Mafia: The Old Country returns to the series' roots: a linear, cinematically staged story set in early 20th-century Sicily. Hangar 13 deliberately drops Mafia III's open-world approach to focus on character and plot, priced at $50.
The game launched on August 8, 2025 on PS5, Windows and Xbox Series X|S, earning a Metacritic score of 73 and 66% recommendation on OpenCritic, a divisive result.
Quick Facts
- Release: August 8, 2025
- Developer: Hangar 13; published by 2K; Unreal Engine 5
- Setting: Sicily in the 1900s, spanning 1904 to 1907
- Critic scores: Metacritic 73 (all platforms); OpenCritic 66%; IGN 8/10; GameSpot 6/10
- Sales: 2K said the game sold better than expected
Story
The story follows 17-year-old Enzo Favara from labor in a sulfur mine to involvement with the fictional Torrisi crime family. The plot spans 1904 to 1907 and ends with Enzo making his way to Empire Bay, the series' city.
The game has full dubbing in several languages, including Sicilian, but notably lacks Italian despite the setting.
Behind The Scenes
Hangar 13 deliberately returned to deep linear storytelling after Mafia III's open-world approach and priced the game at $50, lower than many AAA titles. The game uses Unreal Engine 5 and is dubbed in English, French, German, Spanish, Czech, Russian and Sicilian, but not Italian.
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick said the game sold better than expected, and The New York Times named it to its top 10 games of 2025.
Experience
Linear gameplay
The game is a linear third-person experience of driving, knife combat, shooting and stealth, with no open world to explore. Hangar 13 deliberately returned to deep linear storytelling after Mafia III. This keeps the story tight but also exposes the limits of the mechanics.
Setting and presentation
Sicily is rendered in Unreal Engine 5 with standout countryside and sulfur mine scenes, and visuals are often praised. The New York Times included the game in its top 10 of 2025, and it received nominations for storytelling, music and art direction.
Strengths
- Story and characters are praised, and the Sicilian setting stands out
- A return to linear storytelling with tight pacing
- A reasonable $50 price for a campaign-driven experience
- Named to The New York Times' top 10 of 2025
Weaknesses
- Shallow mechanics and dated design, per many reviews
- Repetitive combat and occasionally clichéd storytelling
- No Italian dub despite the Sicilian setting
What Critics Say
IGN and Destructoid both gave 8/10, GameSpot 6/10 and PC Gamer 45/100. Praise centered on the story, characters, Sicilian visuals and the return to linear design; criticism focused on shallow mechanics, dated design, a static world, repetitive combat and clichéd storytelling. Metacritic 73 and OpenCritic 66% reflect the split.
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick said the game sold better than expected, validating the cinematic direction.
Who Is It For
For those who enjoy linear, cinematic campaigns or are Mafia series fans. If you need deep combat mechanics or a rich open world, the game will struggle to deliver. The $50 price lowers the risk.
OtaHub Score
Verdict
Mafia: The Old Country is a handsome, tidy and divisive crime story. It is strong in setting and character but weak in gameplay mechanics. OtaHub scores it 8.3/10.
FAQ
Does Mafia: The Old Country have an open world?
No, the game is linear and story-focused.
Does it have an Italian dub?
No, although it has Sicilian and several other languages.
Price and platforms?
$50, on PS5, Windows and Xbox Series X|S.