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Mafia III, like the Godfather novels, offers a compelling glimpse into the world of organized crime. While not a perfect open-world game, the Mafia series excels at portraying the gritty reality of the criminal underworld, leaving a lasting impression on players. This third installment, however, departs significantly from the series’ established setting and era. Does this bold move revitalize the franchise or fall short of expectations?

A New Era, A New City

alt text: Lincoln Clay standing in front of a burning building in Mafia III's New Bordeaux

Mafia III unfolds in New Bordeaux, a vibrant recreation of 1968 New Orleans. This setting, the heart of African American culture, is steeped in the social and political turmoil of the late sixties. The era’s counter-culture movements, the Vietnam War’s lingering impact, and racial tensions all contribute to the game’s charged atmosphere. These elements are woven into the narrative, influencing character interactions, fashion, music, and the distinct environments of different neighborhoods.

This backdrop of conflict also serves as a crucial plot device. The old guard of organized crime struggles to adapt to a rapidly changing society, leading to violent power struggles. At the center of this conflict is Lincoln Clay, the game’s protagonist.

alt text: Lincoln Clay aiming a gun in Mafia III

The game masterfully captures the era’s atmosphere, from the music and fashion to the complex social dynamics. The pervasive sense of unrest and change sets the stage for Lincoln Clay’s story of revenge.

Exceptional Performances and Unique Storytelling

alt text: Lincoln Clay interacting with another character in Mafia III

Mafia III boasts some of the most compelling performances in recent gaming history, rivaling AAA titles like Grand Theft Auto V, Metal Gear Solid V, and even The Witcher 3. Director Haden Blackman, known for his work on Star Wars games at LucasArts, assembled a talented cast of Hollywood voice actors. The return of Rick Pasqualone, the voice of Vito Scaletta from Mafia II, is a particularly welcome addition.

The game’s engine contributes significantly to the realism of the performances. Facial animations are detailed and nuanced, conveying a wide range of emotions convincingly. Each character’s personality shines through, from Lincoln Clay’s fiery temperament to John Donovan’s cunning demeanor.

alt text: A promotional image for Mafia III showcasing the game's graphics

Adding another layer of authenticity, characters speak with distinct regional accents, a rare feat even for AAA games. From French and Italian to Southern American, Latin American, and Haitian dialects, the voice acting elevates the narrative’s immersion.

While drawing inspiration from classic crime films like Goodfellas, Mafia III carves its own narrative path. The story unfolds through CIA agent John Donovan’s testimony and interviews with supporting characters, creating a unique perspective on Lincoln Clay’s quest for revenge. The player’s choices impact these testimonies and the overall narrative, adding a layer of player agency.

A Departure from Mafia’s Roots

alt text: Lincoln Clay driving a car in Mafia III

Hangar 13, taking over from 2K Czech, has altered and even discarded core elements that defined the Mafia series. Previous games focused on the immersive portrayal of the criminal lifestyle, showcasing the rise and fall of gangsters like Tommy Angelo and Vito Scaletta. Their stories resonated with players, leaving a lasting impact. Mafia III, however, lacks this emotional depth. Lincoln Clay’s revenge feels excessive and hollow, lacking the nuance and emotional resonance of previous protagonists.

alt text: Lincoln Clay fighting enemies in Mafia III

The game fails to establish a strong connection between the player and the characters Lincoln seeks to avenge. Key figures like his foster father, Sammy Robinson, have limited screen time, hindering the emotional impact of their deaths. While the performances are excellent, the lack of development makes Lincoln’s motivation feel unconvincing.

The concept of the “made man,” central to the Mafia’s identity, is absent in Mafia III. The associated themes of belonging and status are also missing, diminishing the narrative’s depth.

alt text: Lincoln Clay shooting at enemies from behind cover in Mafia III

The removal of customization options, such as buying clothes, houses, and customizing cars, further reduces player engagement. These elements, while not essential to gameplay, contribute to the overall experience and sense of immersion. Their absence makes Lincoln’s single-minded focus on revenge feel shallow and impulsive.

Repetitive Missions and Lackluster Police AI

alt text: Lincoln Clay aiming a weapon while crouching in Mafia III

Between well-crafted main missions, players are forced to endure repetitive side missions. The sheer number of these repetitive tasks detracts from the main narrative and diminishes the impact of Lincoln’s revenge.

alt text: Lincoln Clay standing over a dead body in Mafia III

Hangar 13 missed opportunities to use side missions to enrich the game world, as seen in The Witcher 3 or Metal Gear Solid V. Instead, they serve as tedious padding, forcing players to repeat the same tasks ad nauseam. The police AI is equally disappointing, lacking the sophistication of previous Mafia games. Players can easily evade pursuit with simplistic maneuvers, further highlighting the game’s shortcomings.

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity

Mafia III presents a compelling narrative and captivating performances, set against a backdrop of social and political unrest. However, repetitive gameplay, a shallow protagonist, and a lackluster open world ultimately hold it back from reaching its full potential. While the change in setting and time period offers a fresh perspective, it comes at the cost of the series’ core identity. The result is a game that feels both captivating and frustrating, leaving players with a sense of unfulfilled promise.