Game Guide: Mafia: The Old Country - Essential Insights Prior to Gameplay
Mafia: The Old Country, the latest instalment in the popular crime drama series, has been released to mixed critical acclaim. Developed by Hanger 13, the game focuses on authentic realism and rich storytelling, transporting players to 1900s Sicily in the fictional town of San Celeste.
The game was released on August 8, 2025, and is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S platforms. A trailer for Mafia: The Old Country debuted at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, followed by a longer trailer on May 8, 2025, showcasing gameplay and plot details, including horseback riding, stealthy gameplay sections, hand-to-hand combat, and high-speed car chases.
Critics agree that Mafia: The Old Country excels in narrative and character work. The story and character writing are strong and emotionally engaging, particularly around themes of betrayal and ambition. However, the final act feels rushed and abrupt, which weakens the climax. The narrative is considered fairly familiar and predictable for fans of gangster genres, but still well-executed. Voice acting, especially for the character Don Torrisi, is highlighted as a strength.
Gameplay is described as serviceable but not groundbreaking—typical third-person cover shooter mechanics with period-appropriate weapons and some horseback shootouts. Enemy AI can be inconsistent, and combat is not highly challenging. Several reviewers note the game is “fine” and “inoffensive,” but somewhat lacking in innovation or surprises. It follows a linear structure with repetitive quest design involving travel, talk, and occasional combat sequences, which results in gameplay that can feel repetitive and unambitious.
As of mid-2025, Mafia: The Old Country holds a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic based on over 70 critic reviews, indicating overall positive but not exceptional reception. The deluxe edition includes additional content such as the Padrino pack, Gatto Nero pack, digital art book, original score, and pre-order bonus.
Players control Enzo Favara, who must prove his worth to the Cosa Nostra. Travel around the historical setting is possible via horseback and old-timey cars. However, some players have expressed slight disappointment with the "limited gameplay" of Mafia: The Old Country.
Steam reviews for Mafia: The Old Country are "very positive" at the time of writing. Nick Baynes, Hanger 13 president, stated that Mafia: The Old Country goes back to the roots of what fans love about the Mafia series. The graphics in Mafia: The Old Country look great, giving off strong Indiana Jones and the Great Circle vibes. Additional teasers for Mafia: The Old Country have been released, including a clip shown during the Future Games Show, and a story trailer was shown during Summer Game Fest 2025. Despite the mixed reviews, Mafia: The Old Country offers a compelling narrative experience set in a beautifully recreated historical setting.
[1] Polygon [2] OpenCritic [3] IGN [4] Metacritic [5] GameSpot
- Mafia: The Old Country, the latest addition to the crime drama series, has received positive but not exceptional reception, holding a "Strong" rating on OpenCritic.
- Developed by Hanger 13, the game is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S platforms, and offers additional content in the deluxe edition.
- The game's story and character work are praised by critics, with the narrative focusing on themes of betrayal and ambition.
- Gameplay is described as serviceable but not groundbreaking, with occasional combat sequences and horseback riding.
- The graphics in Mafia: The Old Country are well-received, giving off strong vibes reminiscent of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
- Players control Enzo Favara, who must prove his worth to the Cosa Nostra, and can travel around the historical setting via horseback and old-timey cars.
- Despite the mixed reviews, Mafia: The Old Country offers a compelling narrative experience set in a beautifully recreated historical setting.
- Polygon, IGN, GameSpot, and Metacritic have all reviewed Mafia: The Old Country, showcasing the game's positive but not exceptional reception.
- In addition to the standard edition, Mafia: The Old Country releases also include deals on accessories, such as the Padrino pack and Gatto Nero pack, available for console players on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch.
