An Offer You Can’t Refuse? A Return to the Old Country
Mafia: The Old Country, the latest entry from developer Hangar 13, takes the series back to its roots—narratively and geographically.
Departing from the sprawling open-world format of its predecessor, Mafia III, this new prequel focuses on a tightly scripted, cinematic experience set in the heart of the Sicilian countryside in the early 1900s.
The result is a beautiful and intimate crime drama that, while occasionally predictable, serves as a welcome reset for the franchise.
The game places you in the role of Enzo Favara, a young sulfur miner whose life is turned upside down by a tragic accident.
After being taken in by the powerful Torrisi family, he is quickly drawn into a world of honor and violence.
The story unfolds like a classic mob movie, chronicling Enzo’s rise through the ranks, his complex relationships with fellow mobsters Luca and Cesare, and a forbidden romance with the Don’s daughter, Isabella.
Although the plot elements may feel familiar to anyone who has seen a few gangster films, the narrative is masterfully crafted through excellent writing, strong character performances, and a fully localized Sicilian voice-over option that adds an authentic layer of immersion.
Hangar 13 has successfully delivered a narrative that is both epic in scope and deeply personal in emotional weight.
Focusing on a linear story allows for a more direct gameplay approach in a bold departure from many modern games.
The stunning rendition of 1900s Sicily, brought to life with Unreal Engine 5, serves as a gorgeous backdrop for the narrative but does not present a sandbox filled with numerous side quests.
Instead, players travel through this beautiful world on horseback and in period-authentic cars to reach the next set piece.
The core gameplay loop of cover-based shooting is solid, though somewhat dated, while the new emphasis on close-quarters combat with knives provides a fresh, brutal feel.
Stealth takedowns and scripted knife duels add a visceral layer to the action, although some reviewers have noted that the combat and AI can occasionally feel too simplistic.
The game’s shorter, more focused runtime (around 10 to 12 hours) is a double-edged sword: it keeps the narrative moving briskly but leaves some players wanting more to explore in the stunning world that Hangar 13 has created.
Powered by a revamped engine, the game boasts photorealistic lighting, detailed character models, and breathtaking vistas.
The ray tracing enhances reflections and shadows, creating a more immersive experience.
The ambient sounds of Sicily—cicadas, church bells, and distant waves—provide unparalleled immersion while playing.
The orchestral score blends traditional folk music with haunting melodies.
Some players have reported occasional frame drops in dense urban areas and minor AI pathfinding bugs; however, I have not experienced these issues.
Ultimately, Mafia: The Old Country is a love letter to classic crime dramas and a clear sign that Hangar 13 is listening to its fans.
This game values storytelling and atmosphere over an abundance of content.
While its gameplay mechanics may not be revolutionary and the story follows a well-trodden path, the title’s exquisite visual design, compelling characters, and unwavering commitment to its cinematic vision make it a memorable experience.
It serves as a testament to the idea that sometimes, less is more—and that a return to the “old country” was precisely what this series needed.
This bold, uncompromising prequel honors the series’ roots while delivering its most mature and atmospheric entry yet.
Although its pacing may deter some players, its powerful story, authentic world, and weighty gameplay make it a standout narrative experience in 2025.
For fans of the franchise or historical crime epics, this is an essential journey into the heart of darkness where the Mafia was born.
