Review: Mafia 3

Mafia 3, released in 2016 by Hangar 13, was one of the most anticipated titles of the year. As the third installment in the Mafia series, it had big shoes to fill, following the critically acclaimed Mafia 2. The game promised an immersive experience set in a reimagined New Orleans, complete with a gripping storyline and the same cinematic quality that made its predecessors so beloved. However, while Mafia 3 shines in certain areas, it falls short in others, ultimately failing to live up to the high expectations set by Mafia 2. In this review, we’ll delve into the aspects of Mafia 3 that worked, those that didn’t, and how it compares to its predecessor.

Graphics: A Mixed Bag

One of the most consistently praised aspects of Mafia 3 is its graphics. The game features a vibrant and atmospheric depiction of New Bordeaux, a fictional version of New Orleans in the late 1960s. The attention to detail in the environment is commendable, with the city’s distinct districts brought to life through meticulous design. The lighting effects, especially during the day-night cycles, add a layer of realism, and the reflections on wet surfaces after a rainstorm are particularly striking.

Character models are well-crafted, with the main characters receiving the most attention. The facial animations during cutscenes, while not groundbreaking, effectively convey emotion and add depth to the storytelling. However, not all is perfect in the graphical department. Despite the impressive environmental design, there are noticeable inconsistencies in texture quality, and occasional pop-in issues can break immersion. Additionally, the game suffers from technical glitches, such as lighting bugs and frame rate drops, particularly on consoles.

Gameplay: A Step Backward

Where Mafia 3 stumbles the most is in its gameplay. While the game attempts to deliver a compelling open-world experience, it falls into the trap of repetition. The gameplay loop consists of taking over districts by completing a series of similar missions: eliminate enemies, interrogate informants, and take down rackets. This formula quickly becomes monotonous, stripping away the excitement and engagement that an open-world game should provide.

The combat mechanics are functional but lack the refinement seen in other third-person shooters. The cover-based shooting is serviceable, but AI behavior is often predictable, making encounters feel less challenging and more like a chore. The driving mechanics, while adequate, do not have the weight and responsiveness that made Mafia 2’s vehicle handling so satisfying. The police chase, once a thrilling aspect of the series, is now easily escapable and lack the tension that players might expect.

Another significant flaw is the game’s progression system. Mafia 3 tries to integrate a strategic element by allowing players to assign captured districts to their underbosses, each offering different rewards. However, this system lacks depth and ultimately feels inconsequential, as it doesn’t significantly alter gameplay or story outcomes.

Immersion: Strong Start, Weak Finish

Mafia 3 excels in creating a sense of immersion—at least initially. The game’s opening hours are some of the strongest, introducing players to Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam War veteran who returns to his hometown of New Bordeaux to find his world turned upside down. The narrative begins with a bang, filled with intense emotion, rich character development, and a strong sense of place and time. The setting, a racially charged 1968 Louisiana, is ripe with potential for storytelling, and the game doesn’t shy away from tackling difficult themes such as racism, betrayal, and revenge.

Unfortunately, the immersive quality of the game starts to diminish as the story progresses. The narrative, which begins as a tightly woven tale of vengeance, starts to unravel as the game shifts focus to repetitive mission structures and an overstretched plot. The emotional weight that the game builds in its early hours is gradually lost, leaving players disconnected from the story and characters by the end.

Moreover, while the game world is beautifully crafted, it often feels lifeless. The NPC interactions are minimal, and the city, despite its visual richness, lacks the dynamic energy seen in other open-world games like Grand Theft Auto V or even Mafia 2. This lack of vibrancy further detracts from the player’s sense of immersion, making New Bordeaux feel more like a backdrop than a living, breathing world.

Comparing to Mafia 2: A Notable Downgrade

When compared to Mafia 2, Mafia 3 feels like a significant downgrade in several areas. Mafia 2, despite being a smaller and more linear game, excelled in delivering a focused and polished experience. Its narrative was tightly crafted, its gameplay mechanics were solid, and its world, while not as expansive as Mafia 3’s, felt alive and responsive to the player’s actions.

Mafia 2’s driving mechanics were particularly praised for their realism, with vehicles that handled with a sense of weight and authenticity that Mafia 3 lacks. Additionally, Mafia 2’s mission variety and pacing were far superior, ensuring that the gameplay never felt repetitive or drawn out.

Perhaps most disappointingly, Mafia 3’s story, while ambitious, does not have the same impact as Mafia 2’s. The latter’s tale of Vito Scaletta was a well-told, character-driven narrative that resonated with players long after the credits rolled. In contrast, Mafia 3’s narrative, despite its strong start, loses momentum and fails to deliver the same emotional payoff.