Mission Giver: Maria Latore
Maria Latore, the fiery and unpredictable wife of Salvatore Leone, becomes a mission giver after you successfully complete the "Last Requests" mission for Salvatore. You'll typically find her lounging around the Leone Mansion in Saint Mark's, Portland, often by the pool or inside the main building. Her missions are generally straightforward but can sometimes involve tight time limits or tricky combat scenarios. Be prepared for her erratic behavior and occasional demands for personal favors.
Initial Encounter and Unlocking Missions
After the events of "Last Requests," Maria will contact you via pager, inviting you to meet her. Head to the Leone Mansion in Saint Mark's. Look for the "M" icon on your radar. Upon arrival, a cutscene will trigger, establishing her as a new contact. Her missions often involve dealing with her personal problems, which frequently intertwine with the Leone family's affairs, much to Salvatore's chagrin.
General Strategies for Maria's Missions
- Vehicle Choice: Many of Maria's missions involve driving. A fast and durable car like a Stinger or a Banshee is often ideal, especially for timed objectives or chases. For missions requiring more protection, a Patriot or a Rhino (if available) can be invaluable.
- Weaponry: While Maria's missions aren't always combat-heavy, having a reliable arsenal is crucial. A Micro Uzi for drive-bys, a Shotgun for close-quarters engagements, and a Sniper Rifle for precision shots are recommended. Always stock up on Body Armor from Ammu-Nation before starting her missions.
- Health and Armor: Always ensure your health is full and you have maximum body armor before initiating a mission. There are health pickups scattered around Liberty City, and Ammu-Nation stores are your primary source for armor.
- Minimap Awareness: Pay close attention to your minimap for mission objectives, enemy locations, and important waypoints. Maria's missions can sometimes have multiple objectives spread across Portland.
Example Mission Walkthrough: "Chaperone"
This mission is a prime example of Maria's often self-serving requests. She wants you to take her to a party in the Red Light District and ensure her safety.
- Meet Maria: Head to the Leone Mansion in Saint Mark's. Maria will be waiting outside.
- Pick Up Maria: Get into a four-door vehicle. A Sentinel or a Manana found on the streets will suffice. Maria will get in.
- Drive to the Party: Follow the yellow marker on your radar to the party location in the Red Light District. Drive carefully, as any damage to the car or Maria can fail the mission.
- Wait for Maria: Once you arrive, a cutscene will play. Maria will go inside, leaving you to wait outside.
- Defend Maria: After a short while, a group of Triads will attack the party, attempting to kidnap Maria. You'll see red blips appear on your radar.
- Strategy: Position your car strategically to use it as cover. Equip your Micro Uzi or Shotgun. Prioritize taking out the Triads who are directly engaging Maria or trying to get into the building. Be mindful of your health and armor. There might be health pickups nearby if you get into trouble.
- Key Targets: Focus on the Triads with melee weapons first, as they can quickly damage Maria's health bar (visible on screen).
- Drive Maria Home: Once all the Triads are eliminated, Maria will emerge. Get back into your car and drive her safely back to the Leone Mansion. Again, avoid unnecessary damage or reckless driving.
- Mission Complete: Drop Maria off at the mansion to complete the mission and receive your monetary reward.