The Mafia series, distinct from open-world giants like Grand Theft Auto and Saints Row, has consistently prioritized delivering a classic mob movie experience. Its latest installment, Mafia: The Old Country, maintains this narrative-driven approach. GameSpot spoke with executive producer Devin Hitch and game director Alex Cox, who shed light on the new setting and the game`s emphasis on intensely personal combat.
Unlike its predecessors which chronologically advanced through 20th-century American mob history (from the 1930s to the 1960s), The Old Country makes a pivotal shift. Set in early 1900s Sicily, this prequel offers a fresh perspective while remaining true to organized crime narratives.
Cox elaborated on the development philosophy, stating they revisited the “Mafia DNA” to define the new game`s unique elements while preserving core franchise pillars. He noted that the series has consistently portrayed 20th-century organized crime, drawing inspiration from iconic films like “The Godfather” and “Goodfellas,” making these historical eras instantly recognizable to players.
The decision to create a prequel was intentional, offering a fresh entry point for new players while subtly hinting at connections for long-time fans. Cox explained that 1900s Sicily was chosen because it`s the birthplace of the term “Mafia” and offers a distinct, less explored environment compared to previous American urban settings. He highlighted the enduring mystique of the Sicilian Mafia, often referred to as “the old country” by American mobsters, as seen in popular crime dramas.
While early Mafia titles openly paid homage to seminal crime films, the series has evolved to weave more original narratives. Cox assured players that despite this shift, the essence remains: to fulfill the fantasy of inhabiting the role of a central character within a compelling mob drama, balancing familiar genre touchstones with fresh storytelling.
Intimate and Personal Combat
A significant evolution in The Old Country is its combat system, shifting towards a more intimate and brutal experience. Reflecting the early 1900s Sicilian setting, knife-fighting takes center stage. Cox explained that the rural, impoverished environment naturally lends itself to weapons traditionally used by farmers and poachers, emphasizing the historical use of knives as both tools and combat instruments, almost a martial art.
Initial concepts for knife combat involved oversized blades, but the team developed a more versatile system featuring various knife types, each granting unique skills. Hitch detailed the extensive research, including sending team members to Sicily to observe local artisans who have crafted these knives for over 150 years. This research deeply influenced the game`s combat mechanics, making knife-fighting a distinctive new feature.
The desire to depict realistic and impactful violence led to procedural blood effects and a focus on intimate encounters. Hitch noted that unlike gunplay, which creates distance, knife fights offer an unparalleled opportunity to engage key antagonists up close, delivering visceral cinematic moments previously unachievable.
Resource Scarcity and Tactical Gameplay
While firearms remain, their prevalence is significantly reduced compared to Mafia 3, where protagonist Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam veteran, had abundant weaponry. In The Old Country, resources are deliberately scarce, forcing protagonist Enzo to adopt a more tactical and resourceful approach. Players must scavenge for limited ammunition and supplies from fallen enemies, escalating the challenge and reinforcing the game`s portrayal of early 1900s Sicily as a harsh, resource-depleted environment.
Although large-scale gunfights still occur—with some “artistic license” taken on historical accuracy—they demand meticulous preparation and scavenging. Unlike Mafia 3`s supply drops, Enzo`s dwindling resources force players to strategically loot fallen foes for vital ammunition and medical supplies, encouraging thoughtful and intentional combat encounters.
Cox elaborated on the dynamic resource system designed to maintain a “zone of scarcity,” ensuring constant tension. The knife serves as a reliable, ever-present weapon for moments of desperation. The game aims for a varied combat experience, featuring choreographed set pieces where resource management is less critical, alongside open-ended missions allowing players to choose stealth or direct confrontation, ensuring a diverse and engaging “rollercoaster” of experiences.
Mafia: The Old Country is slated for release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on August 8.