Mafia 3: A Game with Unfulfilled Potential

Mafia 3 is often considered an ordinary game with average ratings, but when analyzed closely, it reveals a developer’s ambitious vision. While the execution fell short, this game deserves attention for its unique elements. Here’s a detailed review of its story and gameplay.

Story

Mafia 3 follows Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam War veteran, returning to his hometown of New Bordeaux. His adopted family is betrayed and killed by mafia boss Sal Marcano, sparking Lincoln’s quest for revenge. The plot, while seemingly straightforward, is presented as a documentary narrated by supporting characters rather than Lincoln himself. This approach creates curiosity, but the story suffers from disconnected gameplay and one-dimensional characters.

Disconnected Gameplay

Each boss in Sal Marcano’s organization controls a specific criminal activity, like drugs or gambling. While this setup suggests variety, the repetitive mission structure undermines the experience. Players often perform similar tasks multiple times, which becomes tedious.

Shallow Characters

Characters like Cassandra, Vito, and Donovan are intriguing but underdeveloped. For example, Cassandra’s unique role as a Haitian mafia leader in a male-dominated era is hinted at but not explored deeply through events or interactions.

Missed Opportunities

Supporting characters like Father James, who raised Lincoln, could have added emotional depth. However, their roles are limited to occasional dialogues without significant impact on the story.

Gameplay

Mafia 3’s gameplay mechanics range from shooting and driving to stealth, offering flexibility and creativity. While the mechanics are not groundbreaking, they are well-designed and provide engaging moments.

Unique Features

The game introduces innovative systems, such as services from allies. For instance, Vito’s hit squad can assist in tough situations, while Cassandra’s team can disrupt enemy communications, preventing reinforcements.

World Design

New Bordeaux’s world captures the 1960s era with rich details like racial tension and historical references. Although there is no fast travel, the immersive design compensates by encouraging exploration. However, the world lacks interactive elements, limiting player engagement.

Conclusion

Mafia 3 is an ambitious game with a stunning world and solid mechanics. However, its disconnected story, shallow characters, and repetitive missions hold it back. Despite these flaws, the game offers unique moments and a memorable experience. If you haven’t played it yet, give it a try, but keep your expectations in check.

Why Discuss Mafia 3 Now?

With the upcoming remake of Mafia 1, developed by the same studio, Hangar 13, revisiting Mafia 3 showcases the studio’s potential. Given proper resources and time, they could create something truly remarkable.

Written by: Mustafa Arjoun