Introduction
Mafia: The Old Country review — The newest chapter in the legendary crime series takes players to early 20th-century Sicily, telling a gripping prequel story filled with loyalty, betrayal, and survival. As Enzo Favara, you journey from a humble miner’s life to the dangerous ranks of the Torrisi crime family, all while navigating a world brought to life with cinematic storytelling and meticulous period detail.
Mafia: The Old Country Review – A Return to the Old Country
Unlike the sprawling open world of Mafia III, Mafia: The Old Country embraces a focused, chapter-based structure. This allows the narrative to take center stage, blending stealth missions, tense melee combat, and carefully choreographed gunfights. The story flows like a mafia film, supported by an authentic recreation of Sicilian streets, markets, and countryside.
While the “Exploration Mode” lets players roam the environment, it offers limited side content. This makes the game ideal for those who prefer a tight, cinematic journey rather than a sandbox filled with distractions.
Gameplay and Mechanics in Mafia: The Old Country Review
Combat remains functional but straightforward, using a cover-based shooting system with occasional melee sequences. Driving retains the series’ weighty, realistic feel, perfectly matching the slow-burn tone of the story. The focus is not on flashy mechanics but on delivering a grounded, believable experience.
Visuals and Performance in Mafia: The Old Country Review
Graphically, the game is a showcase of Sicilian beauty — from golden sunsets over rolling hills to dimly lit back alleys in bustling towns. On PS5 and Xbox Series X, players can choose between a 60 FPS Performance Mode or a higher-resolution Quality Mode. The PS5 Pro version offers VRR and 120 Hz support for those seeking the smoothest visuals.
Voice Acting, Atmosphere, and Authenticity
The voice acting is a highlight, especially the inclusion of Sicilian dialect alongside English. The soundtrack mixes orchestral compositions with regional folk elements, creating an immersive soundscape. This dedication to authenticity helps the world feel alive and culturally rich.
Critical Reception
The Mafia: The Old Country review consensus from critics and players is positive:
- Game8: 86/100 – Strong characters, emotional storytelling, great value at a mid-tier price.
- Polygon: Praises its cinematic depth and historical accuracy.
- GameSpot: Commends the atmosphere but notes repetitive gameplay.
- Stevivor: 5/10 – Criticizes clichés and limited freedom.
Overall, it’s seen as a visually stunning, narratively rich entry that plays it safe mechanically.
Verdict
Mafia: The Old Country review concludes that this is a must-play for fans of narrative-driven crime dramas. At around 10–12 hours for the main story and a fair price point, it delivers a cinematic journey worth experiencing — even if its gameplay doesn’t break new ground.
Score: 8/10 – A beautiful, atmospheric return to the roots of the Mafia series, with storytelling at its core.
Internal Link: Read our detailed coverage on Xbox Game Pass August 2025 additions for more upcoming releases.