Mafia Definitive Edition

SUMMARY

  • Mafia: Definitive Edition came out on September 25, 2020 and featured a vastly different Lost Heaven.
  • The updated graphics and gameplay mechanics in the remake stood out and have been highly praised.
  • And with the game's recent addition to Xbox Game Pass, it continues too see some much deserved success.

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Mafia: Definitive Edition came out almost 4 years ago today and with its recent addition to Xbox Game Pass, more people are experiencing it now than ever. The remake of the 2002 classic has been praised by many for its many upgrades. From the quality of life changes to the big visual ones.

An in-game screenshot of a Mafia character in combat.The third mainline game in the series didn’t got the praise as the first two. | Image Credits: Hedgehog on YouTube

One of the most notable upgrades is the extended view distance in the game that now allows players to fully appreciate the grandeur of 1930s cities. This was something that was sorely missing from the original due to technical limitations at the time.

Mafia: Definitive Edition Is a Remake Worth Checking Out

In the original Mafia, players were restricted by a limited draw distance of only a few hundred meters which the hardware at the time was capable of. This made it impossible to see the grander views of Lost Heaven as you would compared to the visual capabilities of games today.

According to the Mafia 20th Anniversary Developer Interview, this limitation impacted the overall feel and immersion that the devs were going for.

On the original Mafia, there were a lot of technical limitations; for example, the draw distance was only a couple hundred meters, so you never got to see grandiose views of the city.

Mafia: Definitive Edition corrects this by enhancing the draw distance, offering players sweeping, scenic vistas that better capture the aesthetic of a bustling city in the 1930s. This upgrade is one of the many ways that the remake makes the game feel like new. And the success of this upgrade is evident in the game’s success on Game Pass.

With Mafia: Definitive Edition, we had this amazing opportunity to enhance the vision of the first game—suddenly we could create scenic vistas and better express the atmosphere of 1930s cities.

The remake has greatly improved the overall graphical quality, particularly in character and vehicle models. The original was obviously limited by the technology of its time so the upgrade was very welcomed.

Players can now appreciate the detailed environments and breathtaking views of the city and feel the game’s 1930s atmosphere. The city’s visual transformation makes the game feel much more alive compared to the original.

The Remake Changes More Than Just Graphics Though

 Definitive Edition.The remake is an upgrade in every aspect of the game. | Image Credit: Hangar 13/2K Games

Mafia: Definitive Edition also completely reworks many gameplay mechanics, from the cover system to ballistics and driving physics. The cover system and the feel of the shooting were a bit lacking in the original. But it’s been addressed in the remake, bringing the game’s combat up to modern standards.

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The world of Lost Heaven has also been given a much-needed facelift. In the original game, the expanse of the city felt somewhat barren due to the technical limitations of the time. The remake has significantly increased the level of incidental detail in alleyways, side streets, and interiors.

It also features an improved story. Sarah, for example, is a character from the original game who was initially sidelined and had little involvement in the story. In the Definitive Edition, her role has been expanded, offering more meaningful interactions with Tommy.

There are a lot of changes like these that make the remake truly stand out. Its success on Game Pass is a much-needed win for Xbox given recent events. And for those with access to Xbox Game Pass, this definitive version of Mafia offers the perfect opportunity to revisit or discover the game for the first time.

Have you had the chance to play Mafia: Definitive Edition? If so let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Written by Daniel Royte

Articles Published: 320

Daniel is a gamer through and through with a passion for gaming in his veins. His current adventures have taken him into the world of Elden Ring, Wuthering Waves, and Genshin Impact, amongst others.