Mafia: Old Country Feels like the perfect next step in the series

aVarious franchises in the gaming industry – active, inactive, unhappy, never– mafia It always stands out in strange ways. The first game developed by Illusion Softworks has arrived in the postGrand Theft Auto 3 The era told incredible stories without jumping into the open world bandwagon. Still, the sequel took just eight years to release. The reviews weren’t that positive, but for those who had been waiting for follow-up for a long time (and to the end, some clarity of the scene), that was enough.

input Mafia 3This time it will be released six years from the second time. A new era, a new city, a new story that was well-existed in itself (with some great callbacks) – the franchise seemed poised for a proper revival. Still, despite its persuasive story and gorgeous visuals, it was undermined by repeated mission designs, open world tacks, and extensive performance issues. It is noteworthy that by March 2020, more than 7 million copies were sold. This is because another follow-up seems impossible for a long time.

Nine years later, Mafia: Old Countries Officially available here for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC. The shift to a release that has been less than a year since its release in August 2024 is impressive. Even if Hangar 13 actually makes sure the game is in development until 2022, the best part is pretty good.

Old country It’s a victory in that respect because it’s so well served in the series’ premise: an action-adventure title that captures the life of the Mafios. Did you make your previous entries in your own way? So, what makes this special?

First of all, this is the first part set in Sicily in the 1900s. Not only is it symbolic in the real world, it also has a rich history of real-world mafia families and conflicts, but the place in question, San Celeste, has a great deal of meaning in this series. It was where Tommy Angelo was born, where the incident caused the destruction of his father, and eventually moved his entire family to America. It is also the place where Vito Scaletta fought. Mafia 2he witnessed Don Caro effectively save the lives of him and his men. The lives of so many characters are intertwined with San Celeste, and we finally got the opportunity to explore the streets and surrounding countryside.

If the actual story and characters weren’t worth it, it would all be in vain. However, after all the criticism of the previous game, Hanger 13 has returned to its franchise roots by providing a linear narrative that actually focuses on characters. How do they contrast their personalities and emotions, the inner chaos that drive them and ultimately create conflict, and the darkness with the gorgeous regions? Enzo Fabara is a capable protagonist in all of this. From suffering in the mines to those who suffered in the mines as indentured servants to entering the world of crime as part of the Trishi. It’s a powerful opportunity to create something of your own and climb the Lang as part of something bigger, but it’s also an obligation. Without Torisi, Enzo would not be anywhere.

It helps Don be charismatic and, at least on the outside, be respected enough to order such a commitment. The rest of the cast is fascinating, including Underboss and mentor Luca, and Torishi’s nephew, who struggles to gain respect while building friendships with Enzo. Their stories become even more fascinating as events are turned in San Celeste. Great writing in video games allows you to invest in characters and the world, but great writing is rewarded for doing so. It’s enough to say that Old country I hope they meet the latter and give their best to the cast even if a happy ending is barely present in the franchise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px9bsdiff3g

With the history surrounding the town and such cleverly crafted characters, it seems like a dream for longtime fans, especially those who crave something similar to the first two games. However, it’s great to create a prequel set before the main trilogy. Because it acts as a great jump point for newcomers. It’s practically a start, and those with existing knowledge will definitely make the most of it, but you can enjoy it Old country As a unique story. The fact that the price is only $49.99 further reduces the barrier to entry.

Of course, gameplay is also important, and although you may not be able to tell from the Action-Adventure Convention, Hangar 13 has been added quite a bit. This setting takes priority over automatic firearms such as revolvers, shotguns, and rifles, but there is still less ammunition. Knifes are an important part of combat and culture, and promotes a new duel where ducking and weaving through enemy attacks is key to victory. Above all, they are naturally woven into the story, avoiding what I like to call “Batmobile Syndrome” (you know, as you know).

Beyond that, Old country Adds incredible depth to different types of knives that lean towards specific playstyles, perks and more. Their efficacy means giving some thought to stealth, while durability means thinking carefully about which one should rely on and what purpose it has. Once things get out of control and the lead starts flying, gunplay sticks to the tried and true cover-based shooting you’ve seen many times, but it’s still well-run.

That being said, this is not an experience for anyone. The story is not dozens of hours. As mentioned in our review, we may have spent a little more time on the finale. Despite its gorgeous world and exploration mode, explore all the gorgeous monuments and modes to bathe in the streets of the city. There isn’t a lot of content to unpack. There are performance issues as well, but this is always a challenge for Unreal Engine 5 titles. It all comes down to optimization, and most developers using engines have been flapping up in that regard for most of the year.

Still, calling this “not an experience for anyone” can also be considered strength. Mafia: Old Countries There’s no bone about what it’s trying to achieve, and it’s excellent in many of those aspects. It’s a fun story, but it’s also a strong starting point for those looking to join the franchise. Similarly, it reminds you of why you fell in love with the original, expanding your gameplay in new and exciting ways.

Will it edge this year’s Game of the Year competitor? Clair Obscur: Expedition, Blue Prince, Death Stranding 2and Kingdom Come: Rescue 2? Probably not, but when it comes to consistent, well-executed visions, it’s between them. It’s great to remind you of the virtue of a more focused title in an age where many companies are not at risk of chasing live services and trends, which are considered better (particularly in terms of the amount allocated to budgets). One experience that offers value for your money and provides a fun experience while it continues.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent GamingBolt’s views as an organization.