Mafia: Definitive Edition (2020): The Review

Overview

Mafia: Definitive Edition is a stunning remake of the 2002 classic, bringing Tommy Angelo’s rise through the Salieri crime family to life with modern visuals, refined gameplay, and fully reworked voice acting. While it stays faithful to the original’s gripping narrative and 1930s atmosphere, the remake also enhances character depth and world detail. However, some stiff mechanics, occasional pacing issues, and a lack of meaningful open-world activities keep it from true perfection.

Score: 8 out of 10

The Positives ✅

Mafia: Definitive Edition delivers a gorgeous visual overhaul that completely transforms Lost Heaven. From the glint of headlights on rain-slick streets to the dusty glow of a countryside sunset, every frame oozes style and care. The city feels alive and era-authentic, with stunning lighting, detailed environments, and beautiful period-accurate design that captures the roaring ‘30s in all its gritty elegance.

The story has also seen a significant upgrade. The rewritten dialogue gives more depth to Tommy Angelo’s journey, fleshing out his relationships and motivations with stronger voice performances and more human, nuanced writing. Cutscenes are now directed with cinematic flair, enhancing the emotional beats and giving the whole experience a polished, prestige-TV feel.

When it comes to gameplay, combat and driving have been smartly refined. The gunplay feels more grounded and responsive, while the weighty, authentic vehicle handling makes car chases thrilling and immersive. Mafia retains its classic atmosphere, complete with period music, vintage cars, and a palpable sense of danger and loyalty that defines the gangster genre. It’s not just a facelift, it’s a respectful, well-crafted rebirth of a cult classic.

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The Negatives ⚠️

As stunning as Lost Heaven looks, the open world feels underutilized. Outside of the gripping main story, there’s surprisingly little to engage with: no dynamic events, side quests, or optional missions to flesh out the city. Even the Free Ride mode, while a nice bonus, doesn’t fully capitalize on the game's rich setting, making the world feel more like a backdrop than a living, breathing environment.

The combat and AI, while improved, still show their age. Enemy patterns can be predictable, and the cover-based shooting lacks the fluidity of more modern third-person shooters. Meanwhile, the pacing occasionally stumbles, some missions linger longer than they should, while others rush through important narrative moments, leaving certain characters or emotional beats feeling underserved.

Lastly, this is a highly linear experience. While the story is well-told, there’s very little room for player freedom or meaningful exploration. You’re along for the ride, with few chances to deviate from the script. For some, that tight structure enhances the cinematic storytelling; for others, it may feel a bit restrictive in an era where player agency is often king.

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The Experience 🎮

Mafia: Definitive Edition is a faithful and beautifully crafted remake that honors the original while giving it a much-needed facelift. From the opening notes of its jazzy score to the final tragic shots, it delivers a gripping, cinematic crime saga that feels both nostalgic and refreshed. The rewritten dialogue, excellent voice performances, and rich atmosphere pull you into Tommy Angelo’s world, where loyalty and betrayal run deep through every smoky alley and bloodied windshield.

While it’s not a modern sandbox game, you won’t find side quests, branching choices, or emergent chaos, what it does offer is a tight, linear narrative told with confidence and style. The missions are structured like chapters in a classic mob film, and that laser focus pays off. It took me around 16 hours to beat, and by the time the credits rolled, it felt like I’d just finished watching a gorgeously produced gangster epic from the golden age of cinema.

For fans of story-driven games or anyone craving a gritty, no-frills crime drama, this remake delivers the goods. It may not break new ground, but it drives home exactly what made Mafia special to begin with, and does so in a beautifully modern suit. 🍝🕴️🚬