Mafia: The Old Country dives into 1920s Sicily with gripping storytelling, rich visuals, and brutal mob action. Is this prequel worth your time?
Mafia: The Old Country marks a bold return for the long-standing Mafia franchise, diving deeper into the roots of organized crime with a compelling story set in 1920s Sicily. Developed by Hangar 13 and published by 2K Games, this title aims to blend historical authenticity with cinematic gameplay, offering players a raw, immersive journey into the heart of the original mob world.
But does it deliver an experience worth your time, or is it just another game resting on the laurels of its predecessors? In this in-depth review, we’ll cover the game’s storyline, gameplay, graphics, mechanics, and overall value—helping you decide whether Mafia: The Old Country is an offer you can’t refuse.
Table of Contents
A Return to Mafia’s Roots
The Mafia franchise has long been known for its cinematic storytelling and period-accurate settings. From the streets of Lost Heaven in the original Mafia to the neon-lit Empire Bay of Mafia II, each installment has brought a unique flavor to the gangster genre.
Mafia: The Old Country flips the script by setting the action in 1920s Italy, long before the American mob scene took shape. The game transports players to Sicily, offering a fresh setting drenched in sun-soaked villages, olive groves, and crumbling ruins.
Here, you play as Marco Bellini, a young Sicilian farm boy whose life is forever changed after his family falls victim to a rival crime family. What begins as a personal vendetta spirals into a brutal rise through the ranks of La Cosa Nostra. The game weaves real historical events and fictional drama into a narrative that feels both grounded and epic.
Gameplay: A Mixed Bag of Innovation and Tradition
One of the most ambitious changes in Mafia: The Old Country is the shift toward semi-open-world gameplay. While not fully open-world like GTA V, the game gives players the freedom to explore key Sicilian towns, countryside, and underground lairs at their own pace.
Combat and Stealth
Combat is gritty and weighty, emphasizing realism over arcade-style action. Gunplay feels intentionally slow—every bullet counts, and enemies are unforgiving. Melee combat, on the other hand, gets more attention than in past games, with brutal finishing moves and strategic counters.
Stealth plays a larger role in this installment. Missions often give you the option to go in loud or sneak through vineyards and back alleys. The AI, while occasionally inconsistent, adds a layer of tension to every encounter.
Mission Structure
Each mission in Mafia: The Old Country is cinematic and story-driven. Whether you’re burning down a rival vineyard or sneaking into a corrupt priest’s villa, the game rarely wastes your time with filler. However, some reviewers have noted that side missions can feel repetitive and undercooked compared to the richly designed main campaign.
Visuals and Sound: Stunning but Uneven
Graphically, Mafia: The Old Country is a visual feast. The Sicilian countryside is rendered in stunning detail—from cobblestone streets to the golden hues of sunset over the hills. Facial animations are particularly impressive during key cutscenes, helping to bring emotional depth to pivotal story beats.
However, technical hiccups do appear. On consoles, especially PS5 and Xbox Series X, occasional frame rate drops and pop-in textures detract from an otherwise polished experience.
The sound design, on the other hand, is a major highlight. Voice acting is top-notch, blending English and Italian seamlessly. The orchestral score mixes traditional Sicilian folk with haunting mob-era themes, elevating both action and drama.
Historical Depth and Cultural Sensitivity
One of the game’s most notable achievements is its portrayal of Sicilian culture and history. Mafia: The Old Country doesn’t just use Italy as a backdrop—it fully immerses players in the time period. You’ll hear villagers speaking in regional dialects, learn about post-war poverty, and witness the rise of the Black Hand and other proto-mafia organizations.
While the game handles these elements with mostly respectful attention to detail, some critics have voiced concerns about glorifying violence and perpetuating mafia stereotypes. However, others argue that the game’s narrative arc—which doesn’t shy away from the brutal consequences of organized crime—provides a more nuanced portrayal than previous entries.
What the Critics Are Saying
According to reviews from top gaming outlets:
- The New York Times praised the game’s cinematic ambition and historical authenticity, calling it “a blood-soaked but surprisingly emotional tale of family, loyalty, and loss.” [NYT Review]
- IGN gave it a solid 8/10, citing its immersive setting and story-driven missions, but noted some mechanical inconsistencies. [IGN Review]
- Game Informer was more critical, scoring it 6.75/10 and describing it as “an offer you can probably refuse” due to clunky controls and AI issues. [Game Informer]
- Polygon highlighted the moral complexity of the story and praised the detailed world-building, though they criticized the pacing in the second act. [Polygon Review]
Final Verdict: Should You Play It?
Mafia: The Old Country is not a perfect game, but it’s certainly one of the most ambitious titles in the franchise’s history. If you’re a fan of story-driven games and have a fascination with historical crime dramas, this game will likely pull you in and keep you hooked until the final credits roll.
Yes, the gameplay mechanics could use more refinement, and yes, the side missions leave something to be desired—but the narrative weight, atmosphere, and cultural depth make it a worthwhile experience.
For newcomers, this could be a great entry point to the series. For long-time fans, it’s a fresh and respectful homage to where the Mafia story truly began.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning Sicilian setting | Occasional frame drops |
| Deep, emotional story | Weak side missions |
| Great voice acting and music | Some combat clunkiness |
| Respectful historical portrayal | AI inconsistencies |
FAQs About Mafia: The Old Country
Q: Is Mafia: The Old Country open-world?
A: Not fully. It features semi-open-world hubs with freedom to explore, but follows a linear, mission-driven structure.
Q: Do I need to play previous Mafia games to understand this one?
A: No. This game is a prequel and functions as a standalone story.
Q: How long is the main campaign?
A: Around 15–20 hours depending on play style and side content.
Q: What platforms is it available on?
A: PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
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