Hangar 13's Latest Mafia Entry is Here
The wait is finally over: Hangar 13 has officially launched Mafia: The Old Country across all target platforms, and players are already diving into their first playthroughs. Initial reception for the new Mafia installment has been largely positive, with the game securing an impressive “Very Positive” rating on Steam, boasting an 84% approval rate among early reviewers. The peak concurrent player count on Steam has, so far, reached 27,585 users.
Players have been quick to highlight the game’s strong presentation, immersive atmosphere, and high-quality voice acting and dialogues as major strengths. The recreation of Sicily has been particularly praised, with many calling it visually stunning and atmospheric. However, not all aspects have been universally acclaimed. The story’s overall plot and its relatively short duration—around 10 hours of gameplay—have left some players wanting more. Additionally, while the majority of reviewers seem satisfied with the technical performance, a segment of the player base has reported optimization issues.
What Players Are Saying
Diving deeper into the community’s feedback reveals a blend of praise and minor critiques. Many see Mafia: The Old Country as a successful return to the series' roots, celebrating its authentic feel and engaging narrative, which some describe as a 'love letter to classic mafia stories.' The sound design, including the distinctive Sicilian voice acting, is frequently lauded for enhancing the game’s immersion and period feel. Character models are also noted for their quality and detail.
The game’s linear storytelling approach, which minimizes side activities, is seen by some as a benefit, allowing for full immersion in the main plot. While the story might be somewhat predictable, it still manages to keep players engaged. Choices made within the narrative, despite the linear structure, reportedly carry weight, influencing character relationships and outcomes.
Conversely, some players have found the core gameplay loop—featuring shootouts, driving sequences, and even the return of “loading boxes”—to be somewhat uninspired, describing it as typical Mafia without significant innovations. Criticisms also extend to some animations, which have been called clumsy or not up to modern AAA standards. The combat, while functional, might not offer the depth expected by hardcore shooter fans. And for those expecting a vast, open-world sandbox like Grand Theft Auto, the game’s more focused, story-driven design might be a point of contention.
Performance and Localization
Regarding optimization, experiences vary. While some players with high-end hardware report smooth performance, others, particularly those encountering significant FPS drops during cutscenes, hope for improvements in future patches. It's worth noting that the game launched with full Russian localization, a welcome feature for that specific audience.
Ultimately, Mafia: The Old Country appears to be a game for fans who appreciate a tightly focused, atmospheric, and story-rich experience reminiscent of classic mafia tales, even if it doesn't break new ground in terms of gameplay or open-world design. For those eager to revisit that familiar criminal underworld, this new installment offers a compelling, if somewhat brief, journey.
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