Mafia: The Old Country

What an amazing game! I started it with high expectations, and it really didn't let me down. From the first mission, it kept me hooked. Some people say the graphics look like a PS3 game-seriously? The story is great, the plot is even better, and the gameplay is a lot of fun. I didn't run into any glitches while playing, which is a big plus. The only thing is that the gameplay feels a bit hard at first-whether it's shooting or driving-but you get used to it over time.

Hangar 13 didn't disappoint - it's great to see a studio that learns from its mistakes. And their mistake was definitely a serious one - we're talking about the disastrous Mafia 3, where story missions arrived only after hours of monotonous, tedious grinding.

Abandoning the unnecessary open world was a step in the right direction. If you're not Rockstar Games or CD Projekt RED - studios that truly know how to create vibrant, engaging open worlds - then maybe it's better not to try at all. Given the negative experience with Mafia 3, repeating those same mistakes could have completely undermined the audience's trust.

But let's be honest - this new game turned out great. The story, the atmosphere, the action - it's all top-notch. Sure, the gameplay might feel a bit outdated in places, but that hardly matters when the game is so gripping it's nearly impossible to put down.

This is the strongest entry in the series to date - we're looking forward to what the team creates next. 8/10.

Nowadays, in more cases than less, big franchises that paved the way for video game entertainment today never seem to realize what made them successful in the first place. On that notion, we have received so many broken, lackluster, and repetitive games with nothing to show.

That is not the case with MAFIA: THE OLD COUNTRY.

Hanger 13 and 2K have crafted such an experience, reminiscent of past Mafia entries, specifically Mafia 1 & 2, that shows their commitment to making a memorable narrative, exciting gameplay, and a true authentic period piece many Mafia fans will love taking in. Maybe even historical experts.

The rise and fall story of Enzo and the Torrisi family marks 2K's best narrative to date. With gripping character development, unpredictable set pieces, and most importantly, a love story so powerful, never once does the game feel soulless in any regard.

Stealth and combat feel weighted, in many good ways, but at times, some bad ways. You play a very scripted, enthralling campaign that most developers these days wouldn't dare taking a chance on making. The delivery knife fights at times can level a certain annoyance as the balance of script and combat do not want to compromise with each other. Leading to half of the boss fights feeling a bit underwhelming.

Being a new release, the game does include some frame rate issues, specifically when encountering larger set pieces as the world and gameplay have trouble keeping up with one another.

However, these flaws listed get outshined by the pure artistry the developers have in mind. This isn't an open world adventure, nor an RPG. The developers have taking the time and precautions to deliver a story-driven game, which seems as a forgotten genre to today's standards.

As someone who loves linear games who don't fall under what most mainstream media would like to offer, MAFIA: THE OLD COUNTRY feels like a breath of fresh air. In need of some touch ups for later entries.

This game was amazing, a bit predictable but amazing.

All of the characters have so much depth to them, you understand all of their motivations and why they make the decisions they do. All of the actors potrayed their characters so well, every emotion and facial expression telling the story.

The background also tell us so much, the volaco, the difference in colours and the amount of ironic karma is absolutely delictable.

The horse and car chase scene did feel very put of place and boring, we should've been able to jump from the horses to cars.

Rating: 7.8/10

Mafia: The Old Country is a masterful narrative-driven experience that combines a powerful story with stunning visuals. By returning to the series' roots, Hangar 13 has delivered a gripping and emotionally resonant gangster epic.

Highlights

• Gripping Story: The game's narrative is a powerful tale of loyalty, love, and the corrupting nature of power, with a tight and focused structure.

• Compelling Characters: The characters are wonderfully written and performed, with Enzo's relationships being the emotional core of the game.

• Visual Masterpiece: The game is a visual masterpiece, with breathtaking detail and realistic lighting, set in early 20th-century Sicily.

Criticisms

• Lack of Innovation: The gameplay doesn't bring much new to the third-person action genre, relying on a standard formula.

• Limited Player Choice: The game's strict linearity means there's little room for player choice or exploration outside of the main path.

Verdict Mafia: The Old Country is a triumphant return to the series' narrative-driven roots. It's a stunning, cinematic, and deeply tragic gangster story that's a must-play for anyone who loves a great, character-driven story.