We all have a cherished game series that holds a special place in our hearts, irrespective of its overall quality. For some, it might be Monkey Island, while others might lean towards Max Payne 2 or Fallout 3. You could even have a soft spot for GTA: San Andreas. Today, we’ll be undertaking a challenging task by collating all our thoughts and opinions. So, here’s all Mafia games ranked from the least impressive to the absolute best.
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4. Mafia III – Literally Average
Many recall feeling apprehensive rather than excited when Mafia III was first announced in 2015. The reason was crystal clear: The game was handed over to a new team called Hangar 13 instead of 2K Czech, who developed the first two instalments. Even though some original team members were part of the newly formed group within Two Take, worries that the essence of the series would be lost soon took place.
Sadly, that’s what happened. Mafia III isn’t a terrible game if considered as a separate entity from a different series. However, it falls short of being a true Mafia game. Issues with gameplay, technical problems, and narrative shortcomings are evident from the get-go. On the upside, the game boasts decent graphics, excellent voice acting, and an acceptable map design for its time. But the real problem is that Mafia III doesn’t feel like a Mafia game from beginning to end.
Much like the second game in the BioShock series is often viewed as mediocre, the third Mafia game holds a similar status for us. Although it may have some connections to the stories of the first two games, even its core narrative is vastly different. Sorry, Clay – you just don’t fit in with the rest.
Developer: Hangar 13
Release Date: October 7, 2016
Metacritic: 62 (User Score is 4)
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3. Mafia II – Great Sequel to GOAT
Mafia II is undoubtedly a fantastic action game. Boasting a captivating story, immersive atmosphere, and engaging mechanics, it’s certainly among the best games of the 2010s. The fact that it managed to live up to most of the expectations set by the original game is truly commendable. After an eight-year wait, starting the game with a beaming smile, and that smile remained (Don’t worry, no spoilers here).
Set in 1940s and 50s America, the game has two standout features: The story of Vito Scaletta as he navigates shifting power dynamics, and an unforgettable original soundtrack (OST) that captures the era’s spirit flawlessly. You could easily listen to its music any time of day.
So, why does it rank third on the Mafia games ranked list? This is where personal preferences come into play. We all soon fell in love with the Mafia series for its innovative contributions to the open-world genre. Although the second game is set in an open world, its narrative is more linear. If that’s your cup of tea, you might even rank it first. Its minor shortcomings, like ordinary gunplay or average artificial intelligence, aren’t that significant. As we mentioned earlier, Mafia II is an excellent game, and it deserves all the praise it receives. But if you play in 2023 – don’t forget that it is a 13-year-old game.
Developer: 2K Czech
Release Date: August 24, 2010
Metacritic: 77 (User Score is 8.3)
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2. Mafia – Timeless Greatness
Picture this: It’s the summer of 2002. In October 2021, GTA III had taken the gaming world by storm. 3D graphics of the Grand Theft Auto series was still the talk of the town. Additionally, a new GTA game called Vice City was set to be released in October 2002, which would later become an all-time classic, although no one knew it yet. Then, on a sweltering summer day in August 2002, the original Mafia game made its debut. And the gaming lives of many were transformed.
The first Mafia game is more than just an entry in a typical series: It’s a bold statement. Amidst all the GTA buzz, imagine playing an open-world game set in 1930s America, following the rise of a taxi driver named Tommy Angelo within a mafia family.
Today, the first Mafia game is 21 years old. Sure, if you were to play it now, you’d likely encounter technical limitations. The graphics, voiceovers, and some gameplay mechanics might feel dated. However, none of that can diminish the brilliance of its storytelling or the unforgettable character development.
Developer: Illusion Softworks (2K Czech)
Release Date: August 29, 2002
Metacritic: 88 (User Score is 9.1)
1. Mafia: Definitive Edition – Best Version
As you might expect, Definitive Edition is undoubtedly the finest Mafia game you can play in 2023. You may have noticed that we say this as someone who has a deep connection to the original game. However, not everyone shares that emotional attachment, and without it, playing the original game might feel rather intimidating. Given that it’s not technically up-to-date for today’s standards, that’s where Mafia: Definitive Edition steps in.
This game, recreated by Hangar 13 using the engine from the third instalment, is not a remaster but rather a ground-up remake. As such, all technical features, including new graphics, have been redesigned for modern gaming. Additionally, gameplay mechanics have been revamped, and much better voiceovers (Though perhaps not as iconic) have been recorded. Most importantly, the original story is told almost verbatim, which is what truly matters to us.
If you’re not one of the “Veterans” who played the first Mafia on that balmy summer day in 2002, there’s no need to worry. This 2020 remake manages to be an even better version of the best game. We hope you complete the story spoiler-free and understand why millions of players fell in love with this series.
Developer: Hangar 13
Release Date: September 25, 2020
Metacritic: 78 (User Score is 6.9)
So, here’s all Mafia games ranked from best to worst. Depending on personal preferences, your ranking might differ, and that’s perfectly fine. Before we delve into the series’ questions, there’s one last reminder: Definitive Editions of Mafia II and Mafia III have also been released. However, we didn’t include them in this list since they are remasters rather than remakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mafia 1 a RPG?
No – Mafia is an action game which don’t have any RPG elements within. It has an open world city called Lost Heaven – which loosely based on New York City, Chicago and San Francisco. You can roam around the city as you wish, but don’t expect goofy side quests. Original Mafia game (And Definitive Edition too) is a crime action game with a much more serious tone compared to the GTA series.
How Old Is Tommy Angelo?
Tommy Angelo is the protagonist of first Mafia game. He is 30 years old at start of the game. As an ordinary taxi driver, his life changes when he finds himself in a mafia car chase. He helps one of the group and ta-da! Our main story is begin there and oh boy – it is perfect for a action packed open world game.
Is Mafia 4 Coming?
Yes – a brand new Mafia game is coming. Hangar 13 said they were working on it but did not share a name. It may be a different name but it will probably be Mafia IV. Because all the games in the series are named with numbers. We can count the Definitive Editions as the exception, but they points the remakes and remasters.
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- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.