Mafia: The Old Country Review: Unforgettable Story Hampered by Repetitive Gameplay

Sunlight glints off Sicilian cobblestones as Enzo Favara sharpens his knife—a moment embodying Mafia: The Old Country’s brilliance and frustration. This gripping prequel delivers one of gaming’s most emotionally resonant mob sagas, yet struggles to match that narrative excellence with compelling gameplay. Set in 1904 Sicily, developer Hangar 13 crafts a stunning portrait of Valle Dorata’s golden vineyards and treacherous power struggles. But does the experience justify the bloodstained journey?

Is Mafia: The Old Country Worth Playing?

For narrative enthusiasts, absolutely. The game excels as an interactive crime epic, tracing Enzo’s rise from exploited miner to feared mafia soldier under Don Torresi’s ruthless tutelage. Critics praise its Shakespearean character arcs and jaw-dropping set pieces—including an opera-house assassination and rooftop chase across San Celeste (Dexerto, August 2025). Voice acting and period detail immerse you in a world where loyalty trumps morality. Yet gameplay often feels like an obligatory obstacle between cutscenes.

A Story You Can’t Refuse

Mafia: The Old Country’s narrative stands shoulder-to-shoulder with genre classics. Enzo’s relationships—particularly with mentor Luca—evolve with gut-wrenching authenticity. The Sicilian setting isn’t just backdrop; it’s a character. From Porto Almaro’s turquoise bays to sun-drenched vineyards, every location reinforces themes of beauty and brutality (2K Games). The second half delivers unprecedented emotional payoffs, cementing Hangar 13’s storytelling mastery.

Gameplay: Knife and Knife Again

Mission design follows a predictable rhythm: stealth-kill guards, trigger shootouts, repeat. While gunplay feels weighty with period-accurate rifles and shotguns, stealth mechanics are rudimentary. Distracting foes with thrown objects feels outdated, and AI shortcomings undermine tension. Worst offender? Mandatory knife duels concluding nearly every major encounter. These QTE-like sequences—initially novel—grow exhaustingly repetitive. As one critic lamented, “When Enzo drew his blade for the ninth climactic fight, I begged for a gun” (Dexerto).

Verdict

Mafia: The Old Country delivers a masterclass in storytelling—with unforgettable characters, a breathtaking Sicilian world, and emotional depth rivaling The Godfather—yet falters with monotonous stealth and overused knife mechanics. While gameplay rarely rises above serviceable, the narrative’s power makes it essential for mafia drama fans. For Hangar 13’s next offering, we hope they balance cinematic ambition with engaging interactivity. Experience this flawed gem for its story, but temper expectations for its action.

Must Know

Q: Is Mafia: The Old Country open-world like Mafia 3?
A: No. The game abandons Mafia 3’s bloated open-world design, returning to a linear, mission-based structure similar to Mafia: Definitive Edition for tighter pacing.

Q: How long is the campaign?
A: Approximately 12 hours. The runtime prioritizes story density over filler, though repetitive missions may extend playtime.

Q: Does the Sicilian setting enhance the experience?
A: Absolutely. Valle Dorata’s coastal cliffs and vineyards provide a visually stunning, thematically rich backdrop that influences characters and plot.

Q: Are the knife combat mechanics customizable?
A: You can purchase knives with different stat effects (e.g., faster strikes), but they don’t significantly alter the simplistic duel system.