Mafia: The Old Country Reveals the Real Origins of the Mob in Gritty Sicilian Adventure
If you’re interested in the history of organized crime and want to see it through a new lens, Mafia: The Old Country might be worth a look. This latest entry in the Mafia game series takes players to early 1900s Sicily, focusing on how poverty and economic hardship fueled the rise of the Italian mafia. Instead of the usual American city streets, the game grounds its story in real historical context and aims to show why so many people were drawn into a life of crime.
- Set in Sicily during the early 1900s
- Focuses on economic struggles and organized crime origins
- Open-world gameplay with exploration and collectibles
- Mix of stealth, action, and narrative-driven missions
- Release date: August 8 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S
A Different Kind of Mafia Story
Mafia: The Old Country starts in the hills of Sicily, far from the classic mobster settings in Chicago or New York. The main character, Enzo, is a miner trying to survive in a world where jobs are scarce and poverty is everywhere. After a mining job goes wrong, Enzo is pushed to his breaking point and finds himself drawn into the local crime family led by Don Torrisi. The game’s opening hours are slow and focused on manual labor, making the eventual dive into organized crime feel more impactful.
History Meets Gameplay
The developers, Hangar 13, put a lot of emphasis on the real-world context behind the rise of the mafia. Sicily in the 1800s and early 1900s was marked by poverty, high taxes, and distrust of authority. These conditions set the stage for the growth of organized crime. Throughout the 12-hour story, players experience both the economic pressures and the criminal turf wars that shaped the era.
The open world lets you explore the Sicilian countryside, collect fox statues, find photo spots, and read newspaper clippings for more historical details. While some of these collectibles feel optional, they help build the atmosphere and give players a sense of the world outside the main missions.
Action and Exploration
The gameplay is a mix of stealth and third-person shooting. Enzo often sneaks through enemy territory, taking down guards and getting into firefights. There’s some room for customizing your play style, like equipping different rosary beads for special perks, but the action can feel familiar if you’ve played other games in the genre. The game also features Sicilian knife fights, adding a unique local touch to combat.
Authenticity and Themes
Mafia: The Old Country stands out by connecting its story to real economic and social issues. The game’s music, period-appropriate cars, and knife duels add authentic Italian flavor. More importantly, it doesn’t glamorize the criminal lifestyle. Instead, it shows how tough times and lack of opportunity can push people to make desperate choices. The game’s message is clear: organized crime is just another dangerous job, not a ticket to easy money.
Release and Platforms
Mafia: The Old Country is launching on August 8 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The review was based on a prerelease version for Switch 2, provided by 2K Games.
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