Mafia: Definitive Edition is an open world action video game produced by game studio Hangar 13 and published by 2k in 2020. This is a remake of the 2002 Mafia video game which came out on the PlayStation 2 and Xbox; these two versions are almost 18 years apart.
This revamped version of Mafia updated the game to be enhanced with improved graphics; furthermore, this Definitive Edition deeper enhanced and enriched the orginal Mafia storyline with reworked voice acting, rewrites, expanded game area, and new mechanics. This makes Mafia: Definitive Edition a totally new experience for newcomers and veterans alike. Let’s look at the actual story of Mafia: Definitive Edition.
Plot: The game is set in the fictional city of Lost Heaven highly resembling that of LA and New York. You start the game slowly focusing in on two people sitting together in a diner. We meet our protagonist, Tommy Angelo, and he is meeting with police detective John Norman. Tommy wants a way out of the Mafia, and his only option was to seek refuge with the police. Tommy begins his story with his old job as a taxi driver in 1930. He is struggling to make ends meet with the Great Depression hitting the whole country. Eventually, while Tommy is on the job, he gets forced into helping two Mafia members getting away from a rival Mafia family. With this relationship made with this crime family, Tommy starts to slowly be fully initiated in the family. The whole game follows Tommy and his experience in a Mafia crime family, and his eventual venture towards the top. This story is one of action, danger, grief, and betrayal.
Gameplay: Tommy Angelo is the character controlled by the player. The game has a third person point of view throughout. Mafia: Definitive Edition is built like an open world game such as the GTA series by Rockstar, but it ultimately more linear in gameplay. You can drive around in cars and explore much of the city, but you are only limited to exploring. The only objectives that are available in the world are the main story missions which are offered one at a time at select locations on the map. Although, there are mini challenges throughout the whole map which do not provide any completion towards the main story, but they do offer unique cosmetic items for your character. Overall, the game is a highly refined and even reforged telling of the Mafia story.
Conclusion: If you’re looking for heartwarming story filled with action and drama, then I think Mafia: Definitive Edition would be a great game try. This game is such a surreal experience that will forever raise your expectations for other open world games.
About the Contributors
Matthew Barrera
Matthew Barrera, Staff Writer
Jose Chi