Mafia: The Old Country Feels Like the Perfect Next Step for the Series

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In the vast landscape of gaming franchises, past and present, there’s something uniquely captivating about the Mafia series. After the release of the first game by Illusion Softworks, which emerged post-Grand Theft Auto 3, it managed to carve out a niche for itself by offering an engrossing narrative without succumbing to the open-world trend. Remarkably, it took eight long years for the sequel to arrive, but for those of us who were eagerly anticipating a continuation (and seeking answers about that intriguing ending scene), the wait was worth it, even with mixed reviews.

Step into the world of “Mafia 3”, six years forward from its predecessor. A fresh era, a new setting, a standalone tale – the series appeared ready for a genuine comeback. However, an engaging plotline and stunning graphics were overshadowed by repetitive mission structures, a half-baked open world, and significant technical problems. Remarkably, it managed to sell over seven million copies by March 2020, which is impressive given that another sequel seemed unlikely for a long time.

Nine years have passed since its announcement, and now, “Mafia: The Old Country” has officially arrived on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Remarkably, this game went from being announced in August 2024 to launching less than a year later, which is quite impressive, considering Hangar 13 had been working on it as early as 2022. However, the most exciting aspect is that the game seems to be of high quality.

As a dedicated fan, I must say that “The Old Country” truly stands out in its portrayal of the mafia lifestyle within an action-adventure setting. While past installments have also excelled in this genre, this one manages to capture something uniquely captivating. So, what sets it apart?

Initially, this narrative is a prequel, set in Sicily during the 1900s, serving as a prelude to significant events depicted in the real world, particularly involving mafia families and their conflicts. The central location, San Celeste, holds immense importance within the series, for it is where main characters like Tommy Angelo were born and experienced life-altering incidents. In Tommy’s case, his father’s downfall and subsequent relocation of the family to America resulted from an unfortunate event in San Celeste. Vito Scaletta also fought here during Mafia 2, and witnessed Don Calò saving his life and those of his comrades. Numerous characters share a connection with San Celeste, making it a place rich in history and intrigue. This prequel offers an opportunity to delve deeper into the town’s streets and the surrounding landscapes.

If the story and characters weren’t compelling enough, all efforts would be in vain. However, contrary to expectations following the backlash from the previous game, Hangar 13 managed to return to the franchise’s origins by offering a linear narrative with character-centric focus. The personal struggles, emotions, inner conflicts, and the contrast between their dark sides and stunning environments are all skillfully portrayed. Enzo Favara, the protagonist, is a former mine laborer who transitioned into the criminal world with Torrisi. Though he has an opportunity to rise within this group and make a name for himself, it’s also a burden. He often finds himself reminded of his dependence on Torrisi, a fact that becomes evident multiple times throughout the game.

In simpler terms, The Don is charismatic and respectable enough, appearing commanding with his commitment, while the rest of the cast is equally captivating. Characters like Luca, a trusted underboss and mentor, and Cesare, Torrisi’s nephew who strives for respect and forms a bond with Enzo, are particularly compelling. As events unfold in San Celeste, their stories become even more engaging. Superior writing in video games draws you into the characters and world, but exceptional writing rewards that investment. It’s safe to say that The Old Country delivers on this promise, leaving you rooting for its cast despite the rarity of happy endings in the series.

For long-time fans, the town’s rich history and engaging characters make “The Old Country” feel like a long-awaited dream come true, reminiscent of the first two games. However, setting it as a prequel before the main trilogy is ingenious because it offers a perfect starting point for newcomers. Despite its role as the beginning, experienced players will undoubtedly appreciate it more due to their prior knowledge, but “The Old Country” can be enjoyed as a standalone story. Plus, at just $49.99, the game’s cost serves as an inviting gateway for many players.

In a nutshell, Hangar 13 has indeed brought some fresh elements to the action-adventure genre without straying too far from the norm. The game emphasizes traditional firearms such as revolvers, shotguns, and rifles over automatics, but ammunition remains limited. Combat is greatly influenced by knives, which not only serve as weapons but are also deeply embedded in the game’s culture. Engaging in duels requires strategic dodging and weaving through enemy attacks to emerge victorious. What sets this game apart is that these new elements seamlessly integrate with the storyline, thus avoiding what I like to call the “Batmobile syndrome,” a term used when gameplay features feel disconnected from the narrative.

Beyond this, “The Old Country” offers a noteworthy level of depth to its knives, with various types designed to cater to specific playstyles, advantages, and more. Given their effectiveness, choosing stealth strategies becomes crucial, yet considering their durability requires careful selection of which ones to rely on for what situations. In chaotic scenarios where bullets are flying, the gunplay adheres to the familiar cover-based shooting style, although it’s still competently done.

While the game offers an immersive experience with its stunning visuals and Explore Mode, it may not appeal to everyone due to its relatively short length. As our review mentioned, the conclusion could have benefited from a bit more development time. The game’s performance can also be a concern for titles using Unreal Engine 5, as optimization has been a challenge for many developers working with this engine in recent months.

This version tries to keep the original meaning while making it easier to read and understand for a wider audience. It maintains the focus on the game’s visual appeal, length, conclusion, performance issues related to Unreal Engine 5, and the optimization challenges faced by developers.

While it might not appeal to everyone, the game “Mafia: The Old Country” effectively delivers on its intended goals and does so exceptionally well. It offers a captivating storyline that serves as an excellent introduction for those new to the series. Moreover, it manages to remind us of what made the original so appealing while introducing innovative enhancements to its gameplay mechanics.

It’s unlikely that this game will surpass Game of the Year contenders such as “Clair Obscur: Expedition,” “Blue Prince,” “Death Stranding 2,” and “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.” However, it certainly holds its ground with a coherent, well-realized concept. In today’s industry, where many companies prioritize live services and following trends over quality, and where size is often equated with success (particularly in terms of budget), it’s refreshing to see the value of a more concentrated game.

Please keep in mind that the opinions stated within this piece belong solely to the author, and may not reflect the collective viewpoint or official stance of GamingBolt.

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2025-08-11 19:52