Mafia: The Old Country shines in a new gameplay reveal

GAMING NEWS Fyra Frost - 09-Jul-2025, 2:30 pm

Fans of the Mafia franchise have reason to celebrate: Mafia: The Old Country has returned to the spotlight with a brand-new gameplay video that encapsulates everything players could hope for in a saga focused on crime. Developed by Hangar 13 and published by 2K Games, this highly anticipated prequel immerses players in early 20th-century Sicily, delivering a potent mix of driving, stealth, and explosive action.

A new look at it

The gameplay footage, presented by IGN and lasting nearly nine minutes, showcases a mission from Chapter 5 titled "La Villa." It opens with the protagonist, Enzo Favara, arriving at the opulent estate of Don Torrisi, one of the story's central figures. This setting serves as the backdrop for a narrative-rich experience filled with tension, cinematic flair, and multiple playstyles.

One of the most striking elements of the gameplay is the detailed depiction of vintage car driving. From the sound design to the mechanical weight of the vehicles, the attention to realism is impressive. These segments, powered by Unreal Engine 5, help ground the experience in its historical context, evoking the feel of the early Mafia era with every turn of the wheel.

Stealth plays a significant role in the gameplay shown. Players can infiltrate the villa using shadows and quiet takedowns, creating a sense of methodical tension. Dim lighting and careful level design emphasize a slower, more deliberate approach, rewarding players who favor cunning over brute force. But when violence erupts, Mafia: The Old Country doesn't hold back. The combat features period-accurate weapons, including bolt-action rifles, revolvers, and shotguns, eschewing modern automatic firearms in favor of authenticity. This decision results in a more tactical and grounded feel to gunfights, requiring players to make every shot count.

Beyond gameplay mechanics, the video reinforces the game's broader themes and storytelling approach. The developers clearly aim to recapture the essence of the original Mafia titles, focusing on narrative, historical fidelity, and atmospheric detail. The fictional city of San Celeste, inspired by early 1900s Sicily, serves as a lush, dangerous world where the roots of organized crime take hold. The use of Unreal Engine 5 allows for highly detailed environments and character models, promising one of the most visually rich entries in the series to date.

Mafia: The Old Country is scheduled to launch on August 8, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S. If you're looking for a gripping crime epic this summer, the best deals for Mafia: The Old Country are available with our comparator. You should check out the system requirements if you want to play the game on PC.