Review: Mafia: Definitive Edition ★★★★

No, they’ve remade the original 2002 Mafia game, but this isn’t just your big-standard remake. Developers Hangar 13 has rebuilt it from the ground up. There are changes to the storyline, graphical enhancements to bring it in line with current standards, the introduction of motor cycles to the game as well as an all-new soundtrack and a new voice cast for all of its characters. It was a bold move to incorporate all of these new features but it has proved to be the right one.

The story is what had players gripped. Your character, Tommy, happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. He becomes embroiled in something much bigger than him. As the game progresses, you are a passenger in Tommy’s journey as he works his way up in the gang.

Unlike the streets of any Grand Theft Auto game, the city of Los Heaven isn’t densely packed with civilians. As the game is based in the 1930s, the cops’ main focus is on prohibition law, where alcohol was banned. This means that cops are around every corner, which keeps you on the edge of your seat, even if you’re doing nothing wrong.

Driving in Mafia isn’t as defined as other games. It takes time to get to grips with the mechanics but it’s rewarded with so many different cars and motorbikes to enjoy.

The majority of missions tend to offer a nice balance between stealth and explosive action. You must utilise the cover system which will let you bounce from wall to wall, taking out gangsters and police on your way. Unfortunately, some of the older mechanics like climbing and sprinting should’ve been revamped. They’ve ended up feeling sluggish and outdated. It doesn’t detract from the experience too much, but it’s a problem nonetheless.