Set in the heart of Sicily during the early 1900s, Mafia: The Old Country takes us back to the days before Tommy Aneglo and Vito Scaletta’s adventures from the previousMafiagames. Rather than the grandeur and glamour of America’s great cities, we are instead taken back to a more rural life; one where the importance of tradition and honour outweigh the need for simple fortunes.
It’s been a while since Mafia: The Old Country was first announced, but now we finally have our first look at some in-depth gameplay thanks to a new IGN First exclusive video.
8 Best Games Where You’re In The Mob, Ranked
Whether it’s smuggling, thieving, or murdering, these games throw players into the world of the original American gangsters.
In addition to its impressive visual fidelity, the mission also showcases some of the game’sstealth and combat mechanics, which include brutal takedowns, parkour elements and semi-destructible environments.
The clip, which lasts just under ten minutes, provides the best look yet at how the game will play, with everything from high-stakes storytelling to the more antiquated weapon and vehicle selection being shown off.
Old Country, New Era
Following on from the slightly disappointing Mafia 3, Mafia: The Old Country is certainly a rebrand of sorts, not simply taking the series ‘back to its roots’ but to the very seeds. If you thought the crime families of Empire Bay, Lost Heaven and New Bordeaux were serious, the old-school Italians of The Old Country’s San Celeste are even more severe.
Immediately, an atmosphere of tension is present throughout the mission. Enzo issummoned before an important Mafiosoand forced to take on a task, though the conversation has clearly been edited to avoid major spoilers.
We then get to see an arsenal room where players can choose from a variety of bolt-action rifles, shotguns and pistols. It appears players will have an element of choice about how they wish to gear up for each task.
The most impressive part of the gameplay reveal is the cross-country drive, which beautifully shows off thestunning countryside environmentwith bending dusty roads lined with vineyards, cypresses and lemon trees.
The stealth and combat gameplay is nothing revolutionary, but it appears as thoughweapon condition will play a role, and knives have to be sharpened as they get dulled with use. Additionally, the nature of the older firearms means that every shot will have to count - there will be no blind spraying of Tommy Guns this time around.
It appears that the game will be going for a more linear, narrative-driven approach rather than the open world style of Mafia 3. Either way,the signs certainly look promising for Mafia: The Old Country ahead of its release on August 8th.
