Mafia: The Old Country”: We Now Know Why the Game Abandoned Open World

Mafia: The Old Country’s Debut Unveils Mixed Gameplay Feedback

Less than a month from its release, Mafia: The Old Country from 2K Games and Hangar 13 attracted scrutiny due to a surprising lack of pre-release information. Prior to a recent reveal, little gameplay or preview content had been shared, leading to speculation among the gaming community. This changed with the release of a 9-minute gameplay video on IGN’s YouTube channel, accompanied by hands-on previews from American media outlets. This sneak peek offered the first real look at the title, showcasing stealth, combat, driving scenes, and story-defining dialogues. The footage introduced Enzo Favara as the protagonist but also revealed some areas for refinement. Enzo’s movements sometimes appear stiff, stealth takedowns feature awkward blood effects, and grenades lack visual impact. Despite these points, the game boasts stylish lighting effects and dramatic staging designed to create a cinematic experience. The gaming community has reacted with mixed feelings. Some have criticized the visuals and gameplay as old-fashioned, while others believe the title could signal a return to the series’ narrative roots, emphasizing story development and potentially steering the franchise in a new direction.

Mafia: The Old Country – Back to Narrative Roots amid Sicilian Atmosphere

Mafia: The Old Country shifts the series’ traditional US setting to post-war Sicily in the early 1900s. Players control Enzo Favara in a game that prioritizes atmosphere and suspense over an open world. Instead of a free-roaming experience, it offers a tight, well-structured story with clear missions to follow. Gameplay mechanics include supported stealth options, such as a stealthy knife-throwing ability, and a knife as the primary upgradable weapon. This design choice marks a significant departure from Mafia III, where studio Hangar 13 took an audacious turn by introducing the franchise to an open-world format. That move, which broke from the narrative linearity that defined the success of the first two installments, was a risky bet that ultimately did not fully pay off. Mafia III struggled to convince players due to an underutilized open world and a loss of pace in its storyline. By abandoning the open-world setup, Mafia: The Old Country revisits the series’ successful narrative-driven approach. Upon its launch, Mafia: The Old Country will be available for 50.

In Case You Missed It

If you’re curious about the financial underpinnings of Xbox Game Pass and how it might be affecting Microsoft’s bottom line, make sure to check out Marcus Thompson’s latest piece titled “Critical: Xbox Game Pass May Not Be as Profitable as It Seems,” published on July 7, 2025. The article delves into the complexities of calculating profitability for the subscription service, highlighting issues like unaccounted internal game production costs and a potential decline in direct sales revenue. With insights that challenge conventional wisdom about Game Pass’s financial health, this read is essential for anyone interested in the future of gaming economics Critical: Xbox Game Pass May Not Be as Profitable as It Seems. For all you gaming enthusiasts out there, make sure to check out Bruno Pferd’s latest post titled “Nine Minutes of Gameplay Revealed in New Video for Mafia: The Old Country,” published on July 7, 2025. The article dives into a recently released nine-minute gameplay video that gives us an exclusive look at Chapter 5 of the eagerly anticipated Mafia: The Old Country. From stunning early 20th-century Sicilian landscapes to intense stealth and shootout sequences, this video is a must-watch for anyone who loves third-person action games like Uncharted. Head over to Nine Minutes of Gameplay Revealed in New Video for Mafia: The Old Country to get a taste of what’s in store and stay tuned for more weekly releases leading up to the game’s launch on August 8! If you’re interested in the evolving landscape of video game consumption and the significant shift towards subscription models, be sure to check out Bruno Pferd’s latest piece titled “U.S. Video Game Subscriptions Hit New Historical High,” published on July 10, 2025. The article delves into the surprising growth trends in monthly spending on video game subscriptions, which reached an unprecedented $600 million mark in May 2025. With insights from industry experts like Mat Piscatella of Circana, this post explores both the current enthusiasm for subscription services and potential future challenges they might face U.S. Video Game Subscriptions Hit New Historical High.