Sicily, bathed in relentless sunshine, presents a captivating tableau of red-tiled roofs, time-worn ocher facades, and flower-laden wrought iron balconies. The scent of arancini and freshly ground coffee permeates the narrow, cobbled streets, a backdrop to a world steeped in tradition and simmering tensions. It is indeed within this evocative setting, at the dawn of the 20th century, that the gripping narrative of Mafia: The Old Country unfolds, a stark departure from the glamorous portrayals frequently enough associated with the Sicilian Mafia.
The game centers on Enzo Favara, nicknamed “Carusu,” a young boy whose life takes a dramatic turn when he is rescued from the harsh realities of the sulfur mines and taken in by the family of Don Torrisi, a powerful local figure. Enzo’s journey is one of ambition, a relentless pursuit of respect and power within a brutal hierarchy where loyalty is paramount and betrayal carries a fatal price.
A Raw Depiction of Mafia Life,Beyond Hollywood Glamour
Mafia: The Old Country eschews the romanticized image of the Mafia often presented in popular culture,instead offering a gritty and authentic portrayal of its origins. The game is set in a period largely unexplored in video games – a Sicily where the Mafia operates as a deeply ingrained social force, far removed from the polished image later popularized by Hollywood. Loyalty is akin to a feudal system, and violence is an inherent part of the social order. Extortion is not merely a crime, but a complex art form, fueled by passion and wielded as a weapon. The narrative unfolds at a pivotal moment in history, as horse-drawn carriages share the roads with the first automobiles, and the customary knife remains a more common instrument of conflict than the emerging pistol.
Developed by Hangar 13 and published by 2K games, Mafia: the Old Country is a prequel to the 2002 title Mafia, and is set in the fictional city of San Rocco, inspired by real Sicilian towns like Corleone and Agrigento. The game features a sprawling open world, allowing players to explore the diverse landscapes of Sicily, from bustling city streets to remote rural villages.The progress team conducted extensive research, consulting with historians and experts on Sicilian culture to ensure historical accuracy and authenticity. The game’s narrative draws inspiration from real-life Mafia figures and events of the early 20th century, offering a nuanced and compelling exploration of the organization’s roots.
The game’s focus on the early years of the mafia provides a unique perspective on the organization’s evolution,highlighting the social and economic conditions that contributed to its rise. Players will encounter a cast of complex characters, each with their own motivations and allegiances, forcing them to make tough choices that will shape the course of the story. Mafia: The Old Country is not simply a crime game; it is a historical drama that explores themes of family, loyalty, betrayal, and the enduring power of tradition.
