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Mafia: The Old Country Garners Praise for Presentation, Critique for Restrictive Gameplay

Built on Unreal Engine 5, the title marks a return to a cinematic crime drama after nearly a decade

Overview

  • The Old Country launched on August 8 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC and holds a mid-70s Metacritic score on PC
  • Reviewers acclaim its meticulous art direction and audio design alongside standout voice performances that bring 1920s Sicily to life
  • Critics reproach its departure from the open-world approach in favor of a narrow, linear campaign that restricts exploration and side activities
  • Frequent insta-fail stealth sections and floaty combat are described as dated, inconsistent and overly repetitive throughout the 12-hour campaign
  • The concise runtime and predictable narrative arc make the game a tougher sell for newcomers but a potential bargain for dedicated franchise fans