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.
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.
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 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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
Hangar 13 has retouched every single aspect of the original Mafia, expanding the story, refining the gameplay, and wrapping it with an absolutely phenomenal new look and sound, elevating it to an entirely new and modern level. It's good to be part of the family once more.
This is a gripping tale of crime families, sharp shooting and sharper suits – but has this remaster lost some of Mafia's charm?
Powerful characters, nuanced story-telling, and stunning visuals make Mafia: Definitive Edition one of the best story-driven games of the year.
Mafia: Definitive Edition is a curiosity. Newcomers to the game will find here a soft landing via a strong narrative and gameplay that will readily welcome them. Meanwhile, veterans will find enough changes to make another visit to Lost Heaven worth their while, though whether they will be pleased with the modernization is a separate question entirely. With one eye on the past and one on the present, Mafia: Definitive Edition is less dated than Destroy All Humans!, though it never feels as distinctive or necessary as Resident Evil 2. Whether that’s enough to coax you back will be up to you.