The Mafia series is a long-standing set of action-adventure games that pulls players into the layered and brutal world of organized crime.
Developed first by 2K Czech (formerly Illusion Softworks) and later by Hangar 13, with 2K Games handling publishing, the franchise is known for its detailed stories, open-world cities, and grounded mechanics.
With over 34 million copies sold, Mafia continues to hold a spot in gaming culture. Since its early 2000s debut, the series has delivered story-driven gameplay built like a playable crime film.
Mafia
| Release date: | 2002-08 |
| Genre: | Fighting & Shooter & Racing & Adventure |
| Developer: | 2K Games |
It all started in August 2002 on PC, later reaching PlayStation 2 and Xbox. Mafia was made by Illusion Softworks and set in Lost Heaven, a city inspired by Chicago, New York, and San Francisco.
Set in the 1930s, players followed Tommy Angelo, a cab driver turned mobster, as he climbs the ranks of the Salieri family before things fall apart. The game gained praise for its slower, more grounded approach and even enforced traffic laws, a feature that made it stand out from other open-world games.
In 2020, Hangar 13 released a full remake called Mafia: Definitive Edition, adding features like motorcycles and modern visuals while keeping the plot and setting close to the original.
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Mafia II
| Release date: | 2020-05-19 |
| Genre: | Shooter & Racing |
| Developer: | 2K Czech |
The second game came in 2010 and was built by 2K Czech. Players explored Empire Bay, a city shaped by real-world influences like New York, Chicago, Boston, and more.
The story followed Vito Scaletta, a World War II vet who gets involved with the mob to pay off his late father’s debts and build a better future. The game added new layers with DLCs like The Betrayal of Jimmy, Jimmy’s Vendetta, and Joe’s Adventures. A Director’s Cut came bundled with all the content.
There was even a mobile prequel, Mafia II Mobile, that helped tie the first two stories together. While many liked the improved visuals and writing, others felt the world was more restricted this time. The game also got attention for how it portrayed Italian American characters and the high count of strong language.
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Mafia III
| Release date: | 2016-10-06 |
| Genre: | Shooter & Racing & Adventure |
| Developer: | Aspyr (Mac) |
Released in 2016 and developed by Hangar 13, Mafia III took things in a new direction.
Set in New Bordeaux (based on New Orleans) during 1968, players took on the role of Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam vet whose adopted family is murdered by the Mafia. His journey is one of revenge and rebuilding, creating his own criminal network.
The game featured story add-ons like Faster, Baby!, Stones Unturned, and Sign of the Times, which explored themes from corruption to cults. A mobile RPG spin-off, Mafia III: Rivals, offered turn-based gameplay. While praised for its story and atmosphere, many players criticized repetitive missions and bugs at launch.
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Mafia The Old Country
| Release date: | 2025-08-07 |
| Genre: | Shooter & Racing & Adventure |
| Developer: | Hangar 13 |
The next chapter, Mafia: The Old Country, is set for summer 2025. It will act as a prequel, set in Sicily around 1900, tracing the roots of the Mafia.
Players will step into the life of Enzo Favara, a man escaping labor in sulfur mines who joins the Torrisi family to gain respect and status. The game is said to be more focused on story than previous entries, though still includes open exploration.
It’ll feature period-specific combat with stilettos, lupara shotguns, and travel by horse, foot, and early vehicles. Expect strong themes and mature content. Pre-orders offer in-game extras, and players with 2K Accounts can unlock additional bonuses across the series.
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Analysis: Common Elements and Enduring Appeal
Core Gameplay and Realism
Each entry puts you in the shoes of a criminal climbing through ranks of an underworld empire. Missions come from mob bosses, friends, and rivals. A standout trait of the series is how grounded the worlds feel.
Cities are alive with cars, pedestrians, and functioning rules. You can even get a ticket for running red lights or speeding. Police response scales with your actions. The focus on immersion and rules makes Mafia different from more chaotic open-world games.
Historical Settings and Fictional Locales
The series is known for building detailed cities based on real places:
- Lost Heaven (1930s): reflecting Prohibition-era America
- Empire Bay (1940s-50s): a city shaped by wartime industry and post-war changes
- New Bordeaux (1960s): highlighting racial tension and cultural change
- Sicily (1900s): the next game will cover Mafia origins in the old country
Each setting reflects the mood of the time, both visually and through its soundtrack, dialogue, and social dynamics.
Mixed Reviews, Strong Sales
Mafia games have earned praise for their story-first approach. The first title stood out for its rules and tone. Mafia II had excellent visuals and writing but drew heat for feeling more like a long cutscene at times.
Mafia III had one of the best stories in the series, though its repetition hurt replay value. Still, sales stayed strong with over 34 million copies sold. The trilogy bundle alone sold over 2 million copies by late 2020 and that’s a solid legacy.
Controversy and Cultural Debate
Mafia II faced criticism from groups who felt the game painted Italian Americans in a bad light. The publisher defended it, pointing to its similarities with classic crime films. The game also stirred buzz for its heavy use of strong language, setting a record at the time. That raw tone has stayed part of the series, helping it feel true to its themes.
Final Thoughts
Playing through Mafia feels like living through chapters of a shifting underworld. It’s not about flashy action or mayhem but more about characters, choices, and crime with consequences. Every game tells its own story, but they all echo the same truth: once you’re in, there’s no clean way out.
That’s why this series still matters. It’s built on loyalty, regret, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. Each game leaves a mark not just through how it plays, but through what it says about people chasing control in a world where trust rarely lasts. Whether you’re watching the rise of a cab driver, the fall of a war vet, or the origin of a crime family in the old country, Mafia stays grounded in stories that don’t flinch. And that’s what keeps us coming back.