Today, publisher 2 K and developer Hanger13 released a brand-new trailer that gave us our first glimpse of Mafia: The Old Country gameplay.
I have to say the trailer left me impressed. At first glance, you might think the gameplay looks like more Mafia III. However, when you look a little deeper, it’s clear there are some significant changes.
Firstly, there seems to be a big focus on knife fighting, with you engaging in both melee combat and being able to throw the knife during gun fights. Speaking of guns, this is Mafia, but being set in 1900s Sicily, so the weapons available to players will be different from what we’ve seen in the franchise before.
The second thing that stood out to me in the gameplay trailer is the addition of horses, not only for traversal but seemingly to use during combat as well. If horses aren’t your thing, don’t worry, cars still have a presence.
Alongside this trailer, 2K and Hanger 13 have revealed some additional details about Mafia: The Old Country. In an official press release they state:
“Mafia: The Old Country is a focused, linear experience that combines quality storytelling, authentic era immersion and a refined take on the familiar Mafia gameplay,” said Hangar 13 President Nick Baynes. “That focus allows us to deliver a story that’s gritty, grounded, brutal and emotional. Embracing early 1900s era Sicily, this is a mafia origin story that follows our protagonist, Enzo Favara, as he takes the oath and works his way up Don Torrisi’s crime family.”
That’s right, Mafia: The Old Country is not an open-world game. Instead, it focuses on linear storytelling, which I imagine means that it will be similar in structure to the original Mafia game. Here’s what 2K had to say about this unexpected change in direction for the franchise:
“We think there’s a large audience for compelling stories that don’t require massive time commitments,” said 2K President David Ismailer. “We’re excited to offer a game like Mafia: The Old Country in our portfolio, and to provide a linear highly-polished narrative experience that can easily complement the other more persistent games our players also love and engage with on a more consistent basis.”
I’m not fully convinced that a more linear Mafia game works for most players in 2025. That said, as someone who loves highly polished narrative-focused games, Mafia: The Old Country sounds right up my street.
2K and Hanger 13 seem to be aware that there might be some hesitancy from players. However, I think they have positioned the game very well to be a success, and a huge part of that is the price.
Mafia: The Old Country will offer two editions: Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition.
- The Standard Edition includes the full base game and will be available for $49.99 on PlayStation®5 (PS5®), Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
- The Deluxe Edition lets players descend into Sicily’s criminal underworld in true Cosa Nostra style with a variety of bonus items and will be available for $59.99 on PlayStation®5 (PS5®), Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. This edition includes the Padrino Pack, featuring “Lupara Speciale” Shotgun, “Vendetti Speciale” Pistol, “Immortale” Charm, “Padrino” Outfit, “Stiletto Speciale” Knife, “Eckhart Speciale” Limousine and “Cosimo” Horse and Accessories. Additionally, it offers the Gatto Nero Pack with the “Bodeo Nero” Pistol, “Velocità” Charm, “Gatto Nero” Racing Outfit and “Carozella Nero” Race Car, plus digital bonus materials including the Original Score and Digital Artbook full of concept art and developer notes.
When you pre-order Mafia: The Old Country Standard Edition or Deluxe Edition, you receive the Soldato Pack featuring the “Soldato” Outfit, “Scannaturi Speciale” Knife, “Tesoro” Horse and Accessories, and “Lupara” Charm.*
Having a more linear AAA experience priced at $49.99 in 2025 is wild. Especially given recent announcements regarding rising prices for games across the industry. This price point could be an ace up the sleeve for Mafia: The Old Country, leading to massive success. For that to happen, the game needs to be good, but in my opinion, these earlier signs are encouraging.
Mafia: The Old Country will release for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on August 8th, 2025. You can pre-order the game now.
