Mafia: The Old Country Review – Blood, Loyalty and Legacy

Mafia: The Old Country Review

Praised for its cinematic presentation and grounded storytelling, the Mafia series has built a loyal fan base that appreciates its reverence for crime-driven narratives. While the first two entries were widely lauded, the third installment earned mixed reviews for straying from the franchise’s established gameplay formula and moving away from its organized crime roots. After the Definitive Edition remake brought the series back on track, The Old Country aims to continue that trajectory, delving into the origins of the Sicilian Mafia. Will Hangar 13’s trip to 1900s Europe put the series back on the throne, or leave it sleeping with the fishes?

Set in the picturesque landscapes of Sicily, you play as Enzo, a young man who has endured a harsh childhood, working a grueling job in the mines to pay off a debt and be free from external control. After an attempted escape, you earn your freedom with the help of Don Torrisi, sparking tensions that only escalate from there. While the game follows some conventional story beats, its execution is outstanding. The characters and plot are given room to breathe, to create an immersive story that is perfectly paced to keep you invested.

I Always Wanted to Be a Gangster

Storytelling has always been a hallmark of the Mafia franchise, and Old Country proudly continues that tradition. Secondary characters enrich the narrative, each with their own motivations that add depth and complexity. Exceptional voice acting and facial capture bring this to life, blurring the line between video games and cinema. The effect is heightened by cinematography and score inspired by Hollywood greats, with set pieces beautifully lit and framed to let you read a character’s thoughts and emotions without a single word spoken. This is enhanced by the astounding visuals that craft a believable world. The attention to detail is incredible, with rats scurrying across the streets and stunning vistas around each corner. Combined with the thoughtful storytelling, this elevates the experience, making the narrative stand out among its peers.

Although there are open areas to explore, the game maintains a linear format, helping to ensure a measured and immersive tale. You can venture off the main path, but there isn’t much to do. You can ride horseback or in an authentic automobile from the era, with both getting the spotlight in races and chase sequences. Segments, where you pursue enemies, are particularly well designed, with paths being blocked as you progress, creating moments akin to a Hollywood picture. Interestingly, Hanger 13 even gives you the option to skip your journeys so that you can head straight to the objective, placing further emphasis on the story. While some may lament the lack of freedom, I thoroughly enjoyed the tailored approach, focusing on a cinematic experience.

Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli

The mission structure is conventional, often requiring you to sneak into an area, take part in a shoot-out out and escape. Although it doesn’t break new ground, each aspect is strong, which results in satisfying, but sometimes repetitive, moment-to-moment gameplay. Using the instinct feature, you can see the location of enemies in the vicinity and plan your course of action. This is particularly useful for stealth sections, as you can identify the whereabouts of foes and determine whether it’s safe for a silent skill or to sneak past. In addition to this, it also helps with shootouts as you can quickly see where to aim and eliminate those in hiding.

Key encounters culminate in tense, close-quarters knife fights. As you circle your opponent, you must parry and dodge their strikes before countering with a decisive thrust. A tight, over-the-shoulder camera heightens the drama, making these moments truly gripping. Outside of combat, the blade serves other purposes, such as prying open doors or locked boxes. However, each use dulls the edge, requiring you to sharpen it before it’s effective again. You can use loot from these boxes to upgrade your gear, boosting durability and adding new capabilities.

From the richly detailed environments to the period-accurate vehicles, the game delivers a stunning level of authenticity that perfectly evokes the era. Even more impactful is the blend of lighting, cinematography, and score, which together create an atmosphere unmistakably tied to the gangster genre. As a result, fans of classic mob cinema will feel right at home in this wonderfully told, if somewhat trope-heavy, adventure.

An Offer You Can’t Refuse

Mafia: The Old Country is a refreshing story-driven adventure that delivers exactly what it sets out to achieve. Strong voice acting, stunning visuals, a cinematic score, and a well-paced plot come together to create a memorable experience that stands proudly alongside its predecessors. The gameplay doesn’t break new ground, but it executes its ideas expertly, even while staying firmly conventional. For anyone seeking a focused, story-driven gangster tale, it doesn’t get much better than this.

***PS5 code provided by the publisher***