Release Date: August 8, 2025
Developer: Hangar 13
Publisher: 2K
Platforms: PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre: Action-Adventure
Price: $49.99
Average Clear Time: 10–12 Hours
Reviewed on: Xbox Series X|S
Introduction
Mafia: The Old Country is a third-person action-adventure set in 1900s Sicily.
It is not the longest or flashiest game, but it knows exactly what it wants to be.
The game focuses on a grounded mob drama filled with loyalty, betrayal, and survival.
It is a linear and story-driven experience that values atmosphere and character development over open-world exploration.
If you enjoy crime dramas with strong storytelling, this game is worth your attention.
Story – 10/10
The story is the heart of Mafia: The Old Country.
You play as Enzo, a young miner who has lived a hard life of labor and exploitation.
Enzo dreams of a better future and finds himself drawn into the dangerous world of the Torissi crime family.
The game starts slow but powerful.
Instead of opening with explosions and chaos, it begins with quiet moments that set the tone.
Enzo’s first meeting with Don Torissi is not about guns or violence.
Instead, he is given a small storage room to live in—a huge improvement from his miserable life in the mines.
Moments like this make the player connect deeply with him.
The writing is excellent.
Characters are complex, believable, and human.
The Torissi family is not painted as pure villains or pure heroes.
They protect their own but also commit brutal acts.
The story asks you to think about morality, loyalty, and the cost of survival.
As Enzo rises in the family, you see relationships change.
Allies can become enemies, and enemies can become unexpected friends.
One of the standout characters is Luca, Don Torissi’s right-hand man.
His calm speeches about the “purpose” of the family make you question who is right and who is wrong.
The pacing is perfect.
Every scene matters, and there is no unnecessary filler.
The last chapters hit with emotional weight, making you feel the consequences of every choice.
Gameplay – 8/10
Mafia: The Old Country keeps gameplay simple but effective.
The main loop is clear:
- Set up a mission.
- Infiltrate a location.
- Rescue someone or recover something.
- Fight your way out.
Combat is solid but not revolutionary.
The cover system works well, and the guns feel heavy and satisfying.
Enemy AI is decent—they will try to flank you and use cover.
You can carry a basic set of weapons: a knife, pistol, shotgun, and rifle.
There are moments of stealth and driving mixed into the missions.
Driving feels weighty and fits the early 1900s vehicles.
Yes, there are also horses, which add variety.
The game adds flavor with collectibles like rosary beads.
These are hidden in the world and give passive upgrades, such as better aim or quieter movement.
This is a clever nod to the religious influence in mafia culture.
Sometimes, missions include split-second choices without a timer.
If you hesitate, the game decides for you, adding tension without relying on quick-time events.
The biggest downside is replayability.
There’s no New Game+ or major reason to replay after finishing the story, aside from exploring and enjoying the world.
Visuals – 7/10
The atmosphere of Sicily is beautifully captured.
You will see sunlit courtyards, dusty roads, and historic stone buildings.
Hilltop villages feel alive, and the lighting often adds a cinematic quality.
However, the graphics themselves feel dated for 2025.
Textures can pop in late, some animations are stiff, and character models are inconsistent.
Performance is generally stable, but there are occasional frame drops and minor bugs.
While the art direction is strong, the technical side does not match modern standards.
On Xbox Series X|S, the presentation sometimes feels like it belongs to an older generation of games.
Audio – 9/10
The audio is one of the game’s strongest points.
The orchestral soundtrack is used with precision—it swells during intense moments and fades into silence when tension needs to build.
Gunfire, footsteps, and car engines sound authentic.
Ambient noise, such as church bells or distant conversations, makes the world feel alive.
But the voice acting is the real star.
Enzo’s performance is soulful and grounded.
The supporting cast brings emotional depth, even to small roles.
The Sicilian accents feel authentic, adding to the immersion.
The only drawback is that the soundtrack is not very memorable outside of the game.
World & Atmosphere
When you are not on missions, the world of Sicily invites you to breathe.
You can wander through cobblestone streets, vineyards, and small markets.
The scenery feels authentic, and quiet moments let you appreciate the setting.
During downtime, you can collect items, try different vehicles, or simply explore.
Small details—like a street musician playing guitar—help the world feel real.
The game’s restraint is refreshing.
It doesn’t overload you with meaningless side quests.
Instead, it gives you space to enjoy the setting between missions.
Bugs & Issues
While generally stable, Mafia: The Old Country has a few technical problems:
- Occasional frame rate drops.
- Mission triggers failing (for example, losing a tailing mission for no reason).
- Rare animation glitches, like being thrown out of a car during a chase.
These are not game-breaking, but they do break immersion at times.
Value for Money – 9/10
At $49.99, the game offers great value for players who love narrative-driven experiences.
The 10–12 hour runtime is tight and impactful.
It doesn’t pad its length with filler content, making every scene meaningful.
Replay value is low, but the quality of the first playthrough makes it worth the price.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent storytelling and pacing.
- Deep, believable characters.
- Authentic setting and atmosphere.
- Strong voice acting.
- Balanced mix of stealth, combat, and driving.
Cons:
- Visuals feel dated.
- Limited replayability.
- Occasional bugs and performance dips.
Final Verdict – 86/100
Mafia: The Old Country is not an open-world epic.
It does not aim to keep you playing for dozens of hours.
Instead, it delivers a focused, emotional story that stays with you long after the credits roll.
The gameplay is traditional but solid, and the atmosphere is unforgettable.
Its visuals could be sharper, but the strong writing and performances make up for it.
If you want a mafia game that values story over spectacle, this is an offer you shouldn’t refuse.
Should You Buy It?
Yes—if you are looking for:
- A grounded, story-driven mob drama.
- Strong characters and authentic writing.
- A short but meaningful game.
No—if you are expecting:
- Cutting-edge visuals.
- High replay value.
- A large open world full of side content.
Mafia: The Old Country is a confident, well-told tale.
It knows exactly what it wants to be and delivers it with style.
For players tired of bloated open worlds, this focused approach is a breath of fresh air.