Why Mafia: The Old Country Might Be the Closest Thing to Red Dead for a While

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The highly anticipated release date for “Mafia: The Old Country” is fast approaching, with it scheduled to launch on August 8. As the fourth major installment and second in the series created by Hangar 13, “Mafia: The Old Country” will delve into a fresh chapter of the gritty crime saga while introducing some significant departures from its predecessors. One of the most striking alterations is that the upcoming game will transport players further back in time than any other title in the franchise to date, set several years prior to the Prohibition era depicted in the original game.

In “Mafia: The Old Country,” players will journey back to the heart of Old World Italy during the early 1900s, delving into the creation and ascension of an infamous Mafia Family. This change in setting, coupled with some of its other design elements, makes “The Old Country” a potentially appealing choice for fans who enjoy Rockstar Games’ acclaimed “Red Dead Redemption” series. This game could offer a related gaming experience that is somewhat adjacent to the “Red Dead Redemption” series.

With Red Dead Redemption Remaining Quiet on the Western Front, Mafia: The Old Country Could Be the Next Best Thing

Mafia: The Old Country’s Premise and Tone Closely Resemble Red Dead Redemption’s

In contrast to past Mafia games that were occasionally likened to Grand Theft Auto, they didn’t quite mirror each other. Indeed, while these two intellectual properties share some superficial similarities, their design distinctions are substantial enough to preclude the former from being an exact copy of the latter, as the term “GTA clone” suggests. However, Mafia: The Old Country seems to embody numerous characteristics reminiscent of Rockstar Games’ highly successful Red Dead Redemption franchise in various aspects.

Just as Red Dead Redemption 2 functioned as a prequel to its 2010 counterpart, narrating the story of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang before the original game’s events, Mafia: The Old Country will immerse players in the character of Enzo Favara. A young, ambitious individual eager to make his mark, Enzo will find himself drawn into a burgeoning criminal organization, much like John and Arthur were with their respective groups. Consequently, Enzo will grapple with the decisions he makes and face the repercussions of choosing a life in organized crime.

2K Publisher has emphasized that the standard version of “Mafia: The Old Country” will retail at a price point of $50. This pricing choice is said to reflect the game’s creative direction and estimated playtime.

Why Mafia: The Old Country Might Help Scratch the Red Dead Redemption Itch

Red Dead Redemption has earned a reputation as one of the best, if not the pinnacle, Old West gaming adventures. Since its debut in 2018, fans have eagerly awaited fresh content. However, Rockstar Games has shown little indication of pursuing this so far. Instead, their primary focus has been on Grand Theft Auto 6, a highly anticipated title that was initially postponed in February of this year and is now scheduled to release on May 26, 2026.

In the previews for “Mafia: The Old Country,” there are scenes of pursuits and heated gunfights set in the city of Sicily and its surrounding landscapes. Characters can be seen using period-accurate weapons such as revolvers, bolt-action rifles, and dynamite. Similar to this, the game will employ a storytelling style reminiscent of cinema, with top-notch production quality, much like how “Red Dead Redemption” did exceptionally well.

Keep in mind, though, that “Mafia: The Old Country” will offer a more narrative-focused gameplay rather than an expansive open world. So, adjust your expectations accordingly if you compare it to the “RDR” games. However, with another “RDR” game not on the horizon, “The Old Country” explores various aspects that could deliver a gaming experience similar to “Red Dead Redemption” for those seeking something in that vein.

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2025-07-04 13:43