When you think of Mafia games, the name “Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven” instantly comes to mind – an absolute classic that set the bar extremely high for storytelling in gaming back in 2002. With Mafia 3, 2K Games wanted to build on that success and at the same time bring a breath of fresh air into the series. But as so often happens when expectations are high, the path wasn’t completely free of potholes. The game was released in 2016 and still has a certain reputation today – but not always in a positive way. I went back into the world of New Bordeaux and will tell you whether the trip is worth it.
Story: A Revenge Plot That Grabs You
Let’s start with what Mafia 3 actually does best: the story. You play as Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam veteran who returns to his hometown New Bordeaux (a fictional version of New Orleans). After a massacre wipes out his “family,” he swears revenge and begins to take control of the city piece by piece.
The story is strongly staged, at times reminiscent of a mix between a Mafia movie classic and a modern series. Especially cool are the cutscenes, which are structured like a documentary – with interviews and flashbacks. This gives the narrative a fresh and unique feel. Lincoln himself is a fascinating character: quiet, ruthless, and with a clear goal in mind. You feel in every mission how strongly his thirst for revenge drives him.
However: As gripping as the main story is, the side missions and activities drag things down a bit. It often boils down to repeating the same patterns: take out enemies, collect money, take over territory. Over time, that gets a bit worn out.
Gameplay: Between Highs and Frustrations
The gameplay of Mafia 3 is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s fun to drive through New Bordeaux, take down rival gangs, and gradually seize control of the city. The shootouts are solidly executed, the cover system works fine, and the feeling of actually building an empire is definitely motivating.
On the other hand, there are a lot of points where you notice the game just isn’t quite polished. First and foremost: repetition. Almost every mission follows the same formula. The lack of variety makes the motivation drop later in the game.
Then there are the technical issues that have been raising eyebrows since release. Bugs, glitches, and sometimes wildly inconsistent AI drag down the overall experience. Sure, some things were patched later on, but Mafia 3 is still far from perfect today.
Another weak point is the driving. Of course, it’s fun to cruise around the city, but the steering of the cars sometimes feels a bit floaty. That’s a shame, because in an open-world game with so much driving, this element really should feel spot on.
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Atmosphere: The Game’s Biggest Strength
If there’s one thing Mafia 3 absolutely nails, it’s atmosphere. The city of New Bordeaux is a highlight – inspired by late 1960s New Orleans, with jazz, soul, and a truly dense vibe. Everywhere you go, you feel the spirit of the times, whether it’s through the radio stations with original music, the fashion, or the political undertones of the story.
And that brings us to another point that makes Mafia 3 stand out: it dares to directly address serious themes like racism and the Vietnam War. That’s not just bold, it also gives the game a depth that you often miss in other open-world titles. When Lincoln, as a Black man in the 1960s South, walks around, you instantly feel how present discrimination and inequality were. The game uses this atmosphere to build a believable and sometimes oppressive world.
The soundtrack also deserves big praise. With songs from the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, or Aretha Franklin, you’re thrown straight into the era. Sometimes it’s worth it just to drive through virtual New Bordeaux and soak in the vibe.
A Strong Drama with Gameplay Weaknesses
Mafia 3 is definitely not a bad game, but it’s also far from being a masterpiece like the first entry in the series. The story, characters, and atmosphere are among the best you’ll find in the genre. Unfortunately, all of this is dragged down by too much repetition in the gameplay and ongoing technical issues.
If you’re into cinematic stories and have a soft spot for gangster dramas, you should definitely give Mafia 3 a try. It’s worth it for the atmosphere, the soundtrack, and the storytelling alone. But if you’re mainly after varied gameplay, you might find yourself getting a little bored eventually.Did you like my Mafia 3 review? Please leave me your feedback in the comments.
