Gather ’round, fellow gamers, because we’re diving deep into one of 2020’s most ambitious remakes. Mafia: Definitive Edition isn’t just a fresh coat of paint on an 18-year-old classic — it’s a complete ground-up reconstruction that brings the prohibition-era crime saga roaring back to life while preserving the soul of the original masterpiece.

Quick Take

CategoryDetails
DeveloperHangar 13
Publisher2K Games
Original ReleaseSeptember 25, 2020
PlatformsPC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
TypeFull remake (not a remaster)
EngineFusion Engine

Mafia: Definitive Edition reimagines the 2002 cult classic for a modern audience while staying remarkably faithful to its narrative foundation.

The Story That Started It All

You step into the worn shoes of Tommy Angelo, a humble cab driver in the fictional city of Lost Heaven during the Great Depression. One chance encounter with organized crime pulls him out of poverty and into a world defined by loyalty, betrayal, and irreversible choices.

The story is framed as a confession in 1938, with Tommy recounting his rise and fall to Detective Norman. This structure adds constant dramatic weight — every mission is told from the perspective of a man who already knows how it ends.

Core Characters Expanded in the Remake

CharacterRole in StoryChanges in Definitive Edition
Tommy AngeloProtagonistDeeper emotional arc
Don SalieriCrime bossMore dialogue and presence
PaulieHot-headed enforcerStronger personality
SamLoyal right-hand manMore narrative depth
SarahTommy’s love interestSignificantly expanded role

Sarah, in particular, receives meaningful character development — her relationship with Tommy feels grounded and adds real emotional stakes to the narrative.

Gameplay: Modern Mechanics Meet Classic Design

The remake uses the same Fusion Engine as Mafia III, introducing modern third-person shooter mechanics while preserving the original mission structure.

Core Gameplay Overview

ElementDescription
CombatCover-based third-person shooting
Mission DesignLinear, story-driven chapters
Chapters20 main missions
Health SystemNo regeneration
Difficulty OptionsIncludes Classic Difficulty

Gunplay feels weighty, especially with shotguns and tommy guns, though movement can feel sluggish during intense firefights. Enemy AI follows predictable patterns, but the encounters remain tense due to limited resources.

Driving and Difficulty

Driving has been modernized significantly. Roads are wider, vehicle handling is more forgiving, and optional driving skips improve accessibility.

Classic Difficulty Mode

FeatureEffect
Police ResponseFaster and harsher
AmmoScarce
CombatLess forgiving
Overall FeelCloser to 2002 original

This mode is ideal for veterans seeking a faithful challenge.

Technical Specifications and System Requirements

PC System Requirements

MinimumRecommended
OSWindows 10 (64-bit)Windows 10 (64-bit)
CPUi5-2550K / FX-8120i7-3770 / FX-8350
RAM6 GB16 GB
GPUGTX 660 / HD 7870GTX 1080 / RX 5700
Storage50 GB50 GB (SSD recommended)
APIDirectX 11DirectX 11

Performance is generally solid. On RTX 2080 Super hardware, the game maintains stable 60 FPS at 1440p on maximum settings.

Visual and Audio Presentation

Lost Heaven is beautifully reconstructed with art-deco architecture, authentic vehicles, period advertising, and historically accurate radio broadcasts.

Presentation Highlights

  • Authentic 1930s American urban design
  • Dynamic lighting and weather effects
  • Film-noir atmosphere during night scenes
  • Jazz soundtrack featuring Duke Ellington and Django Reinhardt
  • Original score tailored specifically for the remake

Voice acting is consistently strong across the cast, enhancing the emotional weight of the story.

Critical Performance Ratings

CategoryScore
Story and Writing9.5 / 10
Graphics and Visuals9.0 / 10
Gameplay Mechanics7.5 / 10
Audio and Soundtrack9.5 / 10
Performance and Optimization8.5 / 10
Value and Content8.0 / 10

What Works Brilliantly

Strengths

  • Exceptional narrative pacing
  • Faithful expansion of original characters
  • Authentic historical atmosphere
  • Strong voice acting
  • Improved driving mechanics
  • Focused, linear mission design
  • Free Ride mode with collectibles
  • Classic Difficulty for purists

Weaknesses

  • Dated combat mechanics
  • Predictable enemy AI
  • Sluggish character movement
  • Limited melee depth
  • Less populated open world
  • Shorter runtime (12–15 hours)
  • Minor technical issues

Free Ride Mode and Additional Content

Free Ride allows unrestricted exploration of Lost Heaven and includes hidden side missions, collectibles, and motorcycles — a first for the series. While not a full sandbox, it serves as a strong atmospheric extension of the campaign.

Critical Reception Overview

OutletScoreKey Takeaway
IGN8 / 10Strong performances and atmosphere
PC GamerPositiveExcellent visual fidelity
GameSpot6 / 10Dated gameplay
Game Informer5.5 / 10Faithful, but conservative

Player reception has been notably warmer, especially among fans of narrative-driven games.

Final Verdict

Mafia: Definitive Edition succeeds as a faithful and respectful remake. While its gameplay doesn’t fully modernize, the story, presentation, and emotional depth make it an essential experience for fans of cinematic storytelling.

Final Score: 8.5 / 10

Who Should Play This

Perfect for:
Story-focused players, fans of gangster cinema, lovers of historical settings, and anyone tired of open-world bloat.

Maybe skip if:
You expect sandbox freedom, cutting-edge combat mechanics, or nonstop action.

Platforms and Availability

Available on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, with backward compatibility on newer consoles. Also included in Mafia: Trilogy.

Pro Tip: Install on an SSD and don’t skip the radio — it adds valuable historical context to the world.