Mafia 2 Definitive Edition remastered a fan favourite into the modern age. But not everything has aged gracefully. Let’s break down what works, what doesn’t, and whether it’s worth your time and money.
I. Story and Atmosphere Hold Up Reasonably Well
Fans of the original Mafia 2 will be pleased to know that the Definitive Edition nicely recaptures the immersive atmosphere of the 1940s and 50s setting. Empire Bay comes alive with realistic citizens, music, and dialogue that pull you into the criminal underworld.
The storyline also delivers the high-stakes drama and experiences you expect from a mobster saga. As Vito Scaletta rises through the ranks, you’re treated to all the backstabbing, violence, betrayal, and loyalty that define the mafia life. The writing and characters remain strong enough to carry the game despite its age.
II. Definitive Edition Has Many Technical Issues
Unfortunately, the Definitive Edition is plagued by bugs, glitches, and performance issues that frequently shatter the carefully crafted immersion. Audio cuts out at random, textures fail to load, gameplay sequences break down, and difficulty spikes become seemingly insurmountable.
While the graphical enhancements over the original Mafia 2 are noticeable, they are relatively minor upgrades given the decade between releases. The Definitive Edition too often feels like a lazy cash grab banking on nostalgia rather than a thoughtful remaster.
III. Original Game With Mods Still Appealing
According to many players, the original PC version of Mafia 2 paired with enhancement mods delivers a better experience than the Definitive Edition. Dedicated modders have honed the visuals and gameplay beyond what the remaster accomplished.
The Definitive Edition isn’t a total bust, however. It does unlock all the DLC content from the original release for a complete bundle. But that’s not enough to outweigh the lingering technical problems.
IV. Overall a Disappointment Compared to Other Games
Critic reviews of Mafia 2 Definitive Edition land it in the bottom 25% of games scored on OpenCritic. Most agree this is one of the worst remasters released in the PS4 generation. It seems more like an outdated relic than a definitive edition.
Conclusion
While the storyline and atmosphere mostly stand the test of time, the myriad of technical issues seriously hamper the Definitive Edition. For most players, the original release paired with enhancement mods is likely the better way to experience Mafia 2. Only the most devoted fans will find the remaster worth the frustrations. But there’s still hope that future patches could elevate it to the definitive status it aimed for.
FAQ
Does the storyline hold up in the Definitive Edition?
What are some of the major bugs and issues?
How much better are the graphics versus the original?
Should I play with mods or without for the best experience?
Is the Definitive Edition completely broken or still playable?
Conclusion
Mafia 2 Definitive Edition had the potential to bring a fan favourite into the modern gaming landscape. Unfortunately, myriad technical flaws hold the remaster back from achieving that “definitive” status. With the core game still intact, some enjoyment can be found in reliving Vito Scaletta’s dramatic rise in the mafia alongside enhanced visuals.
But most players are better off sticking with the original release and enhancement mods for now. There’s still hope upcoming patches could elevate the Definitive Edition to what it could and should have been on day one. But proceed with caution.
