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Mafia: The Old Country

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Mafia: The Old Country
Item: Mafia: The Old Country
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Crime, Drama, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableAug 8, 2025

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperHangar 13

Overview

Uncover the origins of organized crime in Mafia: The Old Country, a gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Mafia: The Old Country is praised for its engaging narrative and character development, particularly Enzo Favara's journey through early 20th-century Sicily, which is rich in cultural authenticity. However, critics point out its predictability and reliance on familiar tropes, lacking surprising twists and depth seen in previous installments. The story is compelling but misses opportunities for innovation, especially with underdeveloped female characters, ultimately falling short of its full potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

70%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

30%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The overall sentiment surrounding the story of Mafia: The Old Country is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its engaging narrative and character development. Reviewers like GamingTrend and Gamekult highlight the emotional depth and quality writing that enrich the protagonist Enzo Favara's journey through the Sicilian Mafia. Critics such as Game Informer and Checkpoint Gaming appreciate the blend of historical drama and crime, with the story effectively capturing themes of loyalty, betrayal, and ambition. The setting in early 20th-century Sicily is noted for its authenticity, with several reviewers, including IGN and Gaming Nexus, commending the rich cultural backdrop that enhances the storytelling experience. However, the narrative does face criticism for its predictability and reliance on familiar tropes. Many reviewers, including Game Informer and IGN Italia, pointed out that the plot lacks surprising twists, which diminishes the overall impact of the story. Critics like Eurogamer Germany and GAMES.CH echo this sentiment, noting that while the narrative is well-presented, it does not reach the depth or complexity of previous entries in the franchise. Additionally, there are mentions of underdeveloped female characters, as highlighted by Checkpoint Gaming, which detracts from the overall character dynamics. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that while Mafia: The Old Country offers a compelling and engaging story, it falls short of delivering unexpected narrative developments. Reviewers such as Wccftech and VGC acknowledge the strong execution and character development but also emphasize the story's adherence to traditional mafia tropes, which may leave some players wanting more innovation. Overall, the game successfully captures the essence of the mafia genre, but its predictability and missed opportunities for deeper exploration prevent it from reaching its full potential.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Mafia: The Old Country offers solid mechanics and engaging elements like improved shooting and unique knife combat, praised by critics for its classic third-person action and chapter-based storytelling. However, it suffers from a lack of innovation and depth, with repetitive gameplay, linear structure, and outdated mechanics that limit exploration. While nostalgic for franchise fans, it may not satisfy those craving a more dynamic gaming experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

83%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Mafia: The Old Country has received a mix of praise for its solid mechanics and engaging elements. Critics like GamingBolt and Impulsegamer highlight improvements in shooting mechanics and a revamped melee combat system, particularly emphasizing the knife fighting mechanics as a unique twist that adds depth to encounters. Additionally, the game features varied missions that allow for different approaches, as noted by Hooked Gamers, and it retains a classic third-person action structure that many fans of the series appreciate. The chapter-based storytelling, as mentioned by XGN, provides a clear narrative progression that some players may find appealing, especially those who prefer a more directed gaming experience. However, the game also faces significant criticism for its lack of innovation and depth. Many reviewers, including Checkpoint Gaming and Game Informer, point out that the gameplay relies heavily on basic mechanics that can become repetitive and stale quickly. The linear structure of the game, noted by critics like GameStar and SpazioGames, limits exploration and player freedom, making the world feel more like a backdrop rather than an interactive environment. Additionally, some mechanics, such as stealth and AI behavior, are described as outdated or simplistic, as highlighted by Meristation and VGC, which detracts from the overall engagement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Mafia: The Old Country offers a solid and enjoyable gameplay experience, it lacks the depth and innovation that many players expect from modern titles. The game successfully incorporates familiar mechanics and a compelling narrative structure, but it often feels constrained by its linearity and reliance on traditional gameplay elements. Critics like Eurogamer Germany and GamingTrend acknowledge the enjoyable aspects of the gameplay but also note that the experience could benefit from more variety and complexity. As a result, the game may appeal to fans of the franchise looking for a nostalgic experience, but it may not satisfy those seeking a more dynamic and exploratory gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Mafia: The Old Country dazzles with stunning visuals and immersive early 20th-century Sicilian environments, praised for its use of Unreal Engine 5. Critics celebrate its lifelike graphics and captivating art direction, but note minor glitches, repetitive interiors, and design inconsistencies. Overall, it’s a visually impressive game, solidifying its status as a standout in the franchise despite some areas needing refinement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

87%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

13%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Mafia: The Old Country have received widespread acclaim from critics, with many praising the game's stunning visuals and attention to detail. Reviewers such as GamingTrend and IGN highlighted the immersive environments that effectively capture the essence of early 20th-century Sicily. The use of Unreal Engine 5 has been particularly noted for enhancing the game's aesthetic, with critics like GamingBolt and Gaming Nexus emphasizing the lifelike character models and beautifully crafted world. The art direction has been described as impressive, with Checkpoint Gaming and Game Informer noting the authenticity of the environments, which contribute to a captivating atmosphere that draws players into the game's setting. Despite the overall positive reception, several critics pointed out some notable shortcomings in the game's graphics and visual design. Minor graphical glitches, pop-in issues, and a lack of NPCs and engaging environments were mentioned by Checkpoint Gaming and Gamekult, respectively. Additionally, some reviewers, including IGN France and XGN, noted inconsistencies in character designs and suggested that facial expressions could be improved. The presence of repetitive interiors and empty cities, as highlighted by Gamepressure, also detracted from the overall visual experience, indicating that while the game excels in many areas, there are still aspects that require further refinement. In summary, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority agreeing that Mafia: The Old Country delivers a visually stunning experience that effectively encapsulates the beauty and atmosphere of Sicily. Reviewers such as VGC and Wccftech emphasized the impressive graphical fidelity and environmental details that enhance the gameplay experience. While some technical issues and design inconsistencies were acknowledged, they did not significantly detract from the overall appreciation of the game's visual achievements. As a result, Mafia: The Old Country is recognized for its strong visual presentation, making it a noteworthy entry in the franchise.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Mafia: The Old Country boasts strong sound design and music that enhance gameplay, with praise for authentic Sicilian voice acting and a cinematic soundtrack. Critics commend the immersive audio but note flaws like inconsistent lip-syncing and a lack of memorable compositions. Overall, the audio elements significantly enrich the game's atmosphere despite some shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

78%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The overall sentiment regarding the sound design and music of Mafia: The Old Country is predominantly positive, with many critics praising the authenticity and immersive qualities of the audio experience. Reviewers like Checkpoint Gaming and Game Informer highlighted the inclusion of full Sicilian voice acting, which adds a significant layer of authenticity to the game. The soundtrack, characterized by traditional strings and orchestral elements, is noted for enhancing the emotional depth and cinematic feel of the game, as pointed out by GamingTrend and GamingBolt. Critics also appreciated the attention to detail in sound effects, with IGN commending the unique sounds of early automobiles, which contribute to the immersive driving experience. Despite the overall acclaim, some critics pointed out certain shortcomings in the sound design and music. Issues with lip-syncing and voice acting quality were mentioned by several reviewers, including Checkpoint Gaming and IGN France, who noted that while some performances were excellent, others felt off. Additionally, the soundtrack was described by Critical Hits as lacking in memorable compositions, which suggests that while the music complements the atmosphere, it may not stand out as particularly impactful. Furthermore, inconsistencies in sound effects were noted by Eurogamer Germany, indicating that while the audio experience is strong, it is not without its flaws. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Mafia: The Old Country delivers a commendable sound design and music experience that significantly enhances the gameplay. Reviewers like PCGamesN and Player 2 emphasized the high quality of the audio work, which includes a well-executed soundtrack and immersive voice acting. While there are some criticisms regarding synchronization issues and the variability in voice acting quality, the majority of critics agree that the game successfully captures the essence of its setting through its audio elements. Overall, the sound design and music contribute positively to the game's atmosphere, making it a noteworthy aspect of the player experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics rave about the voice acting in Mafia: The Old Country, praising its emotional depth and authentic Sicilian dialect that enhances storytelling. Standout performances, especially Johnny Santiago as Don Torrisi, create strong character connections. However, some side NPC accents feel exaggerated, and there are inconsistencies in language versions. Overall, the voice work is a highlight, elevating the game despite a few flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

69%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Mafia: The Old Country has garnered considerable praise from critics, highlighting its authenticity and emotional depth. Reviewers such as Gaming Nexus and GamingTrend emphasized the strong performances that effectively bring characters to life and enhance the narrative experience. The inclusion of Sicilian dialect, noted by Game Informer and Vandal, is particularly lauded for adding an authentic layer to the characters, contributing significantly to the immersive storytelling. Critics like IGN and Impulsegamer also pointed out the quality of the performances, specifically mentioning Johnny Santiago's portrayal of Don Torrisi as compelling and intimidating, which underscores the game's ability to evoke strong emotional connections through voice acting. However, the reviews are not without their criticisms. Some critics, such as Checkpoint Gaming and IGN France, pointed out that certain accents, particularly from side NPCs, can feel exaggerated or caricatured, detracting from the overall immersion. Additionally, while the Sicilian dub received accolades, there were mentions of inconsistencies in other language versions, as noted by Eurogamer Germany. GAMINGbible highlighted concerns about recycled lines from Don Torrisi, suggesting that this could diminish the overall experience for players. These critiques indicate that while the primary voice performances are strong, there are areas where the execution could have been improved. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of the voice acting in Mafia: The Old Country. While there are some notable criticisms regarding accents and certain character portrayals, the overwhelming sentiment is that the voice acting significantly enhances the game's narrative and character development. Critics like GameStar and XGN encapsulate this sentiment by noting that the voice performances contribute to a lifelike experience that resonates with players. The combination of strong main performances and the authentic Sicilian dialect creates a compelling audio landscape, making it a standout feature of the game despite some minor flaws.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Mafia: The Old Country shines on high-end PCs with smooth performance and stable frame rates, earning praise from critics like Eurogamer and IGN for its overall capabilities. However, technical issues such as frame rate drops in crowded areas, stuttering, and glitches mar the experience, leading to calls for further optimization. While it shows promise, the game struggles with notable bugs and animation problems, making its technical performance a mixed bag.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

79%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Mafia: The Old Country on PC has garnered a mix of positive feedback from various critics. Many reviewers, including Eurogamer Germany and VGC, praise the game for running smoothly on high-end hardware, with stable frame rates and minimal bugs. Checkpoint Gaming and Gaming Nexus also highlight the game's performance, noting that it performs well overall, especially on high-end systems. Additionally, GameStar points out an improvement in frame rates from the test version to the release version, which enhances the gaming experience. The game is generally recognized for its solid performance on capable PCs, with IGN noting improvements over previous titles in the series. However, several critics have pointed out notable technical issues that detract from the overall experience. Critical Hits and GAMINGbible specifically mention frame rate drops in crowded areas, a common issue with Unreal Engine 5 titles. Gamekult and GamingTrend report minor technical issues like stuttering, texture loading problems, and graphical glitches, which can disrupt gameplay. IGN France and Meristation highlight more significant performance concerns, including bugs and slowdowns that affect the overall experience. Furthermore, LevelUp mentions rigid animations that detract from production values, indicating that the game might not meet the highest standards in terms of visual fidelity. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Mafia: The Old Country performs well on high-end PCs, it is marred by a range of technical issues that need addressing. Reviewers generally agree that the game shows promise and has a solid foundation, as noted by Impulsegamer's comments on its optimization for Unreal Engine 5. However, the presence of frame rate drops, glitches, and occasional crashes, as pointed out by multiple critics like SpazioGames and Player 2, suggests that the game may require further optimization to reach its full potential. As it stands, the technical performance is a mixed bag, with many praising its capabilities while also acknowledging the need for improvements.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Mafia: The Old Country offers a gripping story and engaging characters, with some collectibles and exploration that may lure players back. However, its linear structure, short playtime (10-15 hours), and lack of meaningful post-game content or a New Game Plus mode significantly dampen replay value. Critics largely agree that while the narrative is compelling, the game's restrictions leave little motivation for multiple playthroughs, making it a concise experience with limited depth.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

80%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

16%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Mafia: The Old Country reveal some positive aspects that may appeal to certain players. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and GamingTrend highlight the presence of collectibles and exploration options, suggesting that players can return to the game to gather items or engage with the world post-story. Additionally, Impulsegamer mentions planned post-launch content, which could enhance replayability for those who are invested in the game’s mechanics and world-building. The engaging narrative and character arcs, noted by critics such as IGN and GamingBolt, also provide a compelling reason for players to revisit the game, even if just to experience the story again. However, a significant number of reviews point out the limitations that hinder the game's replay value. Many critics, including Game Informer and Eurogamer Germany, emphasize the linear structure of the game, which offers little in the way of optional missions or side content. This sentiment is echoed by reviewers like Meristation and VGC, who note the game's relatively short completion time of around 10-15 hours and the lack of substantial post-game content. The absence of a New Game Plus mode or meaningful activities outside the main storyline, as mentioned by Gaming Nexus and GamingBolt, further reinforces the notion that the game may not provide enough incentive for multiple playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Mafia: The Old Country offers an engaging story and some opportunities for exploration, its linear design and limited side content significantly restrict its replay value. Critics like SpazioGames and Wccftech underline that the focused narrative may appeal to players looking for a concise experience, but ultimately, many agree that the lack of depth and variety in gameplay will likely leave players with little motivation to return once the main story is completed. Thus, while there are elements that could entice players to revisit the game, the overarching sentiment leans towards a recognition of its limitations in replayability.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

57%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

40%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment towards Mafia: The Old Country is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its strong narrative, immersive world, and engaging characters. Reviewers like Checkpoint Gaming and Gaming Nexus highlight the game's compelling storytelling and rich atmosphere, suggesting that it successfully revives the classic elements that fans of the franchise cherish. Critics such as GameStar and Impulsegamer commend the game as a solid return to form, noting its impressive visuals and high production values. The emphasis on narrative-driven gameplay is a recurring theme, with several reviewers, including IGN and GamingTrend, appreciating the game’s focus on storytelling over action, which contributes to its immersive experience. However, the game is not without its criticisms. Many reviewers point out that Mafia: The Old Country suffers from dated gameplay mechanics and a lack of innovation, which may leave some players wanting more. Game Informer describes it as “simply fine and inoffensive,” while Gamekult and Meristation echo concerns about the game’s repetitive elements and technical issues. Critics like VGC and Wccftech mention the linearity of the gameplay and the underutilization of the environment, suggesting that while the narrative shines, the gameplay experience could have been more varied and expansive. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Mafia: The Old Country is a worthwhile addition to the series, particularly for fans who appreciate a strong narrative and character-driven experience. While it faces criticism for its gameplay limitations and technical flaws, many reviewers, including those from Eurogamer Germany and PCGamesN, agree that the game successfully delivers a captivating story that resonates with players. The combination of beautiful visuals and a compelling narrative has led to a generally favorable reception, with critics like Hooked Gamers and GamingBolt emphasizing its appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

Mafia: The Old Country is largely praised for its strong narrative, immersive world, and engaging characters, reviving classic franchise elements. Critics highlight its compelling storytelling and impressive visuals, though many note dated gameplay mechanics, linearity, and technical issues. Overall, it’s seen as a solid return for fans seeking narrative depth, despite some gameplay criticisms.

MONSTER

Reviews

131 reviews found

Impulsegamer

Aug 7, 2025