2K and Hangar 13 are bringing us Mafia: Definitive Edition. A remake of the 2002 game Mafia, which told the story of Tommy Anglo and his rise up the criminal ladder in 1930s America.
This remake will retell this story while taking advantage of today’s technology to bring us a modern version of the classic game.
To get you ready to join the family, I’ve compiled a list of things you need to know about Mafia: Definitive Edition.
Ground Up Remake
Mafia: Definitive Edition isn’t just a slapdash coat of paint on top of a nearly two-decade-old game, but a full-blown remake from the ground up.
A complete remake that will bring with it vastly improved visuals (will support 4K and HDR), updated game mechanics, reshot cutscenes, and an original score.
All these changes should hopefully make Mafia: Definitive Edition not just look like, but also play and feel like a game from 2020. While still keeping the soul of the original, which made it the unique game it was.
Classic Difficulty
Fans of the original Mafia will remember the game’s tough difficulty, authentic driving, strict police, and traffic laws.
If you wanted all of these to be part of the remake then you’re in luck because they are. Just select the “Classic” difficulty option which will retain the realistic nature of the original.
Though the overall difficulty is said to be toned down a bit, you’ll still be punished by the cops for running red lights or speeding, cars won’t be as durable, unused round in a magazine of a gun will be lost when reloading, and enemies won’t appear on your minimap. Basically, Classic Difficulty will be the option to pick if you want a similar experience to that of the original game.
If this sounds boring or too much for you, then you can pick a different difficulty which will make the police more lenient, you won’t lose ammo and enemies will appear on your minimap etc. An easier more laid-back way of playing the game, where you can joyride all 25 horsepower of your car without being issued with a fine.
Map Changes
Hangar 13 have made some adjustments to the map. The general layout is very similar, with some tweaks and additions here and there to improve general travel around the map, like added alleyways.
Terrain topography has also see alterations, to better show off Lost Haven’s sights. This, paired with increased draw distances compared to the original game, means you’ll be seeing them from further away.
But what I think are the biggest and most promising changes to the map are the building additions and updated architecture.
For instance, take Chinatown which has received a revamp to better show off the characteristics of the district. The city center will feature more high-rise buildings, making it a greater spectacle.
Hangar 13 also took a look at heat maps which provide data on what roads players used the most. This has allowed the developers to change the location of mission objectives. In return sending players down different roads in the hopes of the players seeing more of the world and keeping the driving or riding (yes riding, I’ll talk about it later) interesting.
Cover System
If you’ve played Mafia 2, 3 or any third-person shooter post-2010 for that matter, I’m sure you’re familiar with cover systems.
Mafia: Definitive Edition will be utilising one. It’s not really anything special when talking about most third-person games, but I feel it is here. Mainly because the original never had one.
Making this the most significant change to the combat. A good change if you ask me. If the original’s combat returned completely unchanged it would feel clunky and aged.
Even if its nothing new, the cover system/updated combat will help the game feel more modern, and less of a headache.
Motorbikes
Remember when I mentioned riding? Well, this is why.
Motorbikes will be making an appearance for the first time in the franchise within Mafia: Definitive Edition. These motorbikes will be fully ridable, providing players with another means of getting around Lost Haven.
Motorbikes also have the advantage of making Tommy look pretty cool.
Mafia: Trilogy
Mafia: Definitive Edition is also included in the Mafia trilogy. A collection of Mafia: Definitive Edition, Mafia 2: Definitive Edition, and Mafia 3: Definitive Edition.
So if all thee games tickle your fancy, Mafia: Trilogy will provide you with a way to acquire all three.
Keep in mind that Mafia 2: Definitive Edition isn’t a complete remake but just a version of Mafia 2 with slightly updated visuals and textures. As well as all of the DLC which was released for it.
Also keep in mind that Mafia 3: Definitive Edition is exactly the same as regular Mafia 3, but with all of the DLC included. In fact everyone who owns Mafia 3 on any platforms will get a free update to the Definitive Edition.
Release Date
Mafia: Definitive Edition is set to release September 25th 2020 on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Steam.
A version for the Epic Games Stores will be available in the future as well.
Do you want to know why Mafia 2 is still worth playing in 2020? Sure you do! Check check out the linked article to read all about it.
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