Mafia: The Old Country is looking to cut the fat that held Mafia 3 back. The developers at Hangar 13 have confirmed that this prequel will focus on a tighter, more linear story structure. It won’t be a giant open world, but rather a set of compact, explorable zones with clear story progression. That’s good news if you were one of the many fans who thought Mafia 3 was bogged down with repetitive side missions.
This design choice brings it closer to the feel of Mafia and Mafia 2, both of which are still fondly remembered for their focused storytelling. Hangar 13 says the new structure is like an “open linear” format—similar to what we saw with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. You’ll have room to explore, but always with narrative as the driving force.
Authenticity in Vehicles, Settings, and Storytelling
From what’s been shown, The Old Country looks like it nails period authenticity. The fictional Garzia Tamuto car shown in the gameplay looks inspired by early 1900s Darracq models, and interiors are rich with detail: family portraits, antiques, ornate Sicilian architecture—it’s all there.
This commitment to realism also extends to the storytelling. Enzo’s tale of rising in the mob under the Caruso family is filled with potential for emotional and cinematic beats. Given the genre, we’re bound to see betrayals, power struggles, and character drama that channels The Godfather and Goodfellas. If Hangar 13 leans into those mob roots with care, they may finally have their standout story.
Concerns About AI and Combat Feel
Unfortunately, not everything looks sharp just yet. The AI in the 9-minute gameplay preview appears weak. Enemies barely react to gunfire or death animations nearby. Some are stuck in idle animations or have janky reactions to grenades and gunshots. If you remember Mafia 3‘s clumsy AI, you might understand why this is worrisome.
The gunplay also feels a bit off. While weapon recoil looks satisfying, the audio design leaves something to be desired. The hunting shotgun sounds especially muted. Blood splashes also obscure visibility, which might be frustrating for players in combat-heavy segments. These are polish issues that hopefully get cleaned up before launch.
Stealth Needs Smarter Design
Stealth appears to be a big focus in The Old Country, with Enzo using lockpicks, knives, coins, and other gadgets. It all sounds Hitman-inspired on paper, but execution matters. In the demo, stealth encounters look far too forgiving. Enzo is able to stab enemies face-to-face without others noticing—despite their loud death sounds. If enemies lack proper sight and sound detection, stealth could become a laughably easy path instead of a strategic one.
Again, this might change by launch, but Hangar 13 has a spotty record with stealth. Let’s hope they get it right this time. If Hangar 13 can tighten up the AI and polish the moment-to-moment combat, Mafia: The Old Country could be the redemption arc the series needs. The foundation is solid—rich world-building, a promising lead, and a return to narrative-driven gameplay. All that’s left is to make sure the gameplay delivers the same punch as the story.
