Developed by Hanger 13, the developers behind Mafia III, Mafia Definitive Edition is a ground up remake of the classic first Mafia game from 2002. Improved graphics, new script, new voice actors, and an overall touching up of the original game. I never played the Mafia games until now, but after playing this new remake I'm excited to dive into the other two entries.
The story takes place in the fictional city of Lost Heaven during The Great depression of the 1930's. You play as Tommy and the rise and fall of his gang. Overall I loved the story this game takes you on. It feels believable, it was thrilling, and played out just like a classic mobster film. I loved the characters, and the pacing was great. It's a bit short in length, especially without much to do outside the main story, but it's absolutely worth it. Though some side missions or activities would've been nice.
Mafia Definitive Edition features a new overhauled open world compared to the original. The city of Lost Heaven is an authentic and highly detailed depiction of the 1930's. The cars, the buildings, the people, their accents, the radio host as you drive around, all of it was brilliantly crafted. Like I said before, I wish the game gave you more of an incentive to explore the world other than the main story, but all throughout the game I took my time getting to where I needed to go just to take in the beautiful sights.
That brings me to the graphics, which are overall absolutely beautiful, aside from bugs and glitches, which were unfortunately prevalent throughout the entirely of the game. It's nothing game breaking, but the game could've used a lot of polishing before it was released. All that aside the game was a real treat to look at.
The gameplay is pretty standard for an open world third person shooter with driving mechanics, but that doesn't mean it isn't fun. I loved the driving, the car chases especially were fun, and the shooting combat was also great. Melee on the other hand was not fun, it felt clunky, dated, and I avoided it at all costs.
Overall Mafia Definitive Edition is a fantastic remake that deserves it's place amongst the other great remakes of the generation!