The new trailer for Mafia: The Old Country, titled "The Family Code: Combat," offers a gritty look at its tactical gameplay, while Hangar 13 confirms PC players will get access a day early.
In an industry often chasing the next big open-world loop, the Mafia series has always distinguished itself with a commitment to linear, character-driven narrative. With Mafia: The Old Country, Hangar 13 appears to be doubling down on its strengths while refining a core pillar of the experience: combat. A new gameplay trailer, titled "The Family Code: Combat," gives us our most detailed look yet at the brutal realities of life as an enforcer in early 20th-century Sicily. And in a rather curious move, PC players will be the first to step into those blood-soaked shoes.
A More Tactical Approach to Violence
The trailer wastes no time establishing that combat in The Old Country is a far cry from the run-and-gun chaos of many modern shooters. The gameplay showcased emphasizes a more deliberate, tactical, and frankly, more personal style of fighting. Every encounter seems designed to be a calculated affair where survival depends on more than just quick reflexes.
Key takeaways from the trailer include:
- Weighty, Cover-Based Gunplay: The firearms, all period-accurate, have a tangible sense of impact. The focus is clearly on using the environment for cover and choosing your shots wisely. This isn't about spray-and-pray; it's about making every bullet count.
- Brutal Melee System: When the fighting gets up close, it gets ugly. The trailer highlights intimate and visceral melee combat, with knives and other improvised weapons leading to grim, efficient takedowns. It's a grounded approach that feels appropriately desperate and brutal for the setting.
- Environmental Tactics: Players are encouraged to be thinkers, not just triggermen. The combat loop seems to reward using your surroundings to your advantage, flanking enemies, and seamlessly switching between ranged and close-quarters attacks to control the flow of battle.
PC Players Get a 24-Hour Head Start
Perhaps the most unexpected piece of news is the staggered release schedule. As confirmed on the official Steam store page, PC players will gain access to Mafia: The Old Country on August 7, 2025. Their console-owning counterparts on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S will have to wait an extra day, with the game unlocking for them on August 8, 2025.
While a one-day head start is more of a minor perk than a game-changer, it's an interesting decision. It could be a nod to the dedicated PC fanbase or a strategic move to stagger server load, but either way, it’s a welcome gesture for players on that platform. Honestly, we didn’t expect this kind of staggered release, but it’s a smart way to reward a significant portion of the series' audience.
This new trailer does exactly what it should: it manages expectations while building confidence. By focusing on a more grounded and tactical combat system, Hangar 13 is leaning into the gritty authenticity that defines the Mafia identity. The promise of a thinking-man's shooter, combined with the series' signature narrative depth, makes The Old Country one to watch as its release date approaches.
