The original Mafia game has been completely remade for the current generation, resulting in what is essentially the best Godfather game never made. While a brief glimpse might suggest it's just Grand Theft Auto with tommy guns, the reality is different. Originally released in 2002, Mafia was let down by rough edges, clumsy controls, and poor car handling. Its sequels improved on these areas, but this is a complete rebuild.
Mafia: Definitive Edition stays true to its cinematic roots but has been rebuilt from the ground up with recast characters, fresh motion capture, and a modern graphical makeover. Prohibition-era Chicago (or its fictional stand-in) looks fantastic, with immaculately reconstructed historical details from big band music to double-breasted suits and fedoras.
The game tells the story of Tommy Angelo, a cab driver who helps a pair of mobsters escape, inadvertently starting his career as a junior mobster. Initially, it feels like a continuation of his cabbie days, with much time spent driving, but soon he is involved in debt collecting and darker dealings.
One major improvement is the car handling. The original's terrible driving experience has been spruced up considerably. Cars may still be pedestrian by modern standards, but driving is no longer a chore. The police have also been toned down, with a simulation mode available for those who want the old zero-tolerance policy, though it's unclear why anyone would.
Gunfights have also improved, borrowing from cover mechanics of more recent games. While guns are still inaccurate and enemies can take a few shots, it's a major improvement. Where Mafia truly shines is its story, now more engaging than ever thanks to the refreshed cast and new motion capture. Tommy's wife, Sarah, is no longer a cipher but a real character responding to his descent into brutality.
However, in making the plot hang together, the potential for an open world is lost. The city is detailed and beautiful, but you only see it in tightly scripted missions with no time for exploration. It's a shame, as the city would be great to explore. But Mafia excels as a briefer, plot-driven experience, clocking in at 10 to 12 hours, and its highly engaging story makes it well worth playing.
