With Grand Theft Auto 6 still a distant speck on the horizon, Hangar 13 and 2K Games are making their move. Mafia: The Old Country is stepping into the spotlight with a stylish Sicilian prequel, a moody gameplay trailer, and a locked-in release date: August 8, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC (Steam).
Few franchises dare to challenge GTA’s open-world crown, but Mafia has always relished the fight. Announced at Gamescom 2024, Mafia: The Old Country takes the saga in a bold new direction—a sweeping prequel diving deep into the roots of organized crime, framed by the sun-baked hills and shadowy alleys of turn-of-the-century Sicily.
The latest trailer, a brisk two-minute rush, teases a heady blend of stealthy infiltrations, brutal knife fights, and frantic horseback escapes. From gilded Sicilian estates to grimy underground dens, this entry leans hard on ambiance—think Uncharted’s blockbuster drama with a dash of Red Dead Redemption II’s rustic bite. And this time, it’s not all about shootouts; stealth and close-quarters violence have taken center stage.
One big twist: cars are mostly sidelined. Traversing the countryside on horseback is now the norm, forcing players to rethink how they move through this evocative old-world setting. The trailer’s finale—a white-knuckle knife duel—makes it clear: this is Mafia with a new set of priorities and plenty of sharp edges.
Story-wise, you’ll step into the shoes of Enzo Favara, climbing the criminal ranks under the watchful eye of Don Torrisi. Expect a potent mix of loyalty, betrayal, and hard choices, all wrapped in what Hangar 13’s Nick Baynes calls “a cinematic, dense experience that combines high-quality storytelling, authentic period immersion, and refined Mafia gameplay.”
In a year when $100 blockbusters are becoming the norm, Mafia: The Old Country lands at a wallet-friendlier €49.99 for the standard edition. Splash out for the €59.99 Deluxe Edition and you’ll snag cosmetic packs, unique weapons, a digital art book, and the full soundtrack. Preorders net you bonus cosmetics, and—for now at least—there’s no mention of paid DLC affecting gameplay.
The Mafia series is making a gutsy pivot, swapping Prohibition-era Americana for the foundations of European organized crime. The real question: can Hangar 13 deliver a story with enough teeth to satisfy both longtime fans and newcomers? With open-world juggernauts lying low, Mafia: The Old Country looks ready to claim its piece of the action-crime pie—and maybe even give GTA a run for its money.
TL;DR: Mafia: The Old Country launches August 8, 2025, bringing Sicilian drama, cinematic storytelling, and fresh mechanics to PS5, Xbox Series, and PC for €49.99. Horseback rides, tense knife fights, and a gripping story should tide you over while GTA 6 keeps us all waiting.
Source: 2K Games via GamesPress