How Good Is Mafia Definitive Edition in 2023? Game Review

Welcome to a journey back in time to the roaring 1930s, where the streets were ruled by the Italian mafia, and loyalty meant everything.

Today, we’re diving into the world of Mafia Definitive Edition, a game that not only brings a classic title into the modern era but also immerses players in a gripping narrative filled with intrigue and betrayal. In this review, we’ll dissect the game’s strengths, weaknesses, and whether this trip to Lost Heaven is worth your time.

You can watch our YouTube video version of this review on our YouTube channel, by clicking the below link:

The Story of
MAfia Definitive Edition

Let’s zoom in on the beating heart of Mafia Definitive Edition – its story. It’s akin to a classic pizza; you know what you’re in for, yet the experience is so satisfying that you can’t help but crave more.

The narrative centers around Tommy Angelo, the game’s main character, navigating the treacherous world of the Italian mafia in the United States. It’s a tale adorned with familiar elements – conflicts, betrayals, heart-pounding car chases, and intense shootouts, delivering the quintessential mafia experience.

What truly gripped me, however, were the quieter moments, especially the conversations during car rides to missions. These instances provided a glimpse into the characters’ motivations and backgrounds, portrayed with a natural and human touch, courtesy of the stellar scriptwriting and voice acting. While Tommy might not boast the iconic status of characters like Snake or Geralt, he’s far from forgettable, standing out from the crowd.

Yet, the unsung heroes of this narrative are the supporting characters – Sam, Paulie, Frank, Sarah, and Don Salieri. Their stories resonated deeply, and the impeccable writing and voice acting ensured that skipping cutscenes or avoiding optional dialogues was out of the question.

In essence, the story emerges as the crown jewel of Mafia Definitive Edition, a testament to its ability to captivate fans of narrative-driven gaming. For those seeking an immersive journey into the world of organized crime, this tale is an absolute must-experience.

The Pacing In Mafia Is Superb

Let’s shift our focus to one of Mafia Definitive Edition’s standout features – its pacing. In an era dominated by sprawling open-world extravaganzas where quantity often trumps quality, Mafia 1 emerges as a refreshing oasis, delivering a concise, well-crafted experience.

Unlike juggernauts like Assassin’s Creed or Far Cry, notorious for bombarding players with a barrage of side activities and collectibles, Mafia 1 takes a more measured approach. While Lost Heaven, the city where the story unfolds, is open for exploration, there are no marked optional objectives, no randomly generated events, and no distracting side activities vying for your attention.

By opting for a half-open world, the developers strike a delicate balance between freedom and focus. You’re granted the liberty to roam the city and appreciate its intricately detailed interiors, yet you’re spared the ordeal of chasing after meaningless objectives or grinding for upgrades. The absence of skill trees, equipment crafting, or upgrade systems further cements the game’s commitment to storytelling. You’re not playing to level up your character or amass new gear; you’re immersed in Tommy Angelo’s journey as he ascends through the mafia ranks.

The result? A completion time of roughly 15 hours – a brevity that might seem scarce in today’s landscape of longer, more bloated games. Yet, within this relatively short duration, Mafia Definitive Edition weaves a tapestry of satisfaction and memorability. Far from feeling like the game overstayed its welcome or squandered your time, every moment resonates with meticulous care and purpose.

In a gaming world increasingly drowning in length and bloat, Mafia 1 emerges as a breath of fresh air, a compelling reminder that sometimes, less is more. It stands as a testament to the notion that a well-told story can be infinitely more rewarding than a multitude of meaningless tasks.

The DEtails of Mafia 1

Now, let’s explore another remarkable facet of Mafia Definitive Edition – its meticulous attention to detail.
Hanger 13’s commendable effort to recreate the 1930s Chicago atmosphere is not only evident in the game’s intricately detailed interiors but also in the authentic streets that exude a palpable sense of realism.

However, what truly sets this game apart are the minute details that the developers have painstakingly considered.
Picture this: as you drive through a tunnel, the radio quality subtly distorts for the duration spent underground. Imagine entering a building during rainfall – the floor near the entrance is adorned with a slight wetness.

These seemingly minor touches may not directly impact the gameplay, and some players might not even notice them consciously. Nevertheless, they play a pivotal role in crafting a rich, immersive atmosphere that elevates the overall gaming experience.
It’s the amalgamation of these nuanced elements that transports players to the 1930s, fostering a level of immersion that goes beyond mere gameplay mechanics. In the realm of Mafia Definitive Edition, every detail, no matter how small, contributes to the larger tapestry of a world that feels remarkably alive.

Mafia’s Graphical Improvements

Diving into the visual realm, Mafia Definitive Edition undergoes an extensive graphical transformation, enriching the immersive experience within the game.
Unlike a simple remaster, this game has been completely rebuilt, presenting players with a more detailed and realistic portrayal of 1930s Lost Heaven.

Navigating this visual feast, the game captures attention with its impressive fidelity. Running seamlessly on a system equipped with a Ryzen 7 5800x and an RTX 3070, Mafia Definitive Edition ensures a smooth experience, maintaining a consistent 80-100 FPS.

While the overall visual appeal is impressive, some minor graphical imperfections deserve attention. The edges of objects appeared slightly rough, and certain textures lacked the same level of detail found in others. Notably, specific cutscenes exhibited low-resolution textures, such as the scene in a toilet during the mission on a boat. Door textures, in particular, appeared pixelated.

However, despite these minor shortcomings, Mafia Definitive Edition stands as a visually stunning game that runs smoothly, fully immersing players in Tommy’s narrative and the captivating world of Lost Heaven.

Approachable difficulty in Mafia’s Remaster

Revisiting the past with the original Mafia, I recall grappling with its difficulty like solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. The original Mafia 1 was a formidable challenge, partly due to the game’s less-than-smooth gameplay, compounded by my youthful inexperience at around 15 years old.

While the specifics of gameplay intricacies will be our focus in the next section, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the allure of Mafia Definitive Edition lies not primarily in its challenging gameplay but rather in its rich narrative and immersive atmosphere.

Now, let’s talk about my complex relationship with difficult games. On one hand, the triumph over a tough challenge can be immensely rewarding. On the other, it has the potential to induce hair-pulling frustration. Fortunately, Mafia Definitive Edition recognizes the diverse preferences of its players. It offers a spectrum of difficulty settings, allowing you to tailor the level of punishment you wish to endure. The “original” difficulty remains for those seeking a formidable challenge, yet players are no longer compelled to confront an excessively high difficulty level that might overshadow their overall experience.

Now, let’s unravel the aspects of the game that could use some improvement.

The Gameplay in Mafia 1 is just Okay

In the realm of gaming, the gameplay is the beating heart, and the original Mafia 1, with its formidable difficulty, didn’t quite stand out. However, the remake breathes new life into the game, introducing modern animations and mechanics for an overall enhanced experience.
Brawls are refined, and the cover system, borrowed from Mafia 3, adds polish and sophistication.

Yet, as we compare it to contemporary titles, some shortcomings surface. The enemy AI lacks the intensity to pose a substantial challenge, and the gunplay, while realistic, lacks the visceral satisfaction found in modern games. The developers aimed for authenticity, simulating the feel of firing a 1930s gun a bit too literally. Firing guns in Mafia Definitive Editions feels genuine, but not exactly thrilling. Personally, I’ve often found solace in relying on a pistol, with the occasional shotgun for close-range encounters.

Make no mistake, Mafia 1’s gameplay is serviceable, but it lacks the exhilaration of newer titles. Even the underrated Mafia 3 offers a more satisfying combat experience. Fortunately, the gameplay, while just good enough, never becomes a hindrance, thanks to the well-paced narrative. A 15-hour completion time ensures the game never spirals into repetition or dissatisfaction, steering clear of the pitfalls that could emerge with a gameplay loop akin to Mafia 3. In this succinct experience, the game gracefully avoids overstaying its welcome.

Lack of side stories

In a twist of irony, having lauded the game for its focused gameplay, I find myself yearning for a touch more.
Not an influx of pointless side quests, mind you, but rather a sprinkle of additional storylines for the major characters.
For those enamored with the game’s world and its inhabitants, a chance to deepen connections with key characters would be a welcomed addition. Picture a handful of missions per major character – nothing extravagant, just enough to forge a more intimate bond.

Presently, the game confines itself to the main storyline, with even the “Free ride” mode lacking substantial content. While you can traverse the city, creating chaos sans purpose, the absence of meaningful side content leaves a void. Injecting the game with more engaging side narratives would not only enrich the experience but also furnish players with a motive to explore the world beyond the central storyline. It’s a call for a touch more substance, a plea for an expanded journey within Mafia Definitive Edition.

Mafia Definitive Edition in 2023 –
the Verdict:

Embarking on the immersive odyssey of Mafia Definitive Edition has been nothing short of delightful. Revisiting the past with the original Mafia, I recall grappling with its difficulty like solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. It was a formidable challenge, partly due to the game’s less-than-smooth gameplay, compounded by my youthful inexperience at around 15 years old. With each chapter, the game painted a narrative masterpiece that left me with a satisfied grin. The combination of exceptional storytelling, meticulous story design, and well-paced progression ensured my engagement from start to finish. Importantly, the game knew when to bid farewell, not overstaying its welcome but concluding precisely at the right moment.

For those who relish a compelling tale, crave immersive atmospheres, and harbor a fascination for stepping into the shoes of a 1930s gangster, Mafia Definitive Edition beckons. It stands not just as a game but as an experience, offering a captivating journey into the world of organized crime. In the gaming landscape of 2023, Mafia Definitive Edition proves itself a timeless gem, a testament to the enduring allure of Italian mafia settings. So, if you’re ready to be transported to a bygone era, embrace the story, and perhaps indulge in a bit of gangster fantasy – this game is tailor-made for you. Just remember, the vintage firearms may lack a bit in the “fun” department, but the overall experience is undoubtedly worth the ride.