The Mafia series has long been recognized for its emphasis on linear storytelling rather than fully immersive open-world exploration, with the notable exception of Mafia 3. However, the latest installment, Mafia: The Old Country, takes this linearity to new heights, guiding players through the picturesque Sicilian countryside with a sense of urgency. While the game did offer an Explore mode, it often felt more like a mere invitation to wander without purpose.
Free Ride Update Enhancements
Enter the Free Ride update, which replaces the Explore mode with a more engaging experience. This new feature provides players with a semblance of freedom while enriching the environment with meaningful activities. Although the value of these activities may be subjective, the update undeniably marks an improvement over its predecessor. According to 2K’s announcement, Free Ride is designed to conceal various secrets throughout the landscape, offering “powerful rewards” for those adventurous enough to seek them out.
Players can expect these rewards to fall within the realm of vehicles and weaponry, given the limited arsenal available in The Old Country. The update expands this toolset, introducing four new knives, three additional firearms, two new vehicles, three extra charms, and a total of sixteen fresh outfits.
In essence, Free Ride transforms the previous empty open world into a rudimentary yet more dynamic environment. While this enhancement is commendable, it may not be sufficient to entice players back to Sicily in droves.
In addition to Free Ride, the update incorporates several other features, including a photo mode, a black-and-white Cinema Siciliano mode that intentionally degrades audio quality, and a default setting for the Sicilian language. Notably, a Classic difficulty mode inspired by the original Mafia has also been introduced. Perhaps the most intriguing addition is the option for first-person driving, a first for the series, allowing players to experience the thrill of navigating vintage cars from the driver’s perspective. While this feature may not compel a complete replay of the game, a leisurely drive in Free Ride could be an appealing prospect.
The Free Ride update is now available, and as noted in Joshua Wolens’ review of Mafia: The Old Country, the primary critique of the prequel lies not in its lack of a true open world but rather in its mechanical predictability and formulaic storytelling. Wolens pointed out that the narrative unfolds exactly as one might anticipate from the outset, leaving little room for surprises.
Despite these criticisms, The Old Country has achieved notable success, at least according to Take-Two Interactive’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick. He remarked earlier this month that the game’s streamlined structure and lower launch price had yielded the “perfect result” for the publisher, suggesting that similar projects may be on the horizon from Hangar 13.
