Mafia: The Old Country Review – Stunning Yet Shallow
▼ Summary
– The Mafia series distinguishes itself with narrative-driven, era-specific settings, though Mafia: The Old Country is hindered by shallow mechanics and dated design.
– The game follows Enzo Favara’s predictable but well-acted mobster story, featuring strong character development after a slow start.
– Mafia: The Old Country excels in its detailed Sicilian setting, using environmental storytelling and historical accuracy to create an immersive world.
– Gameplay suffers from rigid mission design, dated stealth segments, and generic combat, despite some improvements in gunplay mechanics.
– The game’s linear structure limits interactivity, making the world feel more like a museum exhibit than a dynamic open-world experience.
The Mafia franchise has always stood apart in the open-world action genre, not by reinventing the wheel, but by delivering rich, period-specific storytelling. While earlier entries like Mafia and Mafia II recreated the atmosphere of 1930s and 1950s America, Mafia: The Old Country shifts focus to early 20th-century Sicily. The game’s stunning recreation of the Italian countryside and its mobster drama are undeniable strengths, but shallow mechanics and predictable storytelling prevent it from reaching greatness.
Players step into the shoes of Enzo Favara, a sulfur miner who finds refuge, and trouble, with the Torrisi Crime Family. Under the wing of Don Torrisi, a quietly menacing figure reminiscent of cinematic mob bosses, Enzo navigates a world of vineyards, vendettas, and volatile alliances. The supporting cast, including hotheaded Cesare and mentor figure Luca, gradually reveals depth, though some characters take too long to leave an impression. Anthony Skordi’s performance as consigliere Tino is a standout, exuding quiet menace in every scene.
While the characters shine, the plot follows a well-worn path. A young man rises through the ranks, only to face betrayal and moral dilemmas, it’s a tale told countless times in both games and films. Mafia: The Old Country doesn’t deviate from tradition, making its twists feel more obligatory than surprising.
Where the game truly excels is its breathtaking setting. San Celeste, a fictional Sicilian town, bursts with life, from its sun-drenched piazzas to its sulfur mines, which cleverly tie into real historical exploitation. The attention to detail is staggering, with period-accurate architecture, clothing, and even festivals that transform the streets into vibrant marketplaces. These moments of slow-paced exploration, where players soak in the atmosphere, are among the game’s highlights.
Yet, for all its visual splendor, The Old Country struggles to feel like a living world. Outside scripted missions, interaction is minimal, NPCs barely react to chaos, law enforcement is absent, and weapon use is restricted in key areas. The linear mission structure, reminiscent of early Mafia titles, prioritizes storytelling over freedom, but the trade-off leaves the world feeling hollow when players step off the beaten path.
Gameplay is a mixed bag. Gunfights, while improved from Mafia: Definitive Edition, remain serviceable at best, with stiff controls and generic cover mechanics. The sound design and weapon feedback add weight to each shot, but encounters rarely evolve beyond standard shootouts. Stealth segments, plagued by instant-fail mechanics and poor checkpoints, disrupt the pacing without adding meaningful tension.
Knife fights, though mechanically simple, provide a brief change of pace. Thematically, however, they strain believability, antagonists inexplicably abandon firearms for hand-to-hand duels, even when it defies logic. These moments clash with the game’s otherwise grounded tone.
Ultimately, Mafia: The Old Country is a visually stunning but uneven experience. Its meticulous world-building and strong performances elevate a familiar story, but dated design and shallow gameplay keep it from standing alongside the genre’s best. Fans of the series may appreciate its dedication to atmosphere, but those seeking innovation will find little to celebrate.
(Source: GAMESPOT)
