Mafia Saga Explores Organized Crime’s Sicilian Roots

New Installment Delves into Early 20th Century Origins

Fans of the acclaimed Mafia franchise are set for a journey back to the very beginnings of Sicilian organized crime. The latest installment promises to immerse players in the early 20th-century world of La Cosa Nostra, drawing parallels with previous entries in the series.

A Czech Touch on Italian Grit

Developed by Hangar 13, a studio with significant creative input from its Czech branches, the game emphasizes its artistic direction and cinematic presentation. The development team includes veterans who contributed to the beloved first two Mafia titles, ensuring a familiar yet fresh experience.

Release Details and Player Choice

MAFIA: DOMESTIC is slated for release on August 7th for computers, followed by an August 8th launch on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. The game will feature Czech dubbing and localization, underscoring its strong ties to the Czech development scene. Notably, a 2023 report indicated that video game localization efforts for Czech can significantly boost player engagement in the region.

Enzo’s Rise Through the Ranks

The narrative centers on Enzo, a young Sicilian man from Sulfur Mine yearning for a better life. An accident provides him an opportunity to work for Don Torrisi and his influential family. Navigating a world governed by honor, intrigue, and ruthless decisions, Enzo will undertake various assignments for Torrisi, climbing the criminal hierarchy.

Gameplay: Stealth or Showdown

Players can choose their approach as Enzo, opting for stealthy infiltration or direct, explosive shootouts. Travel across the game’s map is available via cars or horseback. However, the focus remains firmly on the main story, with no side missions planned.

New Mechanics and Authentic Touches

A significant new feature is the introduction of knife combat and duels, a nod to Sicilian traditions that developers aimed to incorporate for added authenticity. Players will wield different types of knives, each with unique abilities and attributes. The game’s creators intend to showcase the formative years of the Mafia, tracing its evolution from the 19th century into a formidable force by the early 20th.

Deep Czech Roots

“Given how much of the development took place in the Czech Republic, according to Hladík, a mafia can be considered: homeland as a Czech game,” a representative from the studio noted. Much of the game’s visual and cinematic content was crafted in the Czech Republic under the guidance of Tomáš Hřebíček, a seasoned member of the Mafia series’ development team.

Studio Lineage and Legacy

Hangar 13, established in 2014 as a 2K subsidiary, operates with teams in Brighton, Brno, and Prague. The Brno and Prague studios function under the banner of 2K Czech, formerly Illusion Softworks, the original creators of the first two Mafia titles. The studio’s history includes collaboration on Mafia III and the Mafia: Definitive Edition remake.