Mafia: Definitive Edition

The main difference between the remake and the original game is that the latter was outstanding for its time, while the Definitive Edition is “merely” good. Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth your time. What’s crucial here is the fact that Hangar 13 approached the original’s narrative with proper respect and refrained from changing it too much. Mafia: Definitive Edition might not be remarkable as an open-world action game, but it still has the story worthy of the most revered gangster movies. [12/2020, p.28]

Mafia: Definitive Edition is a curiosity. Newcomers to the game will find here a soft landing via a strong narrative and gameplay that will readily welcome them. Meanwhile, veterans will find enough changes to make another visit to Lost Heaven worth their while, though whether they will be pleased with the modernization is a separate question entirely. With one eye on the past and one on the present, Mafia: Definitive Edition is less dated than Destroy All Humans!, though it never feels as distinctive or necessary as Resident Evil 2. Whether that’s enough to coax you back will be up to you.

Especially if you know and love the original game, Mafia Definitive Edition is pure joy. We follow the adventures of Tommy Angelo like we would follow those of a character of a good move form Coppola. Beyond nostalgia, we take part in a wonderful gangster story. Despite every issue the game suffers at the moment (random freezes, crashes...) and some terrible optimizations on PC and PS4, it's still a captivating game, but it's hard to ignore its flaws.

Those who loved the original will likely pick this up and enjoy every minute, although those who are entirely new to the first entry in the Mafia series may find it a little bizarre in its structure and storytelling. Even so, it still stands perhaps as the best of the Mafia Definitive Editions, and most importantly provides a coherent approach across a trilogy that has felt more than a little disparate at times.

Mafia: Definitive Edition is one of the most visually stunning games out there, but the beautiful city streets and cars are held back by the outdated shooting and fighting mechanics, as well as a story which never really manages to tell a heartfelt and unique mafia epic.

It'd be hard to classify something with this much emotional resonance, honesty, and maturity as "bad". However, it is a challenging game - the sort that you give a reserved recommendation, a real "it has some problems but I liked it" situation. If you're looking for a smooth, polished experience, then yes, you might want to leave this one sleeping with the fishes. However, if you're in the mood for a slow, moody mafia yarn with an excellent atmosphere and a compelling story, then Mafia's a decent contender.

There's no denying that Mafia: Definitive Edition is a stunning remake when you consider everything that was done to re-introduce the 18-year-old game to a new audience. The changes made to the story, both on the page--as it fleshes out more of the cast--and in the performance booth, enhance what was already a captivating story, while the revamped visuals breathe new life into the city of Lost Heaven. Unfortunately, the rest of the game falters when you're the one in control. The archaic and repetitive combat hasn't evolved since Mafia II was released in 2010, and the years since have dated it even more. Mafia: Definitive Edition might be an improvement on the original game, but its modernisation stops short of the mark, resulting in an uneven game that squanders its enticing potential.