Mafia

 PC
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
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  1. PC Gamer
    91
    It's rare in this day and age to be truly impressed by a game's graphics, but a lot of your early game time will be spent just marveling at the scenery. [Dec 2002, p.90]
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  2. Computer Games Online RO
    90
    The missions are very well linked between them and in the background you thought of a very interesting but somehow sad story.
  3. IGN
    92
    Mafia is dripping with style and class and has certainly shoved itself into the ranks of the best games of this year.
  5. ActionTrip
    79
    This game looks and feels like "GTA3," only better looking and not as funny and 'open-ended.'
  6. PC Format
    90
    As cinematic games go, Mafia is in a league of its own.
  7. GameSpot
    93
    Looks and sounds great, it's exciting, it's suitably bug-free, and, at a time when eight hours is becoming the standard length for single-player shooters, it's long. Quite simply, Mafia is one of the best games of the year.
  8. netjak
    82
    An enjoyable romp while it lasts, I just wish driving wasn't such a big part of it all.
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  9. PC Gameworld
    93
    The 30s era vehicles and weaponry are unique to the PC shooter market and provide a challenge to even the most seasoned gamers.
  10. Gamers' Temple
    92
    Outside of my complaint with the racing level and a few very minor issues, Mafia is a really immersive game. The story is very good, and the cutscenes and voice acting are of the highest caliber.
  11. GameZone
    93
    The question here is: why don't you own this game already? This is an excellent game.
  12. PGNx Media
    91
    The PC version is the best you can get. If you have a PC that meets the requirements below, you’ll have a much better time than you would with either console version. Furthermore, GameStop.com is selling this game for a mere $10, several times less than the console versions.
  13. Media and Games Online Network
    89
    The excellent storyline, huge environment, fantastic graphics and superb voice acting create an atmosphere which is unmatched in any PC game today.
  14. Armchair Empire
    80
    While I didn't appreciate the sudden difficulty of the racing mission, it doesn't wreck the game as a whole.
  15. Game Informer
    93
    From the living city in which you reside, to the incredibly realistic vehicles, this title has the heart and sould of a blockbuster. [Nov 2002, p.147]
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  16. GamerWeb PC
    91
    It's not "GTA 3." It goes way above and beyond the arcadey style of GTA, and is just an overall satisfying game.
  17. Gamer's Pulse
    88
    I really enjoyed the missions, and even though they could be tough, the movie-like atmosphere makes for a truly compelling gaming experience.
  18. G4 TV
    80
    A real treat... However, the occasional way-too-difficult mission leads to some frustrating repetition, and behaving while driving around so as not to blow the last leg of a driving mission can become slightly tedious.
  19. Four Fat Chicks
    100
    Yet Mafia oozes class, polish, and style like no other game so far this year. To not "experience" Mafia is a far greater crime than any in the Salieri family ever committed.
  20. GameSpy
    91
    A game hasn't oozed this much style since the release of "Max Payne." The gameplay, the story, the graphics -- the entire presentation is topnotch.
  21. Yahoo!
    90
    Happens to have a fantastic storyline backing it up, mixed with what's proving to be some of the most enjoyable gameplay to be seen this year.
  22. Game Over Online
    90
    The quintessential difference between other gangster games and this one is the fact that the story gives reason for the action to exist. It doesn't work the other way around.
  23. Adrenaline Vault
    80
    With gorgeous graphics, an enthralling story, nifty sound and music, and fun gameplay, it's a blast from beginning to end.
  24. All Game Guide
    80
    With better cut-scenes, more realistic driving physics, and a cinematic story, Mafia holds its own. While not as revolutionary as "GTA 3," it’s solid and oozes style.
  25. Game Revolution
    91
    Mafia takes the idea of the bustling city to a new, incredibly ambitious level with an awe-inspiring sense of detail and forethought. Without a doubt, the game is gorgeous.
  26. Total Video Games
    90
    For a superbly crafted single player experience you probably won’t find many to touch it, everything combines to create such a cinematic experience that you can’t help but find yourself completely encompassed into it.
  27. Computer Gaming World
    70
    The pacing seems a little off in this game, and to compound the issue, there's no in-mission save. [Dec 2002, p.120]
    All this publication's reviews
  28. AtomicGamer
    90
    Even with its problems, Mafia was a joy to play, and I really hope we see more games that expand on the Grand Theft Auto formula. But if you are going to do a GTA3-alike game, a unique setting as well as a few major gameplay additions are absolute musts. Luckily, Mafia delivers in those areas.

Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Best PC Game of 2002
3
#3 Most Discussed PC Game of 2002
5
#5 Most Shared PC Game of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 2090 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,902 out of 2090
  2. Mixed: 114 out of 2090
  3. Negative: 74 out of 2090
  1. ChrisP.
    Mar 22, 2008
    10
    Probably one of the best games I have played. I don't know why everyone is complaining with XP. I have Windows XP Service Pack 2 and itProbably one of the best games I have played. I don't know why everyone is complaining with XP. I have Windows XP Service Pack 2 and it works fine. Even though its been out for a long time, still worth getting it and playing it. Even after you beat the main game, there is still other parts of the game to finish before truly "beating" it.

    Definately a great game.    … Full Review »
  2. jackstarr
    Oct 11, 2012
    3
    Let's be honest, this is a seriously overrated game. Nobody wants to admit it, but it's pretty weak. The only thing it's got going for it isLet's be honest, this is a seriously overrated game. Nobody wants to admit it, but it's pretty weak. The only thing it's got going for it is the graphics, which were incredible for the time. But the gameplay just isn't fun, the driving physics are awful, the fact that you have to drive everywhere is boring as hell, it's mercilessly hard and full of bugs. I usually always finish a game, but I had to give up. That racing car mission was a nightmare, and that church level? Despite the hilarious bugs of seeing a fat guy crawling through the air, it was simply terrible. It's not that I don't enjoy a challenge, it's that I can't stand having to do the same thing thirty-odd times because of poor game design.

    And people still jump at the chance to praise the story, and all I can say is... what story? It's just a load of stereotypical, annoying and generic 'gangster'-style missions and scenarios strung together by some pretty poor voice acting.

    This game is nothing short of a total pain that hasn't aged well at all. But thankfully, the sequel fixes many of these problems and is a very enjoyable game. I'd recommend Mafia II, but this one? I'd avoid.    … Full Review »
  3. llolol4
    Jul 13, 2004
    10
    It is a best game I've ever played.Graphics are amazing,the gameplay is brilliant.I was all in game when I've played it.
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