec outlined above
2. Input your screen resolution (rather than the default one) in the Setup launcher in C:\Program Files\Mafia, and change your refresh rate to your screen's actual refresh rate
3. Update your appropriate video card drivers and version of DirectX

Error 8815 Generic

Many users have reported the game crashing upon start to a white screen with the message 'error 8815 generic'. Again, there are a number of claimed fixes for this issue, but the error can have different causes on a case by case basis. Some common causes and fixes are outlined below:

1. One reason why is error may be caused is out of date graphics or sound card drivers. Users should check on the relevant card manufacturer's website for new drivers, then download and install them
2. Sometimes sound card drivers may need to be re-installed
3. In some cases changing the user's screen resolution in the Setup launcher located in C:\Program Files\Mafia) may solve the issue

Graphical Tweaks

Widescreen

Mafia offers a number of widescreen resolutions, however some users may be unable to obtain these.

Controller Support

Mafia has limited controller support built in to the game. Some users have reported success with using an Xbox 360 Controller For Windows with the game, however, there are often issues with the use of the thumb-sticks. This can be fixed by using a program such as XPadder to rebind controls, using the D-Pad to steer, and disabling the thumb-sticks.