Another Round of Mafia Wars Somehow, I completely missed the entire marketing campaign for "Mafia III". When I finally launched the game, I expected another familiar crime sandbox about Italians in suits carrying shotguns. Instead, I got something entirely different — a journey into the late ’60s, into a country where rock ’n’ roll and country music blast from every car, and racism reeks from practically every corner. Honestly, the setting was new to me. I never really thought about how mafia wars in that era were a pretty normal part of everyday American life. But here — the game enlightened me. Thanks, developers. All of this is wrapped in scenery inspired by New Orleans, with muggy swamps, music-filled bars, and tired old buildings that look like they’re ready to retire. The atmosphere is excellent. The story is a true crime drama. You play as Lincoln Clay, a guy with a complicated past: an orphan, a Vietnam veteran, and now a man set on revenge after the Italian mafia murders his adoptive family. Naturally, Lincoln doesn’t shut himself off, nor does he go to therapy — instead, he decides to dismantle the criminal empire with his own hands. Brick by brick. And he does it with style. Throughout the game, he teams up with three crime bosses — each with their own personality, ambitions, and level of toxicity. They don’t exactly get along. And you, as the player, have to balance their demands, distribute territories, and decide who deserves your trust and who… really doesn’t. Your relationships with them directly affect the gameplay: whoever you “upgrade” will reward you with bonuses. Ignore someone — and they might ignore you back, but with a rifle in hand. One of the nicest surprises is the return of a familiar character from "Mafia II" — old Vito Scaletta. He isn’t thrown in just for fan service; he’s woven into the plot in a way that makes sense. The connection between the games feels real, and you genuinely understand that this is one consistent universe. Big plus for that. As for gameplay — shooting feels great. There’s real kickback, weapons sound good, and firefights are a huge step up. Enemies don’t act like idiots; they flank, hide, and don’t just stand there like mannequins. Driving is solid too. There are plenty of cars to tear through the streets with, and it’s genuinely fun. The open world is big, sure. But it’s just as underdeveloped as in the previous games. Yes, you can drive around and enjoy the views, but there’s not much meaningful content in it. Most of the map’s scale boils down to long drives from point A to point B and back again. Though to be fair, cruising around under the game’s excellent radio playlist is already enjoyable. And the music, by the way, is fantastic. A collection of hits from the era across multiple radio stations gives the game so much character and constantly reminds you where you are — in the turbulent, contrast-filled America of the 1960s. The graphics are solid too: warm, dusty colors like on old photographs, perfectly capturing the spirit of the time. In the end, "Mafia III" is a solid crime action game that isn’t afraid to talk about serious topics like racism and betrayal, while still remembering that you came here to fight, shoot, and watch Lincoln Clay start his own personal revolution. The story is engaging, the visuals are pleasant, and the gameplay isn’t boring. A good, well-made game that definitely sticks with you. Sure, it’s a step below the first two entries in intensity and storytelling — but it’s still good. 7 out of 10