8.1/10
Released on August 8, 2025, Mafia: The Old Country is the latest entry in the acclaimed Mafia series, developed by Hangar 13 and published by 2K Games. Serving as a prequel to the original trilogy, the game takes players back to the birthplace of the Mafia — Sicily in the early 1900s — offering a raw, emotional look at the origins of organized crime long before the rise of American mobsters.
Players step into the shoes of Enzo Favara, a young man caught in the ruthless world of power, loyalty, and betrayal. Set in the fictional Sicilian town of San Celeste, the game weaves a tale of survival amid the harsh realities of the old world, portraying the rise of the Torrisi crime family.
Developed using Unreal Engine 5, The Old Country marks a visual evolution for the series, showcasing cinematic realism, lifelike character performances, and environments steeped in history. It’s a return to linear storytelling, reminiscent of the original Mafia and Mafia II, focusing on emotional storytelling over open-world exploration.
Mafia: The Old Country – Official Story Trailer
Mafia: The Old Country – Official Gameplay Trailer
What Is Mafia: The Old Country About?
Set decades before the first Mafia game, The Old Country explores the birth of the criminal underworld and the code of honor that defined it. Players follow Enzo Favara as he rises from humble beginnings to become entangled in the intricate web of power struggles between Sicilian families.
The game captures the tone and atmosphere of early 20th-century Italy — rural villages, shadowy vineyards, bustling markets, and the looming presence of corruption. It delves into the moral ambiguity of loyalty and justice, presenting a world where doing the right thing often leads to the wrong outcome.
While the game doesn’t rely on open-world freedom, it offers richly detailed locations that bring every cobblestone street and candlelit chapel to life. Mafia: The Old Country feels more like a playable cinematic experience, prioritizing character development, authentic dialogue, and the emotional weight of every choice over pure action.
Is Mafia: The Old Country Worth Playing?
Yes — especially if you value narrative-driven storytelling and historical atmosphere over pure sandbox gameplay. Mafia: The Old Country delivers an evocative tale that grounds the franchise in its cultural roots, focusing on character depth and realism.
Critics have praised its strong writing, memorable performances, and authentic recreation of 1900s Sicily, calling it one of the most narratively ambitious entries in the series. While some players found the gameplay structure dated compared to modern open-world titles, the story, music, and visual design more than make up for it.
Fans of previous Mafia games will appreciate its return to the franchise’s cinematic roots, while newcomers can enjoy it as a standalone story that sets the stage for everything that follows. It’s not about flashy mechanics — it’s about legacy, honor, and tragedy, told through masterful direction and emotional performances.
Why Should You Play Mafia: The Old Country?
You should play Mafia: The Old Country because it brings the soul of the franchise back to life, grounding the series in the emotional storytelling and cinematic atmosphere that made the original Mafia a classic.
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Deep, Character-Driven Narrative: Enzo Favara’s journey captures the heart of the Mafia legacy — loyalty, betrayal, and ambition.
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Cinematic World Design: Every location, from quiet countryside villages to lavish estates, feels like a painting brought to life.
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Authentic Historical Setting: The depiction of early 1900s Sicily offers cultural depth and historical authenticity rarely seen in games.
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Powerful Soundtrack: The score by BT adds emotional resonance, blending traditional instrumentation with haunting orchestral tones.
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A Return to Classic Mafia Roots: Focused storytelling replaces sprawling maps, delivering a tight, dramatic experience reminiscent of the first two games.
If you’re drawn to story-rich crime dramas like The Godfather, Red Dead Redemption II, or L.A. Noire, this game is a must-play — a cinematic prequel that deepens the world of the Mafia series.
Gameplay Overview
Mafia: The Old Country combines third-person cinematic gameplay with selective exploration and immersive set pieces. Players can:
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Engage in handcrafted missions blending stealth, driving, and combat.
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Explore small open hubs in between story events, uncovering secrets and conversations that expand the lore.
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Experience detailed gunplay and melee mechanics inspired by the era’s weaponry.
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Participate in optional races, horse-riding sequences, and investigation tasks tied to the main narrative.
It’s a slower, more deliberate style of gameplay meant to evoke classic Mafia pacing rather than fast-paced open-world action. Each mission is structured like a movie scene — with tight editing, cinematic camera work, and rich dialogue that makes every encounter feel significant.
Development and Technical Aspects
Developed by Hangar 13 using Unreal Engine 5, the game marks a technological leap forward for the franchise. The team used features like Nanite, Lumen, and MetaHuman to deliver photorealistic visuals and emotionally expressive performances.
The game’s commitment to authenticity was supported by Italian studio Stormind Games, ensuring cultural and historical accuracy in architecture, dialogue, and setting. Despite controversy over the initial lack of Italian voice acting, the developers later added Sicilian-language dubbing — a first for the series — honoring the cultural heart of the story.
This entry also reinforces Hangar 13’s dedication to linear cinematic design, focusing on storytelling, art direction, and emotional tone rather than building a massive open world.
Reception and Reviews
Mafia: The Old Country received mixed-to-positive reviews, with most critics praising its storytelling, characters, and presentation while noting some mechanical limitations.
According to Metacritic, the game averaged around 74/100 on PC, 72/100 on PS5, and 73/100 on Xbox Series X/S, with 66% of critics recommending it on OpenCritic.
Highlights from key reviews include:
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IGN: 8/10 – “A beautifully told story that brings the Mafia saga full circle.”
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Destructoid: 8/10 – “Emotionally charged and gorgeously crafted.”
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GameSpot: 6/10 – “A touching crime story with uneven gameplay.”
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Video Games Chronicle: 4/5 – “Visually stunning and narratively rich, though mechanically conservative.”
While not perfect, its emotional impact and visual fidelity cement it as a standout narrative experience in 2025.
Soundtrack and Atmosphere
The game’s original score, composed by BT, perfectly encapsulates the tone of tragedy and beauty that defines the story. The soundtrack blends Italian folk influences, orchestral strings, and melancholic piano themes, creating a hauntingly immersive soundscape.
Tracks like “The Don’s Daughter”, “Vendettas Must End”, and “The Old Country” stand out as emotional highlights, weaving seamlessly into gameplay and cinematics. Every note enhances the atmosphere of a world defined by loyalty, loss, and legacy.
Mafia: The Old Country (Video Game) FAQ
Q: What is Mafia: The Old Country about?
It’s a prequel set in early 1900s Sicily, following Enzo Favara as he becomes entangled in the origins of organized crime through the Torrisi family.
Q: Is the game open-world?
No, The Old Country returns to the linear, story-driven structure of the original Mafia games, focusing on tightly crafted missions and narrative immersion.
Q: What platforms is it available on?
The game is available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PC.
Q: Does the game include Italian voice acting?
Initially, no — but after community feedback, the developers added Sicilian-language dubbing through an update for authenticity.
Q: Is this a sequel or prequel to previous Mafia games?
It’s a prequel, set decades before the first Mafia, exploring the roots of the crime world that later shapes the franchise.
Q: How long is the game?
The main story takes around 15–20 hours to complete, with additional time for exploration, Free Ride mode, and bonus activities.
Conclusion
Mafia: The Old Country is a beautifully crafted prequel that honors the legacy of the Mafia franchise while standing on its own as a compelling crime drama. Its focus on storytelling, authenticity, and character depth makes it a refreshing return to form for fans of the series.
While its mechanics may feel old-fashioned to some, its heart lies in its emotionally powerful narrative and world-building. The setting of Sicily in the 1900s breathes new life into the Mafia universe, offering a poignant look at the cost of ambition and the weight of loyalty.
If you’re a fan of cinematic storytelling, historical settings, and complex characters, Mafia: The Old Country delivers an unforgettable experience — a journey back to where the legend began.