Jumping into this revitalized take on 2002’s gangster classic I had one question: Can Hangar 13 actually make a good Mafia game? The 2K-owned developer was previously given full reign over the franchise with 2016’s Mafia III. And though the story was rightfully lauded for its themes and well-drawn ensemble cast, the repetitive open world and by-the-numbers mission design left a lot to be desired. How does one overcome this setback? Seemingly not by innovating per se, but rather by going back to the beginning and restoring the original game using a 2020 coat of paint.

Turns out this was a wise decision. While Mafia: Definitive Edition might not be the feature-packed, 40-hour thrill ride most players now likely expect from their modern open-world games, this fully remade version of Illusion Softworks’ cult classic doubles down on the two traits that every series entry released thus far has excelled at: story and characters.