“Mafia: The Old Country” was released for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on August 8, 2025. The game received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its narrative, characters and world design, yet criticized some of its outdated gameplay mechanics.
“Mafia: The Old Country” is set in early 1900s Sicily, following Enzo Favara’s rise from a miner to a powerful figure within a crime family. Crime families exploited this environment, using intimidation and violence to maintain control, but also providing a sense of order and stability that the state could not. This period laid the groundwork for the Mafia’s expansion and eventual global reach, shaping its identity as a complex mix of criminal organizations and shadow government.
The game focuses on a story-driven, linear narrative with mechanics that include cover shooting, stealth and vehicle and horse riding. It has been praised for its strong voice acting, character development, and atmospheric world-building. However, its gameplay is often seen as reckless and shallow.
The stealth mechanic includes hiding in shadows, executing silent takedowns with knives or quick stabs, utilizing environmental distractions such as throwing coins or bottles. Additionally, leveraging Favara’s instinct ability to detect enemies. Stealth sequences may feature multiple entry and exit points and are often optional, although some may be required.
Players can also hide bodies to prevent guard alerts and use a ranged Scannaturi knife for silent kills. The storyline follows Favara, who escapes forced labor in the Sicilian sulfur mines. Taking place during a period of social unrest and the rise of organized crime.
This game tells the rags-to-riches story of Favara joining the Teresi family, a powerful local crime organization. Experiencing his journey as he climbs the ranks of the Sicilian Mafia and involves himself in the criminal underworld, hitting many standard gangster film tropes.
The story includes classic mafia tropes, like loyalty, forbidden love and betrayal. In addition, this era represents a critical chapter in understanding the Mafia’s evolution from a local phenomenon to a global criminal empire.
Captures period and cultural authenticity with an immersive environment
To capture period detail and cultural authenticity in a Mafia-themed video game, developers require in-depth historical research, the expertise of cultural consultants and era-specific details in every aspect, ranging from sound to gameplay.
Immersion is achieved through period-accurate audio, authentic dialogue (such as Sicilian language dubs) and environmental storytelling. The Mafia series, especially “Definitive Edition” and “The Old Country,” nails this, using experts, source material and consultants for accuracy.
Gameplay should match the period with mechanics like scarce ammo and close-quarters combat.
23 years of the Mafia Video games series
The Mafia video game series celebrates its 23rd anniversary in 2025, marking a significant milestone in its long history. The original was released in 2002, marking the beginning of the action-adventure series centered on organized crime. The timeline of the major Mafia games released is:
“Mafia” (2002): The first game, about Tommy Angelo, a taxi driver who becomes a mobster in the 1930s. It takes place in a fictional city called Lost Heaven.
“Mafia II” (2010): This version is set in the 1940s and 1950s, following Vito Scaletta in Empire Bay, a city similar to New York or Chicago.
“Mafia III” (2016): In this game, set in the late 1960s in a city like New Orleans called New Bordeaux, gamers play as Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam veteran who wants revenge on the Mafia.
“Mafia: Definitive Edition” (2020): This is a remake of the first game, featuring improved graphics and a new storyline.
“Mafia: Trilogy” (2020): This is a collection with the remake of the first game, a nicer version of the second game and an updated version of the third game.
“Mafia: The Old Country” (2025): This is the newest game, set in Sicily in the early 1900s. It depicts the origins of the Italian American Mafia.
Overview of Mafia Presence in 1900s Sicily
“Mafia: The Old Country” (2025) highlights Sicily’s harsh conditions that led to the rise of the Mafi, featuring intense combat, period-accurate transportation and a cinematic story with authentic Sicilian dialect.
The Mafia’s presence was born out of Sicily’s unique history, marked by centuries of foreign rule and feudal-like systems that left the populace disenfranchised. They exploited this environment, using intimidation and violence to maintain control, but also providing a sense of order and stability that the state could not. This period laid the groundwork for the Mafia’s expansion and eventual global reach, shaping its identity as a complex mix of criminal organizations and shadow government.
Life in Sicily during this time was defined by the constant negotiation with Mafia power. Ordinary citizens often had to seek their “favors” to resolve disputes or gain access to resources, creating a cycle of dependence and fear. The Mafia’s grip extended into every corner of society, making it nearly impossible to challenge their authority without risking severe consequences. This era represents a critical chapter in understanding the Mafia’s evolution from a local phenomenon to a global criminal empire.
