The long wait is over. After years of rumors and anticipation, the family has finally called us home. The brand-new Mafia game, officially titled Mafia: The Old Country, launched on August 8, 2025, and it’s making some serious waves. Developed by Hangar 13, this prequel takes us back to the very origins of the saga, but does it live up to the legendary status of its predecessors? We’ve dived deep into this tale of loyalty and betrayal to bring you the full debrief.
What Is the Story of Mafia: The Old Country?
Forget the streets of Lost Heaven or Empire Bay. This new Mafia game transports you to the sun-drenched, treacherous landscape of 1900s Sicily. You play as Enzo Favara, a man whose journey begins in the brutal sulfur mines and leads him into the burgeoning world of the Torrisi crime family. This is a true prequel, set decades before the events of the original trilogy. Hangar 13 has focused on delivering a cinematic, character-driven narrative about the birth of the Cosa Nostra. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the world is visually stunning, capturing the beauty and brutality of old-world Sicily with incredible detail.
A Bold Return to Linear Gameplay
One of the biggest talking points surrounding Mafia: The Old Country is its design philosophy. Hangar 13 has made the deliberate choice to move away from the open-world format of Mafia 3 and return to the tightly scripted, linear narrative structure of the first two games. This means the focus is squarely on the story and the missions that drive it forward.
The gameplay itself feels both familiar and fresh. You can expect:
- Intense Cover-Based Shooting: The gunplay is weighty and visceral, featuring a host of period-accurate firearms.
- Brutal Melee System: Close-quarters combat, especially with knives, is a gritty and essential part of survival.
- New Ways to Traverse: For the first time, horseback riding is a key feature for navigating the Sicilian countryside, alongside a collection of classic automobiles.
This linear approach has been praised by fans who missed the focused storytelling of the originals, though some may miss the freedom of a true open world.
What Are the Reviews Saying?
Since its release yesterday, reviews have been pouring in, and the consensus is largely positive. Critics are hailing Mafia: The Old Country as a stunning return to form. The narrative, voice acting, and cinematic presentation are receiving top marks, with many calling it one of the most compelling stories in the series. The visuals, thanks to Unreal Engine 5, are consistently described as breathtaking.
However, it’s not without its criticisms. Some reviews point to the gameplay as being somewhat simplistic compared to modern action games, and the mission design, while effective, can feel a bit dated to some. But if you are coming to this new Mafia game for an immersive story that makes you feel like you’re in a classic gangster film, the verdict is clear: this is an offer you can’t refuse.
Is The New Mafia Game for You?
If you’re a long-time fan of the series who loved the narrative focus of Mafia: Definitive Edition and Mafia 2, then Mafia: The Old Country is a must-play. It’s a beautifully crafted, story-first experience that respects the legacy of the franchise. If you’re looking for a sprawling open-world sandbox with endless side activities, you might want to temper your expectations.
Ultimately, Hangar 13 set out to tell a powerful, cinematic story, and on that front, they have succeeded spectacularly.
Have you started your journey in The Old Country? What are your first impressions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
