Can’t get away this summer? Mafia: The Old Country brings the Sicilian countryside to you, with a side of Michael Corleone-style action

by

Mafia: The Old Country (PlayStation, Xbox, PC, £44.99)

Verdict: The Midfather

In the movie “The Godfather,” recall the scene when Al Pacino departed for Sicily? Picture that as a level or stage in “The Godfather: The Game.” It’s filled with hilltop villages, scorched vineyards, and instances of seemingly casual but significant violence.

In simpler terms, the new installment in the Mafia series takes us back to the original setting, having previously visited fictional versions of cities like New York, Chicago, and New Orleans.

Instead, although the game might appear to be about The Godfather’s Michael Corleone, it’s important to note that organized criminals involved in its operation would likely not engage in copyright infringements, suggesting that you may not truly be playing as the iconic character.

In contrast, you find yourself as Enzo, a struggling youth in the early 20th century, toiling in a hazardous sulfur pit, nestled beneath an imitation of the towering volcano, Mount Etna.

Eventually, he departs from his previous life and associates himself with one of the more amiable crime families in the region. After that point, it’s a journey of climbing the hierarchy, developing feelings for the don’s daughter, experiencing betrayal, and dealing with typical events.

In my experience, not many games capture the essence of a time and location as profoundly as Mafia: The Old Country does. Its world is so captivatingly breathtaking, it feels like stepping into a living painting, where every sunset over the marketplace or vista of the skyline leaves you in awe. I find myself often just roaming around, lost in its beauty.

In simpler terms, the issue lies in the fact that this game doesn’t offer much room for exploration. Unlike previous Mafia games, it seems to be more focused on guiding you through a series of events rather than allowing free roam. It’s basically one stealth mission, knife fight, or gun battle following another.

As a connoisseur of gaming experiences, I must say the core gameplay is satisfactory, if not particularly exceptional. It’s polished enough to guide you smoothly through The Old Country’s stereotypical narrative within roughly a dozen hours. However, it’s not captivating enough to entice repeated playthroughs.

Consider it an offer you can refuse.

Read More

2025-08-14 19:24