Mafia: The Old Country – Complete Guide & Everything You Need to Know

The long-awaited prequel to the legendary Mafia trilogy has finally arrived! Mafia: The Old Country takes players on a gripping journey back to 1900s Sicily, exploring the brutal origins of organized crime in America. After months of anticipation, this narrative-driven action-adventure experience is now available, offering fans a return to the series’ linear storytelling roots.

What Is Mafia: The Old Country?

Mafia: The Old Country serves as a prequel to the original Mafia trilogy, transporting players to the birthplace of one of America’s most notorious crime families. Set in the fictional Sicilian town of San Celeste (previously featured in Mafia 2), the game follows Enzo Favara’s transformation from a down-on-his-luck underling to a prolific insider within the Cosa Nostra.

Unlike Mafia 3’s sprawling open-world approach, The Old Country returns to the series’ linear, narrative-driven format that made the franchise famous. Developer Hangar 13 has deliberately scaled back to focus on authentic storytelling and atmospheric immersion.

Release Information & Availability

Release Date: August 8, 2025

Available Platforms:

• PC (Steam)
• PlayStation 5
• Xbox Series X/S

Game Pass Status: Unfortunately, Mafia: The Old Country is not available on Xbox Game Pass

The game has launched to positive reception, with Steam reviews showing “very positive” ratings. Players are particularly praising the compelling storyline, though some have noted the gameplay mechanics feel somewhat limited compared to open-world expectations.

Gameplay & Features

Core Gameplay Elements

Mafia: The Old Country maintains the series’ signature gritty, narrative-driven action-adventure formula while introducing several period-appropriate mechanics:

Combat Systems:

• Traditional third-person shooting mechanics
• Stealth gameplay with sneak attacks
• Hand-to-hand combat system
• Period-accurate weapons and equipment

Transportation & Exploration:

• Horseback riding across Sicilian countryside
• Vintage automobile driving sequences
• Linear progression through carefully crafted environments

Narrative Focus: The game emphasizes “authentic realism and rich storytelling” with fully localized Sicilian voice acting to match the historical setting. According to Hangar 13 president Nick Baynes, this installment returns to “the roots of what fans love about the Mafia series” through its deep linear narrative structure.

Setting & Time Period

Location: 1900s Sicily, specifically the fictional town of San Celeste Historical Context: The game explores the authentic origins of organized crime during this pivotal period in Italian-American history

Players will experience the harsh realities of turn-of-the-century Sicily, witnessing how economic desperation and social upheaval created the perfect conditions for the birth of the mafia as we know it today.

Character & Story

Protagonist: Enzo Favara – A determined individual who must prove his worth to the Torrisi crime family

The story follows Enzo’s dangerous ascent through the ranks of the Cosa Nostra, showcasing his willingness to do anything for the family that took him in. Players will navigate treacherous relationships, cutthroat enemies, and moral compromises as they uncover the brutal foundations of organized crime.

Editions & Pricing

Standard Edition – $49.99/£49.99

• Base game only

Deluxe Edition – $59.99/£54.99

Includes:

• Full base game
• Padrino Pack:
  • “Lupara Speciale” Shotgun
  • “Vendetti Speciale” Pistol
  • “Immortale” Charm
  • “Padrino” Outfit
  • “Stiletto Speciale” Knife
  • “Eckhart Speciale” Limousine
  • “Cosimo” Horse and Accessories
• Gatto Nero Pack:
  • “Bodeo Nero” Pistol
  • “Velocità” Charm
  • “Gatto Nero” Outfit
  • “Carozella Nero” Race Car
• Digital art book
• Original soundtrack

Pre-Order Bonus (Both Editions)

• Exclusive outfit
• Horse with accessories
• Special knife
• “Lupara” charm

What Makes It Special

Authentic Historical Detail: The development team has prioritized historical accuracy, incorporating genuine Sicilian dialect and period-appropriate settings.

Cinematic Presentation: The game features impressive visual fidelity specifically designed for current-generation hardware, delivering cinematic cutscenes and immersive gameplay sequences.

Return to Series Roots: After the mixed reception of Mafia 3’s open-world approach, The Old Country brings back the focused, linear storytelling that made the original games beloved by fans.

Should You Buy It?

Perfect For:

• Fans of narrative-driven action games
• Players who enjoyed the original Mafia and Mafia 2
• Those interested in authentic historical crime stories
• Gamers preferring linear, story-focused experiences over open-world exploration

Consider Waiting If:

• You prefer open-world gameplay with extensive side content
• You’re looking for innovative gameplay mechanics
• You want to wait for potential sales or additional content releases

Looking Ahead

With GTA 6 delayed until May 2026, Mafia: The Old Country stands as one of 2025’s most significant crime-themed gaming releases. The positive early reception suggests that Hangar 13’s return to series fundamentals has resonated with both critics and longtime fans.

Whether you’re a franchise veteran or newcomer to the series, The Old Country offers a compelling entry point into the dark world of organized crime’s origins. The game’s focus on authentic storytelling, period detail, and character development makes it a worthy addition to any crime drama enthusiast’s library.

Bottom Line: Mafia: The Old Country successfully returns the franchise to its narrative-driven roots while delivering the authentic, gritty crime story that fans have been craving. If you’re ready to experience the brutal birth of the American mafia through Sicilian eyes, this prequel delivers exactly what it promises.

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