Mafia: The Old Country is a prequel to the rest of the series. While it may be dated chronologically, many are wondering if the gameplay takes a step back from Mafia 3 by removing the open-world mechanics—and there’s a definitive answer.
Mafia 3 received a lot of acclaim (like the whole franchise), and it was the first game to lean into the open-world tropes seen in the likes of GTA, Saints Row, and other open-world crime games. Whereas Mafia 1 and Mafia 2 were semi-open, but were pushed along by a linear narrative and fixed structure.
Hangar 13’s Mafia: The Old Country is probably going to be good value for only $50, but let’s see if it’s open world.
Does Mafia: The Old Country Have an Open World?
There is no proper open-world design in Mafia: The Old Country, and it’s a return to the formula of previous releases.
2K‘s website has this to say about the new sequel: “Mafia: The Old Country is a linear, narrative-driven game.” This likely means there is a consistent string of missions to be done in the same order, and the story is at the heart of the game’s core.
I would fully expect there to be some distractions around the game’s 1900s Sicily setting. Long-time fans will remember collecting ‘special magazines’ and finding all the cars in Mafia 2, and it’s likely The Old Country will also make sure the game’s world is lively with extra tasks to complete.
Why Doesn’t Mafia: The Old Country Have an Open World?
Hangar 13 has confirmed that Mafia: The Old Country doesn’t have an open-world game design because “It just didn’t fit Mafia well.”
Mafia 3’s style and structure were wildly different from the first two games. The reception to this was mixed. An interview with IGN about the devs removing open-world elements explained: “With that goal in mind, the latest Mafia game turns back the clock chronologically and in game design as well.” Mafia 3, though very good, went full open world, and the developers seem to feel similarly about it in hindsight as players did; It just didn’t fit Mafia well.”
I personally enjoyed Mafia 1 and 2 without needing an open world. Plenty of other games take this approach, and Mafia excels at presenting a straightforward mob story. Let me enjoy a linear adventure along the lines of Goodfellas, Scarface, or The Godfather, and we’re good!
I might be alone in this thought. Let me know if you prefer Mafia 3’s different approach to its game design. Is Mafia: The Old Country making a mistake by going back to a linear structure? The Insider Gaming forum is the perfect place to argue your case and present your facts.
Check out if Mafia: The Old Country is coming to Xbox Game Pass to see if you can play it for free.
