Davicin49 Mafia: The Old Country Review

Mafia: The Old Country marks a return to the series’ roots, echoing the first two entries with its focus on pure, cinematic storytelling. The narrative is immersive and well-crafted, pulling you in from start to finish during a campaign that, while short —around 12 hours—, is intense and entertaining enough to leave a strong impression. Driving stands out as one of the game’s highlights, with a solid system that unfortunately feels underutilized within the overall experience. The rest of the gameplay holds up well, delivering shootouts and action sequences that keep the pace steady, though without introducing major innovations. On the technical side, the game is competent across the board: the graphics are solid, the atmosphere is well-realized, and performance remains stable throughout. The biggest drawback lies in its scripting and difficulty balance. At least on normal difficulty, the game often feels overly scripted. A clear example is the horse and car races, where victory seems guaranteed, a far cry from the legendary race in the original Mafia, which demanded skill and posed a genuine challenge. The same issue appears in stealth sections, where enemy behavior is too predictable: wait long enough, and guards will inevitably split up to leave you a clear path. Despite these flaws, the overall experience feels well-rounded. Its short length, reduced price tag (€50), and strong narrative make Mafia: The Old Country an appealing choice for anyone looking for a compact, engaging story to enjoy over a few days.