Leaks in May, a release for August, and then a delay to September, but now we finally get to see what people think of Mafia: Definitive Edition the day before it comes out on PS4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam.
Opinions fall largely into two camps. Either you love the game’s remade graphics and nostalgia-laden gameplay, or you find it pretty underwhelming. Our own Bella Blondeau fell into the latter camp, giving the game a 3/5 score noting that while the updated graphics, sound, and mocap were nice, the game’s controls were frustrating for melee combat or diving into cover.
But she did have praise of Mafia: Definitive Editions’s driving mechanics, which were mostly ported over from Mafia III and given a few tweaks. The cinematic presentation also drew praise, even if it wasn’t quite enough to make the actual gameplay bearable.
Still, three out of five ain’t bad, and your mileage will likely vary depending on whether or not you’re a fan of the 1920’s Chicago setting or if you’ve already played the 2002 original. Nostalgia is a big thing, but most fans of modern GTA clones consider Mafia: Definitive Edition to be just another one to crunch through and then discard, with Game Informer noting that it’s more of a “relic from a bygone era” than a modern recreation worthy of its contemporaries.
On the other hand, you might fall into the Destructoid camp, which gave Mafia: Definitive Edition a 9/10. This “superb” rating focused less on some of Mafia’s mechanical failings and more on its technical achievements and cinematic success. “This feels like the rare necessary remake that elevates and builds upon the original,” wrote Destructoid. “It’s truly an offer you can’t refuse.”
Anywho, let’s take a look at those review scores, eh?
- Game Rant - 3.5/5 Game Informer - 5.5/10 PCGamesN - 8/10 DualShockers - 8/10 Windows Central - 4.5/5 Gamespot - 6/10 Destructoid - 9/10 PC Gamer - 79/100 ScreenRant - 3.5/5 IGN - Recommended
Mafia: Definitive Edition hits PS4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam tomorrow.
