Mafia: The Old Country – A Return to the Series’ Roots
The Mafia series has always walked a fine line between cinematic storytelling and gritty gameplay. Under developer Hangar 13 and publisher 2K, it has seen both soaring highs and disappointing lows. If Mafia III was the Godfather Part III of the franchise, Mafia: The Old Country aims to be Godfather Part II — specifically, its Sicilian segments. Rather than pushing forward into the 1970s, this prequel takes players back to the series’ origins, swapping sprawling American cities for the sun-soaked hills of early 20th-century Sicily. It’s a smaller, scrappier take on the crime saga, drawing as much from Red Dead Redemption as from GTA.
The question is: does this back-to-basics approach breathe new life into the franchise or simply play it safe?
Story – Old-School Crime Done Right
The game casts you as Enzo Fava, a young miner—both in age and profession—trapped in indentured servitude before escaping and falling under the wing of a powerful Sicilian don. While automobiles exist, they’re rare, so much of the game involves horseback travel, lending it a wild-west-meets-mafia atmosphere.
The plot follows familiar beats: family loyalties, blood feuds, romance (particularly with the don’s daughter), and inevitable betrayals. The twists won’t shock anyone, but the execution is strong. The writing and performances bring depth to characters who can be both sympathetic and detestable. Instead of trying to reinvent the narrative wheel, the game focuses on telling a heartfelt, soulful crime story with deliberate pacing—so deliberate that you won’t even hold a gun until three hours in.
Gameplay – Focused and Familiar
Hangar 13 has been clear: The Old Country is not an open-world sandbox. While you can explore between missions, the game is largely linear, much like Mafia I and II. Free roaming is limited to collectibles, shops, and some light exploration. There’s a missed opportunity for richer side content—think Spider-Man-style activities or bandit hideouts—but the trade-off is a tightly directed experience without open-world filler.
Combat & Stealth
Gunplay feels refined compared to previous entries. Enemies are more aggressive, arenas are more open, and combat encourages flanking, sneaking, and movement. On higher difficulties, aim sway forces you to get closer for clean shots, while enemies use grenades and rush tactics to flush you out. Stealth is straightforward and forgiving, with some missions offering multiple infiltration paths and optional rewards like chests or safes.
Progression & Customization
The inclusion of currency lets you unlock weapons, horses, cars, and even upgrade your rosary with passive buffs—features that matter most when playing on hard difficulty. Optional exploration is rewarded, but the focus remains on story progression.
Presentation – A Cinematic Showcase
Visually, The Old Country is striking, capturing the Mediterranean setting in warm, cinematic detail. Cutscenes are meticulously crafted, with strong performances and convincing animation. A few accents may not land perfectly, but the atmosphere is immersive.
On PC, the game runs smoothly with maxed-out settings, aside from rare slowdowns and one crash-to-desktop during the reviewer’s playthrough. Generous checkpoints ensure minimal frustration.
Verdict – A Classic Approach in a Modern Era
Mafia: The Old Country doesn’t aim to shock with innovation. Instead, it delivers a refined, story-first experience that feels like the most polished iteration of the Mafia formula yet. It’s not GTA VI—and it doesn’t try to be. Priced at $50, it’s also a fairer proposition than the $70–$80 standard creeping into modern releases.
If you want:
- An improved Mafia: Definitive Edition in a fresh, unique setting
- A heartfelt crime story with strong characters
- Solid but familiar combat and stealth
…then you’ll likely come away satisfied. Just be sure to play it on hard for the best experience.
Final Score: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
A beautifully executed, old-school crime drama with refined mechanics, limited exploration, and a strong sense of place. Not groundbreaking, but a worthy addition to the Mafia legacy.
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