The Mafia series has always stood apart from the usual open-world crime sagas. Where others lean into chaotic sandbox mayhem, Mafia games are often deliberate, cinematic, and deeply tied to a time and place. Mafia: The Old Country continues this tradition, transporting players to early 1900s Sicily. With its stunning setting, rich atmosphere, and strong character work, it has all the makings of a gripping mob drama – though dated mechanics and limited interactivity occasionally hold it back.
Story and Characters
You step into the shoes of Enzo Favara, a young man escaping the deadly sulfur mines of Sicily. Saved by Don Torrisi, a quiet, calculating mob boss, Enzo is brought into the Torrisi Crime Family. Along the way, he meets:
- • Luca – A mentor figure whose wisdom and loyalty become central to Enzo’s survival.
- • Cesare – Don Torrisi’s fiery nephew, struggling with expectations.
- • Isabella – The Don’s daughter and Enzo’s love interest.
- • Tino – A chilling consigliere who steals nearly every scene.
The 12-hour narrative charts Enzo’s rise – and moral descent – through the criminal underworld. While it’s a classic “young man seduced by the mafia” tale, strong performances and subtle writing elevate it.
Pros:
- • Memorable cast with nuanced arcs.
- • Thoughtful integration of historical context.
Cons:
- • Predictable story beats for mob genre veterans.
- • Slow start before characters shine.
Setting and Atmosphere
Sicily in the Early 1900s is the game’s crown jewel. The fictional town of San Celeste is steeped in history and alive with culture. From sun-baked vineyards to bustling festival markets, every street corner feels authentic.
Key details include:
- • Authentic Architecture & Costumes – Meticulously recreated period-appropriate buildings and attire.
- • Historical Touchstones – The opening sulfur mine sequence nods to real-life labor exploitation of the time.
- • Dynamic World-Building – Festivals and events change the look and feel of San Celeste.
Hangar 13 often forces you to slow down—walking through lavish interiors or scenic routes—to absorb the artistry. While some may find this pacing sluggish, it adds depth and immersion.
Gameplay Overview
Mafia: The Old Country sticks to a linear mission structure, echoing the first two games rather than Mafia 3’s open-world approach. Each chapter transitions cleanly to the next, with limited exploration in between.
| Gameplay Element | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Combat | Satisfying gun feedback, aggressive AI | Stiff aiming, generic cover-shooter mechanics |
| Stealth Segments | Thematic tension in concept | Instant-fail design, poor checkpointing |
| Knife Duels | Break up gunfights, simple but engaging | Overused, thematically questionable |
| Exploration Mode | Scenic freedom to admire the setting | Minimal interactivity, no law enforcement AI |
Combat and Action
Gunplay benefits from explosive sound design and impactful animations. Early 20th-century firearms feel weighty and deadly, sending enemies sprawling. Enemy AI is bold, often flanking and pushing aggressively, keeping encounters fresh without being overly punishing.
Knife duels add cinematic flair but verge on unrealistic when every major antagonist abandons firearms for a blade fight.
Stealth
Stealth missions attempt to vary the pacing but suffer from instant-fail penalties. Being spotted often resets progress entirely, making them more frustrating than thrilling.
Presentation and Design
The visual direction is a triumph:
- • Lighting and Weather – Golden sunsets over vineyards, misty harbor mornings.
- • Soundtrack – A moody blend of folk instruments and orchestral swells.
- • Environmental Storytelling – Items, overheard conversations, and subtle changes in the cityscape reflect the passage of time and events in the story.
Verdict
Mafia: The Old Country is an atmospheric triumph that feels like stepping into a living piece of history. Its characters grow on you, its world is beautifully rendered, and its storytelling remains rooted in authenticity. Unfortunately, dated gameplay design and shallow interactivity mean it plays more like an early 2010s title than a modern evolution of the series.
Who will love it?
- • Fans of narrative-driven games.
- • Players who value atmosphere and setting over open-world chaos.
- • History buffs with an eye for detail.
Who might be disappointed?
- • Those seeking a reactive, sandbox-style crime game.
- • Players who dislike linear mission design and slow pacing.
Final Score: 8 / 10
Pros:
- • Rich, immersive setting.
- • Strong performances and characters.
- • Gorgeous visuals and sound design.
Cons:
- • Predictable story structure.
- • Outdated stealth and combat mechanics.
- • Limited interactivity in exploration.
If you can look past its mechanical shortcomings, Mafia: The Old Country delivers a gripping, atmospheric journey into Sicily’s dark past—one worth experiencing for the sights, sounds, and stories it has to tell.
