The absence of Mafia: The Old Country from the nominations at The Game Awards has stirred discussions among gaming enthusiasts. Despite its AAA backing and the excitement that surrounded its release, the game failed to maintain momentum and quickly faded from public discourse. Critics argue that this disappearance was well-deserved due to the game’s lack of innovation and depth.
While Mafia: The Old Country dazzled players with its stunning visuals and immersive environments, the narrative fell flat. The game relied heavily on familiar tropes that lacked originality, making it feel like a rehash of every mafia story told before. Players encountered clichéd plot points, such as a well-intentioned but controlling Don and a forbidden love story, which overwhelmed the experience with predictability.
Visuals vs. Substance
The game’s graphics, powered by Unreal Engine 5, were impressive, showcasing breathtaking sunsets and detailed landscapes of Sicily. However, beneath this visual sheen, a lack of substance became apparent. Technical issues plagued the experience, with frame rates dropping significantly during gameplay and cutscenes. Even on advanced hardware like the PlayStation 5, players reported frame rates dipping into the 40s and 50s, raising questions about the game’s optimization.
While many contenders for Game of the Year ran smoothly, Mafia: The Old Country struggled with basic performance issues, undermining its visual achievements. The absence of a distinct visual language further complicated its standing among competitors. Although the game featured impressive graphics, it did not carve out a unique identity, blending into a sea of other visually stunning titles.
Gameplay and Innovation Lacking
The gameplay in Mafia: The Old Country failed to impress, offering little in terms of mechanical innovation. Players navigated through predictable stealth sections and cover-based shooting mechanics that felt rote and uninspired. Even the racing segments, which promised excitement, were scripted and lacked genuine challenge, leading to a repetitive experience.
Critics noted that the absence of new gameplay mechanics made the 20-hour runtime feel drawn out and monotonous. Tasks such as safe-cracking felt more like chores than engaging gameplay elements. The overall experience lacked the thrill typically expected from an action-adventure title, prompting frustration among players looking for something fresh and engaging.
Ultimately, the game aimed for the prestige of a rich narrative experience but fell short in execution. Critics described the world as beautiful yet hollow, with collectibles and side activities that felt disconnected from the main campaign. The lack of meaningful choices and character development resulted in an experience that could be described as visually appealing yet ultimately forgettable.
With 2025 shaping up to be a remarkable year for the gaming industry, many studios have embraced innovation and creativity. In contrast, Mafia: The Old Country opted for a safe approach, relying on nostalgia rather than taking risks. Until Hangar 13 embraces the need for originality and depth, the game will likely remain overshadowed, its potential lost in the shuffle of more ambitious titles.
