Mafia: The Old Country Review – A Stylish, Atmospheric Mob Drama With Some Rough Edges

Mafia: The Old Country takes players to early 1900s Sicily, weaving a tale of mob loyalty, betrayal, and violence with striking period detail. Developed by Hangar 13, it marks a return to the series' linear, story-driven roots and channels the mood and tradition of classic gangster cinema.

Story and Setting

Set against the sun-soaked yet shadowy Sicilian landscape, The Old Country’s narrative follows Enzo Scaletta, a man caught between family honor and brutal criminal realities. Though the story treads familiar gangster tropes, it gradually unfolds into a more nuanced exploration of choice, sacrifice, and confinement within the mob’s rigid code. Voice performances, especially for Don Torrisi, intensify the drama with authenticity and gravitas.

Gameplay and Combat

Gameplay mechanics are serviceable but not revolutionary, focusing on a mix of stealth, cover-based shooting, horseback riding, and cinematic knife fights. Firearms feel impactful, backed by solid sound design and weapon feedback, but the gunplay and AI can sometimes be uneven. Stealth sections are often simple and straightforward, while enemy awareness swings oddly between oblivious and unfairly perceptive.

Knife duels add a stylish break from firefights but lack deep mechanical complexity, serving more as thematic flourishes than core gameplay pillars. Driving and horseriding segments offer a pleasing feel with a touch of simulation, providing enjoyable variety without overstaying their welcome.

Visuals and Atmosphere

Visually, the game excels with lovingly recreated Sicilian towns and countryside bathed in golden light and vibrant colors. The careful composition and cinematic framing make the world feel like a moving gangster film set. While the smaller, less open world lacks bustling life or dynamic systems, it provides a perfect backdrop for intimate storytelling and tense encounters.

Flaws and Frustrations

The Old Country can feel mechanically dated, and its stealth is overly forgiving or frustratingly inconsistent. Some mission design relies heavily on repeated formulas—sneak in, get detected, then gunfights through linear choke points. The narrative occasionally clashes with gameplay, especially during violent scenes where thematic solemnity rubs awkwardly against repetitive shootouts.

Conclusion

While not a game that breaks new ground, Mafia: The Old Country successfully delivers a moody, compact mob drama filled with strong performances and a captivating setting. Fans of classic gangster tales and atmospheric action-adventure games will find plenty to enjoy, provided they are willing to overlook some predictable design choices and dated gameplay mechanics. The game offers an immersive story experience that’s substantially shorter and more focused than previous entries, which many will find refreshing in today’s sprawling open worlds.

Rating: 3.8/5