2025 has been an incredible year for gaming, featuring several potential Game of the Year contenders. We’ve been captivated by everything from a profoundly moving ‘Walking-sim’ emphasizing connection to a visually stunning JéRPG that has captured the hearts of many.
These remarkable games have set a high bar, raising expectations for future titles. While a great problem to have, it could mean certain games might struggle to stand out amidst the competition.
Hangar 13’s latest release, Mafia: The Old Country, piqued my interest, leaving me eager to see if it could surpass these elevated standards. Having completed the game, I’m prepared to share that it might be my personal favorite entry in the Mafia series, especially regarding its storytelling.
How does it fare against other top games? And does your enjoyment increase if you’ve recently watched Francis Ford Coppola’s Godfather films, inspiring a Martin Scorsese-esque “Absolute Cinema” moment upon finishing? You better believe it does. Here’s my review of Mafia: The Old Country.
A Tale Of Love, Deceit, and Madness
I highly recommend playing the first two Mafia games before diving in. Long-time fans will appreciate numerous nods to previous characters and plot points, which I’ll avoid spoiling here.
For increased authenticity, enable the Sicilian language setting with subtitles. It greatly enhances the immersive experience, though lip-syncing is absent.
Set in early 1900s Sicily, the game follows Enzo, a young miner yearning to escape his life of servitude alongside his friend Gaetano, who dreams of finding success in America. The American dream quickly turns sour, and a cornered Enzo is persuaded to join the Torisi family, thus marking his entry into the criminal underworld as he and his comrades Luca and Cesare begin to perform underhanded tasks for Don Bernardo Torisi.
What stood out the most was the narrative’s departure from the slow-paced crime dramas of past Mafia games. It interweaves heartfelt moments early in the game. A stark contrast is found in Enzo’s love affair and his developing friendships.
This approach breathes new life into the world Hangar 13 established. While the core thrills and high-stakes crime elements persist, these additions create a more relatable and grounded experience.
It unfolds almost like a brief yet poignant soap opera. The first half progressively charts the rise and eventual heartbreaking fall of a family, torn apart by constant conflict, sorrow, and forbidden romance.
The Duality of Enzo Favara
Character-driven narratives often resonate deeply, be it the cat-and-mouse game in Heat or Sam Porter Bridges’ journey in Death Stranding. A key element is that the protagonists form the core.
Enzo Favara joins Tommy Angelo and Vito Scaletta as one of Hangar 13’s best-written protagonists. He’s a stoic but brave young man guided by strong values. Enzo’s life is never ruined despite the twisted depths of his crime syndicate.
The constant tug-of-war with darkness remains at the heart of the story, driving the third act.
Enzo and Isabella’s romance is definitely a highlight. Their first meeting in the stables had shades of Michael Corleone being struck by Apollonia. Their fate worried me more than anything.
Can you blame me? Most crime dramas like this don’t have a happy ending.
Enzo’s relationships with Luca and Cesare define his duality. Luca, as Don Torisi’s second-in-command, guides Enzo away from dishonorable actions. Whereas Cesare is the instigator who rushes in without thinking.
The missions showcase the rise of Enzo and the Torisi Family, alongside their battles with the Spadaro Family. This clash creates the pivot point for the story’s third act, which might be divisive, much like the ending of The Last of Us Part 2.
An Offer You Can’t Refuse
Hearing that Hangar 13 would focus on a linear experience, avoiding the constraints of an open world, was great. I was given an offer I couldn’t refuse.
Having played my share of lifeless open-world games, I was pleased with the Valle Dorata. The setting for the heated tale is portrayed magnificently, and it features a reimagined San Celeste, as seen in the second game.
It’s all powered by Unreal Engine 5, which does a fine job showcasing the valley, and the architecture of the villas and mansions.
Unlike the other titles and even Mafia 3, The Old Country’s world is only used for storytelling.
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