The next game in the Mafia series, titled Mafia: The Old Country, promises to take players to Sicily in the early 20th century, a period in which the origins of the Cosa Nostra are explored. The protagonist will be Enzo Favara, a young man seeking freedom through a life of crime. This installment represents a step back in the series’ narrative, as it will focus on the beginnings of organized crime in the region.
Mafia: The Old Country is beautiful, cheap, and it’s not an open world
The title will be released with a standard edition priced at 44.95 euros. This focus on a lower price is a deliberate strategy by 2K, according to its president, David Ismailer, who assured that the game will not require “massive time commitments.” This contrasts with the price increases in many current AAA titles, which may be well received by players looking for more contained experiences.
Mafia: The Old Country will offer a linear gaming experience, combining elements of combat, stealth, and shooting, unlike previous installments that focused on open worlds. This will allow players to immerse themselves in a more focused narrative, exploring difficult decisions and the tragic story of Enzo, including a romantic subplot with Isabella, the Don’s daughter.
Graphically, the game is developed with Unreal Engine 5, which suggests an impressive level of visual detail. However, it will require suitable hardware for optimal performance. At the same time, the voice acting will be conducted in Sicilian, generating some controversy among fans, even though it will offer subtitles and an interface in Italian.
The release is expected in the near future, and although there is no confirmation about availability on Xbox Game Pass, the interest in the narrative and the more direct approach of the game make it one of the most anticipated titles in the genre.