Mafia: Definitive Edition review - streets ain't what they used to be

'Definitive Edition' is a curious, fluid term. It's been applied to everything from a game bundled with DLC, a slap of fresh paint, and a handful of tweaks, to a "built-from-the-ground-up" overhaul - like Mafia: Definitive Edition. It's a remake, effectively, and it walks the same tightrope: how do you preserve the spirit of an 18-year-old title in a modern gaming experience? At what point is a game's DNA so altered that it becomes a new thing entirely? Mafia: DE not only walks that rope with barely a wobble, it nails a few pirouettes along the way.

It's clear we're on 2002 Mafia's turf from the get-go. The same orchestral theme greets me like an old amica and the scene's set with protagonist Tommy Angelo making jaded cop Detective Norman an offer he can't refuse. The diner booth, the exchange of verbal ripostes - heck! - right down to the cup o' Joe - it's the same but just... better. Well-written and acted. Graphically gorgeous.

In the cinematics, at least - of which there are a lot - Mafia: DE is almost wholly faithful to the original. There's a nice touch early on with a near frame-for-frame replica of an original cutscene.

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