Mafia: Definitive Edition review - the best of what this classic franchise has to offer

One of my favourite game franchises of the last decade has to be Mafia, and I was excited at the prospect of the games getting a remaster for Mafia Trilogy.

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Growing up on a diet of the Godfather films and the likes of Goodfellas, Donnie Brasco, The Untouchables and Scarface, I have a natural fascination with all things mafia.

So the chance to have all three games in my current collection was one I relished. But is it a diamond or a fugazi?

What's new?

With Mafia Trilogy you have the chance to live the life of a gangster across three distinct eras of organised crime in America.

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But the centrepiece of Mafia: Trilogy is undoubtedly Mafia: Definitive Edition - a complete overhaul of the original game first released back in 2002.

This isn’t just an aesthetic gloss over. It has been rebuilt from the ground up by Hangar 13.

Expanded in 4K- and HDR-ready, there are dramatic improvements on the original game’s graphics and gameplay mechanics. But there are also add-ons to the award-winning story with new features, such as motorcycles and collectibles in the 1930s city of Lost Heaven.

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Whether you’re new to Mafia or a fanboy or girl, there is enough to satisfy both sides.

Two solid games for the price of one

The Trilogy brings together the best the franchise has to offer and is at the very least, two solid games for the price of one. There is so much content here for what you pay and obviously plenty of enjoyment along the way.

The crowning achievement is a toss up between the brilliant driving mechanics which give Grand Theft Auto a run for its money and the enthralling performances from what is a fresh new cast.

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Lost Heaven oozes charisma and 1930s charm. It is an absolute blast - quite literally - although some of the fight action does feel dated.

For me the first was always the best story of the lot and this is a wonderful revitalisation of that with extras. It is worth owning the trilogy just for that, but number three is right up there, too.

As an overall package, you can’t go wrong. But, if you’re anything like me, the fresh appeal of the original will grab and keep your attention the most.

Out: NowOn: PS4, XB1, WindowsRating: 8/10