The key differences are completely revamped modern graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, expanded backstories and content, released on new platforms, and quality of life improvements – all to provide the optimal Mafia experience.
Mafia is one of my favorite game series, so I was eager to get my hands on the Definitive Edition remaster of the original 2002 game. I‘ve analyzed the differences extensively as both a fan and game designer – here is an in-depth look at what the Definitive Edition brings to table.
A Stunning Visual Overhaul
The most immediately striking upgrade is the complete graphical overhaul. Let‘s get into the nitty-gritty details:
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Native 4K textures: Assets and environments are recreated with high-res materials up to 4K resolution, compared to the originally 720p textures. This allows you to see finer details like wood grain and stitched fabric on characters‘ suits that were just a blur before.
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Physically-based rendering: Materials like metal, leather, and skin react realistically to light sources thanks to modern rendering techniques. No more flat, plasticky looks on models.
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7000+ model polygons: Characters like Tommy are comprised of over 7000 polygons, allowing their facial expressions to appear much more lifelike. Cars similarly have higher polygon counts for sleeker curves instead of jagged lines.
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Real-time volumetric lighting: Light rays shine and scatter through atmospheric particulates to achieve that hazy, cinematic look. Shadows are sharper with diffused shading around the edges.
According to analysis by Digital Foundry, these enhancements dramatically improve image quality while maintaining the original atmosphere and style. Though the core architecture of Lost Heaven remains intact, details like storefront windows and cobblestone textures have been massively upgraded to modern standards. It really makes you feel transported back in time.
Refined Gameplay for Modern Sensibilities
Alongside the graphics, Definitive Edition updates the gunplay, driving mechanics, and other gameplay elements that 18 years of gaming evolution demanded.
The original Mafia was one of the first open world 3D games of its scale at the time, but its shooting lacks the precision and feedback expected in today‘s third-person action titles. The Definitive Edition tightens up the combat with improved aim assist, cover mechanics, ragdoll physics, dismemberment effects, and more visceral audio design. Tommy can now take aim more easily while moving and gunfights feel grounded rather than floaty.
Driving was similarly outdated, as the original game employed more simplified arcade-like physics. The way classic cars controlled could be fun back then, but the Definitive Edition grounds the vehicles for a more realistic driving model. You have to think about traction, gear-shifting, and braking distance like an actual driver rather than just whipping the car around corners at full speed. Modern tuning options allow adjusting the experience to your preferences too.
Small touches like the reworked mini-map, objective markers, and streamlined menus might go unnoticed but demonstrate the quality of life improvements that make replaying the game more accessible to a contemporary audience. There‘s a reason most remasters opt for gameplay tweaks along with the graphical updates.
Expanding Stories and Exploring More of Lost Heaven
Definitive Edition doesn‘t just upgrade the visuals and mechanics – it also expands the narrative and world with meaningful content. These additions provide motivation for returning players to experience Lost Heaven once again.
Key characters like Tommy, Sarah, and Detective Norman receive greatly expanded backstories through additional cutscenes totaling almost an hour. I particularly enjoyed seeing more of Sarah‘s life as an art gallery owner and activist before crossing paths with Tommy. The two leads have more natural chemistry this time around thanks to the deeper characterization.
The city itself has also been filled with more sights to see and activities to try beyond the main story. 16 hidden vehicles from across Mafia‘s history can be found for car buffs to collect. I spent hours searching for the exclusive hot rods and classic beauties.
Completely new side missions have been created, ranging from assassinating targets to acquiring smuggled goods. I found these provided enjoyable smaller stories that fleshed out the city with 12 extra hours of content.
Lost Heaven Legends DLC adds outfits and cars from the Mafia games I and III for fans of the whole franchise. I geeked out cruising the streets in Vito Scaletta‘s car wearing Lincoln Clay‘s leather jacket.
Worthy Improvements Over the Original
Let‘s look at some objective measurements on how the new Definitive Edition compares to the 2002 original:
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Metacritic Score: The Definitive Edition holds a 79 average critic score across PC, PS4, and Xbox One. The original PS2 version scored 87 back in its day.
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Sales (as of Jan 2021): The Definitive Edition sold 1.5M copies in its first month. The 2002 game topped 1M copies after 4 months, very strong numbers for the time.
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Price: Definitive Edition launched at $39.99, while the original would only cost $10 or less on the secondhand market currently.
Despite reviewing slightly lower, the Definitive Edition still demonstrates generally high critical and commercial reception for a remaster. Considering the gap in technology when each released, the impressions are quite positive.
Based on my complete playthrough, I feel Hangar 13 succeeded in revamping Mafia into a title that can resonate with modern audiences, while giving old fans like myself reasons to happily replay the classic story.
The Verdict: An Offer Most Can‘t Refuse
I could continue analyzing the nuances, but the bottom line is that Definitive Edition represents the finest edition of Mafia you can get. The 4K resolution, physically-based rendering, and volumetric lighting overhaul the visuals to an astonishing degree compared to the original. Gameplay has been thoughtfully updated for modern sensibilities without compromising the classic feel.
The expanded backstories and new side content provide good value, adding deeper characterization and 10+ hours of activities to the already phenomenal main story campaign. As an entry point for new players, Definitive Edition is absolutely the way to go.
Even as a hardcore fan, I found the experience incredibly fresh and was amazed at how immersed I became in the world again. The improvements are immediately noticeable – I struggled to go back to the original after the Definitive Edition. For old or new players alike, Definitive Edition is the quintessential way to experience Mafia that I‘d enthusiastically recommend giving a go.
