The gaming industry appears to be inundated with remakes and remasters, and it can get quite tiresome at times. This year saw quite a few games being re-released, including The Last of Us Part 1, which marks the third time the game has been released in less than a decade. While some gamers may view remakes and remasters as cash grabs, when they are implemented correctly, they can be quite beneficial - especially when they allow modern gamers to enjoy classic titles.
The first three Mafia games have been well received, and thanks to the release of definitive editions, some titles have been modernized. However, there is much more that can be done with the games, especially if developers follow the example of Mafia: Definitive Edition and learn from some mistakes made by the GTA trilogy remaster. The GTA trilogy remaster was released in 2021, and while it did a good job of bundling the three games together for current-generation gaming systems, there were a few missteps made.
The Grand Theft Auto Trilogy Receives a Remaster
Grand Theft Auto 3, released in 2001, revolutionized open-world gaming and ensured that Rockstar Games would forever be an un-ignorable name in the industry. The game was followed by GTA: Vice City which was released in 2002, and GTA: San Andreas, which hit stores in 2004. The trilogy is often sold as a bundle, and they represent an epic era in GTA's history, as the three games are some of the most critically acclaimed titles of all time.
In 2021, Rockstar Games released a remaster of the trilogy, which was developed by Grove Street Games. The games saw several improvements in terms of graphics and lighting, and the control scheme was also modernized. Upon release, though, the trilogy found itself shrouded in controversy, as gamers found several bugs and glitches and many fans felt like the change in art style ruined how the games feel. Despite the contentious execution of it, Rockstar had a good idea when it decided that its classic trilogy deserves a re-release. Other studios should also consider polishing up their classic games for modern audiences who are still eager to play these titles. This is true for the Mafia franchise, which is dated but can be salvaged.
The First Mafia Game Already Paved the Way
If the Mafia games receive remasters, developers should follow the example of the first Mafia game's remake, which illustrated how a game can be polished for a new audience without compromising the core elements of the source material. Released in 2002, Mafia tells the story of Tommy Angelo, whose life is turned upside down when he goes from being a simple cab driver to suddenly being involved in crime family feuds. The game has been praised for its realism, gripping narrative, and excellent execution of the crime noir aesthetic.
Mafia: Definitive Edition was released in 2020, and it serves as a remake of the 2002 game. It goes above and beyond what most remakes and remasters do, and the result is a polished game that pleased both longtime Mafia fans and newcomers. With better technology at their disposal, developers remade the entire open world, which is based on 1930s Chicago, complete with alcohol prohibition and jazz. Additionally, developers also improved the moment-to-moment gameplay by implementing smoother driving mechanics.
The dated voice performances were replaced with new ones, though a different cast was used. Voice actors were also sometimes expected to give motion capture performances, which was the case with Andrew Bongiorno, who served as Tommy Angelo's voice actor and mo-cap actor. For gamers who wish to feel like they are in a 1930s crime movie, there is also the option to turn on a noir mode that throws on a black-and-white filter.
An impressive amount of effort went into Mafia: Definitive Edition, but the next two games in the series have not received the same treatment. This is especially notable with Mafia 2, which received a remaster via Mafia 2: Definitive Edition. The remaster provides improved visuals, but not much else, which is disappointing, especially when it is compared to Mafia: Definitive Edition. However, this does not have to be the end of the road for Mafia trilogy remakes, as the franchise has left its mark on gaming, and it still has a sizable fan base.
Although plenty can be learned from Mafia: Definitive Edition, not everything it does should be emulated. For example, many gamers noted that the original gameplay was left almost entirely intact, and while this may be appreciable for die-hard fans, it can be off-putting for new gamers who are not used to clunky cover-shooter systems. If the Mafia trilogy receives a future remake, developers should not be afraid to modernize gameplay.
Mafia Is Far From Dead
The Mafia franchise has endured for years, and it appears 2K has no plans to abandon it any time soon. Hangar 13, the studio responsible for Mafia: Definitive Edition, has revealed that a new Mafia title is on the way. According to the studio's general manager, Roman Hladik, the game is still a few years away, and not much more information can be revealed at present. With a lucrative franchise to draw from, the upcoming Mafia game has plenty of promise, especially if developers can deliver an experience as immersive as 2002's Mafia.
Mafia holds a special place in gaming, as it offers an early example of dramatic, movie-style narratives being introduced to gaming. The original trilogy does not deserve to be lost to the annals of time, and a good remake of the trilogy could ensure that the games are preserved for current and future gaming generations. The remake of the first Mafia game has illustrated how much can be gained from putting effort into crafting a standout remake, and the rest of the titles in the series - particularly Mafia 2 - would benefit greatly from the same treatment.
Mafia: Definitive Edition is available now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.