Mafia: The Old Country nails pacing, acting, and atmosphere but drowns deep in clichés, stale gameplay, and zero innovation.

In the wake of Mafia 3 with its open world, as discussed in our developer interview, the team returned to its roots with Mafia: Definitive Edition, a full remake of the more linear 2002 original, and Hangar 13 has brought that forward to The Old Country and mostly for the better.

The game takes place in early 1900s Sicily, where technological advancements have begun to shape the world around it and the divide between poverty and prosperity continues to grow. You play as Enzo Favara. Sold to a sulfur mine at the age of five in order to pay off family debts, Enzo’s spent years saving money in order to leave as a free man.

MP1st Mafia The Old Country Review - Mafia The Old Country manages to tell a compelling a story, though struggles to balance its gameplay.

Mafia: The Old Country uses its stunning setting to tell a familiar story about loyalty and family that’s propped up by its cast of characters.

Mafia: The Old Country takes players to 1920s Sicily with a strong story and rich setting but suffers from restrictive design, dated combat, and frustrating stealth, making it worthwhile mainly for lo

As the name implies, though, Old Country goes backward a bit…not that such a description needs to be a bad thing. The fourth main entry in the Mafia series goes backward in time for its setting and narrative.

Discover the best Mafia games ranked from top to bottom, analyzing each title's gameplay, world-building and impact on the franchise.

Mafia: The Old Country strives with its nuanced, relatable storytelling, but suffers from derivative gameplay and generally unpolished presentation

The Old Country, the latest entry in Hangar 13's action-adventure game series, has won some solid reviews, but it's also revived an old debate. Some players think a key feature is missing: they can't take Enzo Favara swimming.