Mafia: The Old Country transports players to the early 1900s and a new setting in Sicily. Recently, game director Alex Cox explained why Hangar 13 chose this specific time and place for the latest installment in the Mafia series, after previous games explored later periods in mob history.
In an interview with Xbox, Cox mentioned that while the first three Mafia games delved into various eras of the American mafia, the team was excited about the prospect of setting the story in Sicily and uncovering the early days of this notorious criminal organization. For context, the original Mafia was set in the 1930s, Mafia II in the 1940s, and Mafia III in the late 1960s.
Cox described the development of The Old Country as a "refreshing departure" for Hangar 13, allowing the team to focus on the "rugged Sicilian countryside" rather than the bustling cities featured in previous games. "Building this story has been a fantastic experience for everyone at Hangar 13—first learning about Sicilian history and the origins of the Mafia, then adapting that into an exciting criminal adventure," Cox said.
Cox expressed particular enthusiasm for elements of the early 1900s setting, such as horses, vintage vehicles, and knife duels. He noted that the game will feature cars with hand-crank engines, and for the first time, players will be able to ride horses across the Sicilian landscape. "Galloping across the Sicilian countryside feels incredibly freeing and is unlike anything we've done in the past," Cox explained.
Although no previous Mafia game was entirely set in Sicily, the first mission of Mafia II, titled The Old Country, did take players to Sicily in 1943. To ensure authenticity, Hangar 13 developers visited Sicily to immerse themselves in the island's culture. The studio also collaborated with a local Sicilian partner and consulted history experts to accurately depict details like era-appropriate architecture, music, and even colloquial language.
Since The Old Country is set in the early 1900s, modern weapons are absent, making combat more tactical and deliberate. "We've leaned heavily into the 'tools of the trade' of a Sicilian Mafioso, from lupara shotguns to stiletto blades. There's real grit to these older, more traditional weapons," Cox said.
While the game introduces a new cast of characters and aims to attract newcomers, Cox assured that long-time fans will appreciate the connections to the broader Mafia franchise. Mafia: The Old Country is slated for release in Summer 2025 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Source link: https://www.gamespot.com
