Mafia was my first real introduction to the open-world gaming genre. Even after two decades, the original game holds a special place in my heart. Set in the 1930s, the game perfectly captures the vintage charm of that era: classic cars, old-school fashion, and a jazz-infused soundtrack. The music, in particular, stands out as one of my favorite aspects; it pulls me straight into that bygone era that I’ve never lived in before and kept me immersed. This game got me liking jazz music too.
The storyline remains engaging from start to finish. It’s not groundbreaking in terms of twists and turns, but it doesn’t need to be really. It’s just the way the story is told that keeps you hooked. Also, driving those vintage beauties through the city was such a unique experience for its time, and the option to collect (okay, steal) them added a layer of excitement that kept me coming back for more.
That said, I do wish the game had more interactive elements with the NPCs and the environment. A few side quests or small storylines would have added more depth to the open world. Still, even with its limitations, Mafia delivered an unforgettable experience.
Now, the Definitive Edition stays true to the original story but brings some fresh updates to the table. The visuals are stunning, and the gameplay feels smoother, but what really stood out to me was the ending. The updated ending felt more fitting and emotionally satisfying than the original.
So in this post, I’m compiling all my gameplay videos for Mafia: Definitive Edition based on the flow of the chapters. This post contain spoilers!
Chapter 1: An Offer You Can’t Refuse (1930)
In the year 1930, taxi driver Tommy Angelo was completing his usual night shift when he suddenly heard gunfire from just around the corner. Paulie Lombardo and Sam Trapani spotted Tommy and quickly jumped into his taxi to flee from their pursuers. During their escape, the men became embroiled in a drive-by shooting before finally reaching Little Italy, where they made a stop at Salieri’s Bar. Tommy was then rewarded handsomely by Don Salieri for his assistance.
Chapter 2: Running Man (1930)
The day after his encounter with Paulie and Sam, Tommy returned to work with his taxi. However, he soon found himself on the receiving end of a beating from Dino and Lou, as punishment from Don Morello for assisting in Paulie and Sam’s escape. Tommy managed to push them away, leading to a chaotic chase through the alleyways, which ended outside Salieri’s Bar, where Paulie and Sam spotted him.
Chapter 3: Molotov Party (1930)
Tommy recounts to the Salieri family the incident involving his damaged taxi. With Salieri’s approval, Tommy and Paulie head to Morello’s Lounge Bar on the other side of town. There, they take vengeance on the Morello family by vandalizing and setting their cars ablaze. The police are notified, prompting Tommy and Sam to steal Dino’s car for their getaway. Afterward, they return to the bar, where Don Salieri warmly welcomes Tommy into the family.
Chapter 4: Ordinary Routine (1930)
Tommy, Paulie, and Sam are doing their regular collection rounds. At Clark’s Motel, somehow things turns for the worse when Sam is captured and needs to be rescued.
Chapter 5: Fair Play (1932)
Paulie, Sam, Don Salieri, and other racing enthusiasts placed their bets on Mikey Dunne, a local driver who has previously borrowed money from Salieri. However, Don Salieri warned Tommy that Martin Lichtenberg, a European racer, would be competing, putting Mikey at a disadvantage and jeopardizing people’s bets. To give Mikey a better chance, Don Salieri suggested that Tommy should tamper with the European’s car, take it to one of his mechanics for adjustments, and then return it without causing any damage or attracting police attention.
Chapter 6: Sarah (1932)
One night, just before closing time at Salieri’s Bar, Luigi requested Tommy to escort his daughter home to protect her from a group of troublemakers who were making unwelcome advances.
Chapter 7: Better Get Used To It (1932)
Don Salieri is unhappy to learn that a group of troublemakers has been bothering Sarah, so he requests Tommy to give them a lesson they won’t forget.
Chapter 8: The Saint and the Sinner (1932)
It was disclosed that one of the thugs Paulie dealt with was Billy Ghillotti, the son of a city councilor. Additionally, it came to light that Billy’s accomplice, Johnny, survived the encounter. This development puts the Salieri Crime Family at risk, as Billy’s friend may be able to identify either Tommy or Paulie.
Don Salieri instructed Tommy, Paulie, and Sam to carry out two tasks simultaneously: Sam was to attend Billy’s funeral, while Tommy was assigned to blow up a hotel whose manager had betrayed Don Salieri, and also handle Michelle, one of the women working there.
Chapter 9: A Trip to the Country (1933)
Frank was responsible for managing daily orders for the family, and this time he sought Tommy’s assistance to help Sam and Paulie arrange a shipment of alcohol from Canada.
Chapter 10: Omerta (1933)
Approximately two months following the unsuccessful alcohol deal, Tommy encounters Don Salieri in the park. Salieri discloses that there is a mole within the family. Tommy swiftly understands Salieri’s concerns and deduces that Frank is the traitor, as Salieri discovered the books missing along with Frank and his family. Aware that the crime family’s existence is at stake if Frank turns the books over to the FBI, Salieri assigns Tommy the mission of locating both Frank and the books before dealing with the traitor.
Chapter 11: Visiting Rich People (1933)
Don Salieri informed Tommy about a prosecutor who was on Morello’s payroll and was ready to reveal information regarding the Salieri family’s connection to Billy Ghillotti’s death. The Don directed Tommy to meet with Salvatore, an expert in safecracking, to eliminate the incriminating evidence.
Chapter 12: Great Deal (1933)
While overseeing an activity at the warehouse, Paulie Lombardo shared with Don Salieri and the crew information about a whiskey distiller named William Gates. Gates’ father owns a distillery in Kentucky that exclusively supplies Kentucky whiskey to the Morello Crime Family. Recognizing that Gates is scheduled to deliver a shipment to Lost Heaven that night with his entire crew, Paulie considered staging a heist as a profitable opportunity.
Chapter 13: Bon Appétit (1935)
Don Salieri requests Tommy to accompany him to Pepe’s Restaurant since his bodyguard, Carlo, called in sick. Upon their arrival, they are welcomed by the restaurant’s owner, Pepe, who treats them to an extravagant meal. While they are enjoying their food, Tommy spots a car pulling up outside, from which several men emerge, brandishing Tommy Guns. Recognizing the imminent danger, Tommy quickly tips the table over and urges Salieri to take cover as the assailants begin firing.
Chapter 14: Happy Birthday (1935)
Don Salieri starts to devise a strategy to dismantle the Morello Crime Family for good and initiates the first phase of his plan. He informs Tommy Angelo, Paulie Lombardo, and Sam Trapani that city councilor Roberto Ghillotti remains furious over his son’s murder nearly three years ago and is still intent on seeking revenge against the Salieri family.
Chapter 15: You Lucky Bastard (1935)
Don Salieri resolves to have Sergio, Don Morello’s younger brother and underboss killed. When Sam and Vincenzo fail to kill him in a car chase in the night, Tommy is dispatched to carry out the job. He starts out first with a car bomb made by Vincenzo where he is instructed to rig it into Sergio’s car, but the attempt fails and is taken out on a young woman instead.
Chapter 16: Crème De La Crème (1935)
The death of Sergio sparks a full-blown gang war between the Salieri and Morello crime families, with Salieri gradually gaining the upper hand. Aware of his diminishing power, Don Morello, who has been in hiding for a while, opts to host a charity gala. In response, Don Salieri assigns Tommy, Sam, and Paulie the task of permanently eliminating the rival Don once he emerges from the theater. This action serves as a warning to Lost Heaven’s elite: crossing the Salieri Family could lead to their demise.
Chapter 17: Election Campaign (1938)
Election Day is fast approaching, and Don Salieri is deeply concerned about Hank Turnbull, a gubernatorial candidate whose campaign centers on wiping out organized crime, which is a direct threat to the Salieri Crime Family. However, Turnbull’s clean image hides a dirty secret: his fondness for prostitutes. Exposing this hypocrisy isn’t enough for Don Salieri, he decides that Turnbull must be eliminated. With the candidate’s campaign rally coming up, Salieri plans to strike and remove the threat once and for all.
Chapter 18: Just for Relaxation (1938)
A consignment of imported cigars owned by Don Salieri has been seized, prompting Tommy, Paulie, and Sam to retrieve them from the Federal Customs Impound. When Tommy remarks that the task seems minor, Don Salieri explains that the cigar shipment is merely a cover for smuggled diamonds, which even the FBI has yet to uncover.
Chapter 19: Moonlighting (1938)
After the cigar heist, Paulie convinced Tommy to rob the Grand Imperial Bank. Tommy agreed once Paulie assured him that the payoff would allow them to leave their life of crime behind, a lifestyle that had drained them both.
Chapter 20: The Death of Art (1938)
After the bank heist, Tommy returned home to find Sarah, who was suspicious and believed he was concealing something from her. He ultimately instructed her to pack their bags and then left.
Tommy chose to visit Paulie at his apartment to discuss the next steps regarding the bank robbery proceeds. However, upon entering, he discovered Paulie lying dead on the floor with two gunshot wounds to the head. He immediately called Sam to report Paulie’s death, who informed him that Salieri had learned about the bank job, which infuriated the Don. Sam mentioned that he had tried to warn Paulie to escape, but it was too late. As Tommy sought Sam’s assistance, Sam requested that they meet at the art gallery.
Sharing my gameplay with you has been a joy, and I hope it gives you a glimpse into why this game holds such a significant place in gaming history. Whether you’re a long-time fan or someone discovering it for the first time, Mafia Definitive Edition is a must-play for anyone who loves a gripping story, immersive atmosphere, and a bit of vintage crime drama.
