It’s been a while since we slipped into a well-tailored suit, slid behind the wheel of a classic car, and made an honest (ish) living breaking bones for the family. But Mafia: The Old Country isn’t just a sequel, it’s a prequel steeped in Sicilian tradition, where omertà means everything and a poorly timed look can get you buried under a lemon tree.
This time, Hangar 13 has swapped the neon glow of post-war America for the sun-bleached dust of 1904 Sicily, and it’s a bold move. Gone are the Tommy guns and jazz clubs. In their place? Horse races, knife duels, wine-soaked vineyards, and a surprising amount of religious medallions.
The good news? It works. Mostly.
Storytelling with real bite
Mafia: The Old Country wears its cinematic inspirations proudly, with nods to The Godfather Part II and Gomorrah throughout. The writing has its shaky moments, but the performances more than make up for it. From the stoic but ruthless Don Torrisi to the ever-jovial Cesare, the game is packed with personalities that feel lived-in.
Torrisi in particular stands out, not just because he’s the most feared man in San Celeste, but because he commands every scene like a proper Corleone. His daughter Isabella adds emotional depth, while Enzo’s arc delivers something new to the series: vulnerability. He’s not a cold-blooded killer from the start. He’s scared, shaky, and unpolished. That humanity is rare in protagonists of this genre, and it works.
Knives out: Combat with a twist
Forget mobsters spraying bullets from classic cars; here, the knife is king. One-on-one duel-style knife fights act as mini-boss encounters, and they’re surprisingly tactical. Parrying, dodging, and stabbing all require good timing, and each major enemy gets trickier to take down. It’s a bold new direction, and it adds genuine tension to otherwise quiet chapters.
If you miss guns, fear not. Gunplay is here, and it’s cleverly grounded. Enzo’s inexperience means his aim isn’t perfect, he visibly trembles during early firefights, and you’ll feel that tension when every bullet matters. It’s a neat touch, and it makes his evolution into a capable killer feel earned.
Charm system & gear upgrades
New to the series is the Charm system, which lets you equip medallions for passive buffs, like temporary invulnerability when low on health or improved knife throw accuracy. It’s simple but effective, adding flavour to combat and stealth without overcomplicating things.
Shops offer gear upgrades and new knives, including perks for stealth or ranged play. It’s not quite RPG-depth, but it’s more engaging than the usual crime-game loadout menu.
Sicilian scenery that stuns (but falls flat)
On the surface, San Celeste is a marvel. Dusty alleys, fertile vineyards, and sweaty faces all sell the era with shocking detail. Little touches, NPCs making pizza in the background, sunlight catching on oranges and lemons, build a deeply immersive atmosphere.
But the open world itself is shallow. Unlike Mafia II’s Empire Bay, which was full of unexpected events and AI-driven chaos, San Celeste often feels like a stage set waiting for action. You can ride horses or drive vintage cars through scenic valleys, but the world rarely reacts in kind.
There’s a Free Ride mode, but it’s mostly for unlocking cosmetics and snapping photos. Hangar 13 has teased post-launch updates with more content, and frankly, the game needs them.
Collectables, soundtrack & that classic Mafia magic
Fans of digging through every corner will be glad to know The Old Country is full of collectables: Saints’ Cards, mystery fox statues, and newspapers help flesh out the world, and provide some great Easter eggs for long-time fans.
As for the soundtrack? Absolute fire. Orchestral swells, Sicilian folk motifs, and stirring themes underscore every moment like a proper mob epic. From Enzo’s escape to his final oath, the music pulls the strings behind every emotional beat.
Final thoughts on Mafia: The Old Country
Mafia: The Old Country isn’t trying to be GTA. It’s a return to roots, both for the series and for its characters. The focus on story, knife-duels, and character progression is refreshing, even if the open world leaves a lot to be desired.
Hangar 13 has taken risks here, and most of them pay off. It’s not the biggest or flashiest Mafia game, but it might be the most human.
U capisti?
Mafia: The Old Country is developed by Hangar 13 and published by 2K Games. It was released on the 8th of August 2025 and is available to play now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, GeForce Now, and PC. For even more game reviews, click right here.
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