Released in the wake of the massive popularity of Grand Theft Auto III's open-world gameplay, 2002's Mafia was a different kind of action crime-drama set during the prohibition era in the United States. As a narrative-driven game that was punctuated with brutal gunfights and some surprisingly heartfelt moments, it focused on the rise of Tommy Angelo, a lowly taxi-driver who becomes a big-time gangster in the fictional city of Lost Heaven. While the series has featured new characters and settings, the original is still highly regarded among fans. With the reveal of the Mafia Trilogy last May, it was announced that Mafia III developer Hangar 13 would revisit the original game with a complete remake.
While Mafia II and III both saw updates with new Definitive Editions, the original Mafia has been rebuilt from the ground up. In keeping with its focus on story and atmosphere, it also includes a revised story performed by a new cast along with new missions, and gameplay elements that help set the stage for its sequels. 2K Games has released an extended video breaking down what's new with Mafia: Definitive Edition, giving us more of a look at what's to come in this revisit to the city of Lost Heaven.
Just before the release of the gameplay reveal, GameSpot spoke with game director Haden Blackman about the extensive process to remake the original, what's new in the remake, the unexpected challenges that came from making a game during the COVID-19 pandemic, and what it's like moving on from the Mafia franchise.
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