Similar to its predecessors, the game series “Mafia: The Old Country” doesn’t let its players roam into the water. However, the series has reignited an age-old debate in the gaming industry, prompting a Baldur’s Gate 3 developer to weigh in on the topic and share his opinion.
There are some sensible reasons why some users actually like this game. The possible reasons behind it may be its impressive storyline that has an open world, realistic graphics, and multiplayer features.
However, as long as the game contains water in it, a simple question arises in the gamer’s brain: whether you can jump into the water and swim around.
Well, this question is not something new. Since the arrival of games like Grand Theft Auto 3 and others, people have always wondered if they can jump into water and roam around.
Since the arrival of GTA-3 in 2001, gamers have researched extensively but have not found any concrete conclusion.
The introduction of “Mafia: The Old Country” not only restarted the debate but also pulled a professional video game developer into it.
Mafia: The Old Country:
Similar to previous games of the series, “Mafia: The Old Country” is mostly a linear game that focuses on immersing you in a world of fascinating storytelling.
Thus, the makers found no reason to allow the gamers to swim into water because swimming doesn’t add any different direction or attraction to the game.
In case you were wondering, Mafia: The Old Country doesn't have swimming physics just like previous Mafia Games pic.twitter.com/oUA13X64Q1
— NikTek (@NikTekOfficial) August 8, 2025
The creators follow a simple philosophy: if you cannot achieve anything while swimming into the water, then why do you need to try it? Swimming was never an important subject, even in the previous parts of the game series.
NikTekOfficial recently shared a video on his Twitter/ X handle and pointed out anyone who was “wondering” if “Mafia: The Old Country” has swimming physics.
It was a harmless pointing out, but it caused a huge debate among fans about whether you can swim in a game in which it is unnecessary.
Most users comment that it is fascinating that you can get into water and see ripple physics. Another group of people questions why it is necessary to add a swimming feature in a game when it is totally unnecessary.
The debate became so viral that Baldur’s Gate 3’s publishing director, Michael ‘Cromwelp’ Douse, retweeted the post and shared a funny incident.
According to Michael, the stupid debate reminds him of those times when a random executive was shown in Baldur’s Gate 3 and immediately asked if you could swim in it.
Mafia: The Old Country Review:
The newly launched part of “Mafia: The Old Country” has received mixed reviews from the gaming community. The latest game is now available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
We have tried the game on PS5, using the code provided by the game’s publisher. We also have a mixed yet optimistic opinion about the game.
However, many people like the gameplay of “Mafia: The Old Country”, but honestly, it offers nothing special that you haven’t seen before. The game is a mix of basic stealth and action-packed shootouts.
The most appreciated part of the game is the combination of its gripping story and sumptuous visual experience. Such experience often gives an edge in the game because most users play video games for a nice experience.
Story:
The story of “Mafia: The Old Country” is not unique, yet interesting. You start the game as Enzo Favara at the beginning of the 20th century, who is a sulphur miner, and his father sold him to this dangerous occupation for money.
Despite many obstacles, Enzo and his best friend and colleague Gaetano dream of escaping this hell-like life and starting a new one.
During the game, you’ll find a massive explosion in the mine, and Enzo will find an opportunity to escape from this hell using his luck and brain.
But escaping from the mine is not as easy as you may think because the mine is owned by Don Ruggero Spadaro and run by the Bastoni brothers.
This situation will create numerous numbers of heavy challenges for you as you want to escape from their grip, but somehow you’ll get caught.
Luckily, you are saved by another gangster, Don Bernardo Torrisi, as you unknowingly walk into his territory.
The next steps focus mainly on showing how the mafia works, Enzo’s growing relationship with Don’s family, and his secret affairs with Don Bernardo’s daughter, Isabella.
Initially, you may feel the game is slow and time-consuming. But, as you slowly progress into the game, you’ll find it interesting as you’ll be given more responsibility in the family.
Gameplay:
There are two main components of the gameplay: gun-fighting and hand-to-hand combat. The hand-to-hand combat is more like knife fighting.
Throughout the game, you’ll find numerous scripted fights with your enemies, which is very enjoyable.
During the fights, you can use only three types of attacks and two types of defence (Parry and dodge). When you play the game on hard mode, you can find some nail-biting moments during combat fights, and you have to get the last strikes before your enemy hits you.
The other key part of the game is gun-fighting. Every time you pick up the gun to aim, it’ll take a few seconds to aim and become steady again.
However, with more difficulties, you can find very tense gun-fighting as you have no clue whether to peek your head out from cover or keep hidden until you have the best shot.
The finding of collectables during the game is very time-consuming. A game of 10-12 hours long, there are tons of things to collect before you move into the platinum.
The worst part is that the collectables are very chapter-specific. You may not use them again when you finish the chapter. Your hard work to find and gather the collectables lasts only for a few minutes most of the time.
Conclusion: A Glimpse:
| What Did We Like | What Could Be Improved |
|---|---|
| Great Voice Narration | The Gameplay Was Engaging But Offers Nothing Special. |
| Sublime Visual Experience | Collectibles |
| Attractive Gameplay |
Mafia: The Old Country is quite an interesting game with a sublime storyline, visuals, and gameplay that fit the timeline perfectly.
However, it is not the longest game ever, but if you are a story-lover, then the storyline can keep you engaged for the weekend.
Collectible aside, this game could be one of the best options for your weekend if you want something in a lower price range.
Also Read: Tiny Bookshop Game Review: A Precise Yet Interesting Game To Watch Out For
Ryo Fernandez is a professional gamer, content creator, and writer with over 10 years of experience in the gaming and animation industry. Known for his in-depth knowledge and passion, Ryo covers the latest video game news, anime updates, reviews, and industry trends. His mission is to keep gamers, anime lovers, and pop culture fans informed with accurate, timely, and engaging content.