It makes a strong first impression. Mafia: Definitive Edition begins with a visually stunning introduction, a cinematic tour of the Chicago-inspired Lost Heaven that rivals the aesthetic of any period film directed by Martin Scorsese. Exhibiting a smooth frame rate on Xbox One X, coupled with stylish lighting effects and convincing depictions of metal scaffolding and neon signage, alongside adequate character models, expectations are considerably high for Hangar 13’s remaster of the 2002 2K classic, Mafia. However, the opportunity to rectify the original’s shortcomings from 18 years ago is not fully capitalized upon, with improvements primarily focused on superficial aspects.
The narrative casts you as Tommy Angelo, a taxi driver who inadvertently becomes entangled in the city’s gang warfare. The game commences with Tommy seeking protection from a police officer in exchange for information about the Mafia. The ensuing sequences unfold as flashbacks, chronicling the events from the story’s inception to its inevitable conclusion.
Mafia emerged during an era when Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto franchise dominated the gaming landscape. As such, it can be accurately described as a streamlined and more linear GTA-inspired title, characterized by a more serious narrative and a strong emphasis on the aesthetics and atmosphere of the 1930s. Players will engage in extensive driving (as a taxi driver), complete various tasks, confront adversaries in combat, and follow Tommy’s journey, which maintains clearly defined boundaries within the ostensibly open-world environment.
From a presentation standpoint, Mafia: Definitive Edition represents a substantial upgrade. In contrast to Mafia 2: Definitive Edition – a graphical remaster released recently (Mafia 3 is comparatively recent, having been released on current generation consoles) and plagued by a low frame rate and minimal enhancements – this initial Mafia title is a remake (although not quite a complete remake, despite Hangar 13’s claims of rebuilding it from the ground up). In practice, it feels more akin to a high-quality remaster. The graphics have been updated – although the somewhat simplistic character models reveal its age – the resolution, frame rate, and various details have been refined, and the lighting effects, in particular, are well-rendered. The sound design is also commendable, featuring convincing voice acting and an engaging radio system, arguably one of the best implementations of in-game car radios to date (surpassing even GTA V and the Forza games).
However, it doesn’t entirely feel like a remake, but rather a remaster – often implying cosmetic enhancements applied to a rapidly aging base. Minor graphical imperfections persist, such as the somewhat blurred horizon. Moreover, the original Mafia suffered from unwieldy controls, an issue that regrettably remains in this remake, despite the opportunity to address it comprehensively. Driving under pressure, and particularly escaping from pursuers, feels unnecessarily challenging, rigid, and awkward, often resulting in frustrating impasses due to seemingly trivial obstacles, such as missing a turn or staircase. This detracts significantly from the immersion and overall enjoyment of the game.
Weapon handling is similarly inconsistent. Handguns perform adequately, while using larger caliber firearms results in an erratic experience, a drawback in an otherwise reasonably well-designed combat system featuring competent enemy AI.
Mafia: Definitive Edition is somewhat challenging to evaluate definitively. While it exhibits control issues and gameplay flaws that have persisted for nearly two decades, and other titles in the genre execute certain elements more effectively (particularly GTA V), it also presents a commendable update to a classic game that many players likely hold nostalgic memories of. At 400 SEK, the price is reasonable for (re)experiencing the game in its best iteration to date (including a few minor additions that are best discovered organically). Consequently, the assessment falls between a favorable and recommended rating, ultimately leaning towards the latter.
With realistic expectations and an appreciation for the genre and era, Mafia: Definitive Edition remains a worthwhile experience.
