Mafia: The Old Country – A Masterclass in Narrative and Atmosphere

In a world dominated by sprawling, hundred-hour open-world games, Mafia: The Old Country arrives like a breath of fresh air. The latest installment in the beloved crime series from developer Hangar 13 is a deliberate return to the franchise’s roots, focusing on a tight, linear, and cinematic narrative. While its gameplay may be described as by-the-numbers, the game’s stunning visuals, rich atmosphere, and refreshingly brief runtime elevate it far beyond a simple shooter. It is a confident and engaging title that proves that a focused, well-told story can be just as impactful as an endless map full of collectibles.

Set in early 1900s Sicily, The Old Country serves as a prequel to the entire Mafia saga. You step into the shoes of Enzo Favara, a young man who escapes a life of brutal servitude in the sulfur mines to join the ranks of the powerful Torrisi crime family. The narrative unfolds like a classic mob movie, hitting many of the genre’s familiar beats: the honorable Don, the loyal but flawed friends, and the tragic, forbidden romance. While the story is not a deconstruction of the genre, it is a masterfully told example of it. The writing is sharp, and the voice performances, particularly from Johnny Santiago as Don Torrisi, are outstanding, imbuing a sense of gravitas and quiet menace that makes the characters feel real and believable.

A Beautiful World, A Simple Purpose

The game’s most striking feature is its world. Crafted in stunning detail using Unreal Engine 5, Sicily is a breathtaking backdrop for the narrative. From the sun-drenched vineyards to the rugged coastlines and the ornate, period-accurate buildings, the environment is a visual masterpiece. Hangar 13 has done a superb job of making the world feel like a living, breathing place, full of intricate details and a strong sense of history. However, this is not an open world in the traditional sense. The map is designed as a cinematic stage, a gorgeous setting to move through between objectives. There are no side quests, no endless streams of arbitrary icons to clear, and no towers to climb. This is a deliberate design choice that focuses the player’s attention squarely on the story, a welcome departure from the bloat that has plagued many modern games.

While the game’s linear design is a major strength, its gameplay is its most conventional aspect. The core mechanics—third-person cover shooting, stealth, and melee combat—are functional but don’t innovate. Shootouts are serviceable, with a soft-locking aim assist that keeps the action moving, but the AI can be inconsistent, and the lack of a deep weapon upgrade system means the combat remains largely static throughout the game’s 12-to-15-hour runtime. Stealth and melee combat are also straightforward and are often tied to specific, scripted moments. The game’s brevity, however, works in its favor. Because the experience doesn’t overstay its welcome, the gameplay never has a chance to become tedious. It gets the job done without bogging down the powerful narrative.

A Legacy of Storytelling

Mafia: The Old Country is a game for fans of the first two installments and anyone who appreciates a tightly-wound crime story. It is a love letter to the genre and a testament to the idea that a game doesn’t need to be a massive time sink to be valuable. Its focus on story and atmosphere, combined with its beautiful visuals and confident design, makes it a must-play. While some players may be left yearning for more, the game is a strong reminder that a great story, well-told, is what truly matters. In a gaming landscape that often values quantity over quality, Mafia: The Old Country stands out as a bold and successful return to form.