Now that Mafia: The Old Country is here, both longtime fans of the franchise and newcomers have been able to dive into the prequel, getting a taste of a life of crime in early 1900s Sicily. Mafia: The Old Country brings a fresh story to life, as protagonist Enzo leads a compelling rags-to-riches tale filled with both violence and romance.
Within the first hour of Mafia: The Old Country, it's clear that the story is the star of the show. The Mafia series has been well-regarded for its storytelling, and Mafia: The Old Country continues this tradition in full force. However, while Mafia: The Old Country excels in its storytelling, it may disappoint some with its gameplay. Mafia: The Old Country isn't doing anything new with its mechanics, but that's ultimately okay.
Mafia: The Old Country's Familiar Gameplay Doesn't Have to Be a Bad Thing
Between its driving, gun mechanics, horse riding, and stealth, Mafia: The Old Country is derivative in a lot of ways. Those who have played games like GTA, Red Dead Redemption 2, and The Last of Us Part 2 will quickly become comfortable with Mafia: The Old Country and its gameplay. After spending a few hours with Mafia: The Old Country, it's clear that the game doesn't really break the mold when it comes to industry standards, and while this can easily be seen as a downside, it also allows the story to shine through more.
Mafia: The Old Country is the first mainline entry in the franchise in nine years, with Mafia III launching back in 2016.
Mafia: The Old Country's Gameplay Approach Actually Elevates its Biggest Strength
Sometimes, when games add innovative mechanics, it can also distract from the world and story being presented. A shiny new feature is almost always great and exciting, but when it comes to games that are trying to offer an immersive, cinematic experience, simplifying the gameplay is a solid method of achieving that goal. There are even moments where Mafia: The Old Country's attempts at adding more mechanics can feel out of place, like Enzo's character customization.
Mafia: The Old Country brings a fresh story to life, as protagonist Enzo leads a compelling rags-to-riches tale filled with both violence and romance.
Mafia: The Old Country's familiarity streamlines the overall experience, making it far easier to quickly become invested in the story and characters. This streamlining is taken even further with mechanics like Skip Ride/Drive, as it pushes the story forward for those who aren't interested in lengthy journeys. Recently, long-form open-world games have been the prevailing trend, and while this method is great in its own right, Mafia: The Old Country's tight-knit narrative is a refreshing change of pace for those who have been in search of a strong story that still boasts satisfying gameplay; the mechanics just simply aren't the main attraction.
While the game's story is definitely its strongest point, Mafia: The Old Country sometimes suffers from loading times that can slow the momentum.
Mafia: The Old Country Still Has Plenty to Offer
Sometimes, sticking to proven formulas can be more beneficial in the long run instead of trying to bring forth the next big gaming trend. Mafia: The Old Country embracing gameplay elements that are already established ensures that there is still plenty to enjoy in that regard.
So, while the prequel isn't exactly going to blow many gamers' minds with its gameplay, its straightforward approach with mechanics helps tell Mafia: The Old Country's story without distractions. Enzo's journey from indentured servitude to being part of the Torrisi crime family is a fascinating tale to watch unfold, and complicated gameplay would risk getting in the way of its narrative.
Mafia: The Old Country
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 74 /100 Critics Rec: 66%
WHERE TO PLAY
Uncover the origins of organized crime in Mafia: The Old Country, a gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily. Fight to survive as Enzo Favara and prove your worth to the Family in this immersive third-person action-adventure set during a dangerous, unforgiving era.
Enzo will do anything for a better life. After a brutal childhood of forced labor, he's ready to risk everything to become a man of honor in the Torrisi crime family.
His oath to the Mafia, with all the power, temptation, and hardship it entails, is a burning reminder of this simple truth:
Family Takes Sacrifice.
This thrilling narrative is brought to life by stunning visuals, cinematic storytelling, and the authentic realism that the critically acclaimed Mafia series is known for. Enzo's story unfolds in a time when skill with a stiletto blade was a deadly asset, a lupara sawed-off shotgun was a go-to firearm, murderous vendettas raged for decades, and mafiosi patrolled their protection rackets on foot, horseback, or behind the wheel of turn-of-the-century motorcars.
