Mafia: The Old Country – A cinematic return to the mafia’s roots

GAMING NEWS AlexP - Aug 12, 2025, 1:16 PM - 47 comments

Since its release on August 8, 2025, Mafia: The Old Country has garnered a mixed yet generally positive reception, revitalizing the Mafia series with its narrative-driven approach. Set in the fictional Sicilian town of San Celeste in the early 1900s, the game has earned praise for its cinematic storytelling and immersive atmosphere, boasting an average score of 75-77 on Metacritic and OpenCritic. Critics have celebrated its Unreal Engine 5 visuals and authentic portrayal of Sicily's rugged landscapes and culture, with IGN awarding it an 8/10 for its ''moody and engaging'' historical immersion. Polygon highlighted its poignant depiction of economic hardship, but some reviews criticized its predictable narrative and unpolished gameplay, with outlets like Game Rant giving it a 5/10 for lacking the spark of earlier entries. Social media feedback reflects this split: some players rave about the production quality and gripping story, while others lament a slow start, a restrictive world, and technical issues like frame rate drops and PC optimization problems. Despite these critiques, the game's ''Very Positive'' Steam rating and strong series standing suggest it resonates with fans who value its focused, story-centric design over sprawling open-world ambitions.

Enzo's rise and game mechanics

Mafia: The Old Country centers on Enzo Favara, a Sicilian orphan rising from sulfur mines to join the Torrisi crime family. Set between 1904 and 1908, the linear narrative explores the Mafia's origins, weaving themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and betrayal with a romantic subplot for emotional depth. Gameplay blends third-person shooting, stealth takedowns, and distinctive knife duels, though the latter can feel clunky. Players navigate the semi-open Sicilian countryside via horseback or early automobiles, using period-appropriate weapons like revolvers and shotguns. The experience, lasting 10.5–13 hours, prioritizes cinematic storytelling over expansive mechanics, delivering a concise yet evocative mob drama.

Compared to Red Dead Redemption, Mafia: The Old Country shares a historical setting and horseback traversal but opts for a tighter, narrative-driven structure over vast open-world exploration, appealing to players who enjoy classic crime sagas with a focused scope. Use our price comparison tool to find the best prices for Mafia: The Old Country.

Cabilau

Aug 13, 2025, 3:56 PM

I read that there's a lot of cutscenes and that the combat doesn't evolve much as the game progresses. Personally, I'm good with that, I like the Mafia games because they usually have immersive stories and interesting characters so I'm eager to play this one as well.

Baris4hin

Aug 13, 2025, 11:29 AM

The premise sounds fantastic — I like the idea of exploring the Mafia’s origins in a cinematic, story-driven way. The mix of shooting, stealth, and knife duels seems refreshing, and the Sicilian setting feels unique. As long as the clunky knife mechanics don’t ruin the flow, I think the tighter narrative focus could make this a memorable experience.

Vinn

Aug 12, 2025, 10:58 PM

For me I see this game as a good and nice way to go back to the roots for the Mafia games. The game will tell us everything from the beginning and that is a nice thing for all fans. Gameplay in this game seem to take us even further in action and so. I hope the game also give us an answer what happened before the whole Mafia story.

Athemith

Aug 12, 2025, 3:58 PM

Mafia serie is a masterpiece. This opus tells us the origins of the mafia and seems so cool. Back in early 20th century in Sicilia looks pretty interesting and i can't wait to play it ! Everyone who is not knowing the Mafia Serie, please go for it! it is insane. more serious than GTA but also more immersive. A must play !

Gamer2021

Aug 13, 2025, 6:03 AM on dlcompare.fr

Mafia The Old Country is a fine resurgence of the saga, generous in atmosphere, narrative and visual reconstitution. Its linear structure and classic gameplay may, however, frustrate those in search of freedom or gameplay renewal. A title for fans of immersive history and interactive cinema, less so for fans of over-the-top action.

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myntaz

Aug 13, 2025, 1:04 AM on dlcompare.fr

This game restores the cinematic soul of the saga. The meticulous direction, chiselled dialogue and meticulous historical reconstruction give the impression of plunging into a masterpiece of film noir. More than a simple return to its roots, it's an invitation to experience the golden age of the mafia, when every look and every silence could decide a man's fate.

Elad

Aug 12, 2025, 9:51 PM on dlcompare.fr

This game lacks open exploration, and even if the story is good, it's still a big disappointment, especially when you've played the previous opuses.

FisheyePlacebo

Aug 12, 2025, 3:34 PM on dlcompare.fr

I've been following the development of the story via streams, and for the price it's really a pleasant surprise. It doesn't innovate in any way, but it's easy to watch. Beautiful panoramas of Italy, cars, weapons, clothes... I recommend it at a lower cost if the price puts you off a bit.

M0ЯĐRΕĐ

Aug 12, 2025, 3:17 PM on dlcompare.fr

At last, a return to Mafia stories that focus on atmosphere, character and dramatic tension. We rediscover the dark elegance that made the great classics of the genre so strong.

SlDiorite5

Aug 18, 2025, 3:24 AM

I agree with the average score the game is getting by critics. It's just alright. It's not bad, but it misses the mark on a lot of points. The story is predictable, the gunplay is kinda clunky but the graphics and music are good. I'm expecting more from the next game.