Mafia: Definitive Edition Reviews
A mostly thorough remake of 2002's original, Mafia: Definitive Edition has its moments - but it struggles by the standards of today.
A decent, if unremarkable, cover shooter, elevated by artful scene-setting and memorable set-pieces.
Oozing with 1930s atmosphere, Mafia: Definitive Edition is a successful rejuvenation of the best story in the series.
Faithful almost to a fault, Hangar 13's remake puts a glossy finish on a title that is fundamentally musty by contemporary standards
Dated gameplay drags down this impressive remake of an 18-year-old classic.
In 2002, the original Mafia may have felt like an epic, but in 2020, Mafia: Definitive Edition feels more like a quaint mafioso side story. “Small-time,” as Tommy describes one of Don Salieri’s operations.
Mafia: Definitive Edition's gorgeous open world is weakened by its mediocre campaign and flat combat mechanics.
Mafia: Definitive Edition oozes style and substance, harking back to a time when story was everything. The gameplay can be a little clumsy, but entwined with these awkward moments come excitement.
If you're hoping for a sombre tale of lives brought low by the touch of darkness, my advice would be to go for a ride and take in the sights instead.
Despite the lack of innovation or novelties that would have added something to the experience while respecting the structure of the original, returning to Lost Heaven with this quality has been an offer that we could not refuse and neither should you.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Mafia: Definitive Edition shows the true potential of this long-running series making it the franchise's new high-point.
A good looking and competent retread of a second rate original, which improves on everything from the graphics to the driving model, whilst maintaining the game's cinematic essence.
Mafia: Definitive Edition is tedious enough as it is by 2020 standards. Clunky gunplay and lousy vehicle handling make the shootouts as frustrating as the getaway drive. The promising setup can’t avoid getting whacked either as it disappoints through its inability to meaningfully execute on its multiple beats. The talented cast and better realized 1930s world outdo its 2002 counterpart, but the rest of its blunders come together and result in an offer that’s relatively easy to refuse.
Mafia: Definitive Edition is a clever, stylish and faithful remake of a cult game, which 18 years later, is still powerful lesson of how to tell a story in an open world. Hangar 13 did a great job rebuilding the city and the atmosphere with a modern touch, the story is still great and compelling, while the gameplay sometimes feels a little bit too old.
Review in Italian | Read full review
All this time, the first Mafia was the best of the trio. It just took a phenomenal effort from Hangar 13 to do it justice with Mafia: Definitive Edition. This feels like the rare necessary remake that elevates and builds upon the original. It's truly an offer you can't refuse.
This Definitive Edition is a perfect example of what every remake should be. It keeps the original storyline, great characters and style, but improves every technical aspect, adds new gameplay mechanics (such as hand to hand combat or motorbikes) and deepens the story. It still feels like a Martin Scorsese movie.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
I'm going to level with you, reader: I went into Mafia Definitive Edition expecting to be underwhelmed. What I ended up playing was far-and-away, infinitely better than I was expecting, featuring fantastic storytelling, compelling, yet immensely flawed characters (in a good way), and a world that is teeming with life. You don't have to be a fan of the original game in order to feel like a member of the family. Don't worry! There's more than enough hot lead to go around.
As the title infers, Mafia: Definitive Edition is indeed the definitive version of the classic game, this time with completely redone visuals and updated gameplay that makes the game feel like it could have released today as a brand new game and few would have known the difference.
Powerful characters, nuanced story-telling, and stunning visuals make Mafia: Definitive Edition one of the best story-driven games of the year.