8 Ways Mafia 3 Proves The Past Is Best For Video Games
1. If You Nail The Zeitgeist, You Get A Truly Absorbing Title
Not to flog a dead horse too much or anything, but I really can't emphasise enough just how much effort was put into nailing the atmosphere of the deep south in the late sixties in Mafia III. Visually, audibly, and demonstrably, Hangar 13's debut title lives and breathes the sixties. It showcases the racial injustices of the era (injustices that pervade to this day), the tumultuous nature of domestic politics through occasional news flashes, and supplements it all with a killer soundtrack that takes an environment and injects it with a whole other level of authenticity.
When you enter New Bordeaux it feels alive; not a virtual playground for the player to wreak wanton destruction, but a world with tangible consequences and characters you don't want to hurt. Or do, if they happen to be of the Italian persuasion, but you get what I mean - creating an engaging historical environment amplifies everything, including drama and gameplay.
I'd be shocked if Mafia's story doesn't move you. Honestly, I would be. By its end, I was so utterly captivated by its world and Lincoln's story that I couldn't leave, even if doing so was the right thing to do. I'd been won over by my allies, by the opportunities left in New Bordeaux, and the city itself. But in doing so, I'd alienated people, and for the first time in a long time a video game's story instilled a sobering sense of poignancy. I have no doubt the scribes at Hangar 13 could have accomplished this feat blindfolded and forced under duress into a modern day setting, but the devotion of the team to create an authentic liveable slice of sixties americana made this title, above others, the first in a long time to provoke an ending with consequence.
It mattered. New Bordeaux mattered. Lincoln, Sammy and Ellis mattered. And in making them do so, Hangar 13 have produced a total tour-de-force of cinematic storytelling. I doubt you'll find a tale like it.
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What do you think of Mafia III? Do you think more games should start looking towards a historical setting? Or is the modern day fine and dandy for now? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!