by Lizzy’s Take:
Mafia is back with a bang—but let’s set expectations early: this isn’t Mafia III evolved. This is a love letter back to the roots, a story-first experience that feels like Mafia I all over again. The campaign is short but impactful, and if you go in expecting just that, it’s a must-play.
👉 Recommended if: You live for Mafia’s lore and want a tight, story-driven ride.
🚫 Skip it if: You’re expecting a sprawling Mafia sandbox with endless side content.
The Plot
Mafia: The Old Country throws us into Sicily, following Enzo Favara—a young carusu condemned to the sulfur mines. How he got there isn’t clear, but it hardly matters once the mines explode and Enzo stumbles straight into the orbit of Don Torrisi.
From there, it’s the classic rise-through-the-ranks arc, fueled by Enzo’s forbidden love for Isabella Torrisi, the Don’s daughter. The supporting cast elevates the whole thing:
- Cesare Massaro (the Don’s nephew) bonds with Enzo like a brother.
- Luca Trapani becomes the grizzled mentor.
- Tino Russo (the consigliere) might be the most punchable Mafia character ever written. I hated him more with every mission—and yet, the ending makes you question everything.
And then there’s Leone Galante—yes, that Leo Galante from Mafia II and III. Seeing him in his prime is a highlight.
The voice acting? Top-notch. Several lines gave me goosebumps. This is a character-first Mafia story, and it lands.
Gameplay
Let’s be real: the gameplay isn’t groundbreaking. Gunfights, stealth sections, and car chases check the usual boxes, but nothing screams innovation.
The standout? Enzo’s knife.
- One for throwing.
- One for brutal takedowns.
- One for sheer durability.
Knife fights replace your usual brawls, and pulling off a mid-combat throw after ducking behind cover never gets old.
That said, outside these moments, the combat feels serviceable rather than signature. Fun, sure—but not memorable.
100% Run
I hit full Steam achievements in about 30 hours. Honestly, it could’ve been 20 if I hadn’t missed the “play on hard” requirement and had to replay the campaign. Lesson learned—check the list first.
Most achievements come naturally through story beats, with the usual “x kills with y weapon” padding. Collectibles, though? Woof. Magazines and hidden foxes make a return, and while that’s classic Mafia, the barren free-roam world makes hunting them feel more chore than charm.
Final Verdict:
Mafia: The Old Country strips the series back to its roots. No management sim, no empire-building, just a focused story about loyalty, ambition, and betrayal. In a market drowning in bloated open worlds, this feels refreshing.
It’s not a game you sink hundreds of hours into. It’s a story you experience. And for Mafia fans, it’s one worth remembering.
