We review the Mafia franchise throughout its three installments. From Tommy Angelo to Lincoln: a matter of family, power and respect.
If we talk about Take Two at the beginning of the 21st century, it is practically impossible to avoid the Mafia figure. From Ilussion Softworks and future 2k Czech, to Hangar 13, its current manager. Family. Power. Respect. Three words that are everything for a franchise that seems to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
On May 19 we will learn more about the recently announced Mafia: Trilogy, which clearly seems like a compilation of the three installments, according to what it shows in its trailer. For this reason, at FreeGameTips we briefly review the brand, what we receive and what will be in store for it in the future.
Family
The name of Daniel Vávra will ring more than one for his role in the Kingdom Come: Deliverance promotional circle. The Czech is more than just the face of Warhorse Studios, it is the living image of the veteran in the video game industry in the Czech Republic.
His debut in a great project as a director was precisely the first mob, when Illusion Softworks was still maintaining its brand. The game introduced us to the figure of Tommy Angelo, a taxi driver who in his mid-thirties was forced to become part of the world of organized crime.
New Heaven was the chosen setting. Based on the typical skyline of the United States mired in the Great Depression, the title balanced freedom with a very concise storyline. Realism was one of the marks they wanted to give him from the first moment. That wrapping inspired by real events allowed him to transcend before those who saw the video game as a mere entertainment product.
Its initial arrival at computers left a couple of years of margin for the landing before the general public. PlayStation 2 and Xbox received a decent port for the time, which allowed it higher levels of popularity than in its beginnings. It is one of those titles that remain with the "cult" sign, which silently impacts those who passed through its hands. A group in which other games such as Deadly Premonition or the first NieR remain.
Power
With Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in the middle of its life cycle, the already renowned 2k Czech made the leap to a convulsive sequel, at least internally. Part of the original team left the studio before its launch. In the words of Jarek Kolar, game designer, there was a lack of "realism, honesty and criticism" within the team, which led to making "inappropriate" decisions in a "continuous disappointment". Kotaku collected his statements during Jarek's presentation at the GDC 2012.
In any case, the title that came to us in 2010 followed a line similar to that seen in the original. We had realism as a flag and the commitment to create a scenario as credible as possible regarding the dark tone that was developing the main argument.
From Tommy we went to Vito Scaletta, a boy who came to the United States as a child chasing the famous American dream. The promises from Italy became pure smoke. Upon arriving at Empire Bay, the fictional recreation of New York, Italian immigrants gathered in seedy neighborhoods. Like companions, mice and roaches.
Based on the early 40s and 50s gave it that pop art look that you always like to see on the other side of the screen. With the Second World War as a backdrop, Vito's path would not stop turning uncontrollably. Power takes over everything. Despite his problems, he knew how to create a narrative journey that permeated the brand's fans.
Respect
Six years later Mafia 3 arrived, this time from the hands of its current managers, Hangar 13. The truth is that Lincoln left a bittersweet feeling, as we told you at the time. The script, topic on premise, managed to catch you by connecting emotionally with the protagonist. And it is that the saga has never disappointed in narrative terms.
His main problem was one of execution. New Bordeaux (interpretation of the New Orleans of 1968) fell into the mistakes of the hackneyed, inconsequential open world. The main campaign was a constant repetition of the liberation of territories, a loop that would not stop until its conclusion.
It was a real shame. If we talk as a shooter, it was a really forceful TPS when it came to transferring feedback from the weaponry. You felt each impact in ways not just visual, but mechanically. There are no buts when it comes to gunplay.
It also didn't have its best pitch. In our Reviews, we placed special emphasis on the constant playable bugs, in addition to those that affected performance. Although they were corrected over the months, the first impression was not the most accurate.
Mafia is coming
In 2019 we already learned about the publisher's intentions with Mafia. Although they were not official, records related to the brand did appear. In addition, Hangar 13 is in full development of an open world triple A. The cards are on the table.
What is unofficial is the following stop: May 19. That day we will witness Mafia's full announcement: Trilogy. Until then, watch your back.
