In 2002, Illusion Softworks were able to craft a digitized love letter to video gamers who just so happened to be enamored with the organized crime world known as by producing a game simply titled “Mafia”. Thanks to innovative gameplay and a story unmatched at the time, “Mafia” was a smash hit across PC and consoles that created a grand fan base waiting for the potential next installment. It would take eight years before a sequel was released, but the wait was well worth it as everything, from the gameplay, to the story (arguably), to the mission structure was greatly improved upon. Though not as revolutionary or successful as its predecessor, “Mafia II” still produced enough success critically and financially to warrant a successor as well. The original creators didn’t have the opportunity to follow up on the their creations as “Mafia III” was handed to a new studio in Hangar 13. It became obvious quickly that Hangar 13 wanted to make a different type of “Mafia” game no one expected by turning the player’s perspective from one side of the criminal world to another with mixed results. Thankfully the franchise wasn’t forgotten as the eighth generation’s end brought forth a plethora of remasters with the original “Mafia” now getting a new coat of paint while utilizing the same engine that powered its sequel’s sequel several years ago. Get a strap, watch your step, keep your head down, and mind the speed limit as we get some first impressions of “Mafia: Definitive Edition”.
