What’s New in Mafia III? Everything You Need to Know

New Setting and World

First and foremost, the biggest change in Mafia III is its brand new setting. Taking things from the New York style Empire Bay, the newest game moves to a 1968, New Orleans-inspired city called New Bordeaux. This provides a brand new playground for players, as they form up with underbosses to take down the Mafia.

Hangar 13, the developers of Mafia III, have tried to make the game as historically accurate as possible. Along the way you’ll see New Bordeaux’s vibrant night life, festivals, and a veritable melting pot of cultures with French, Irish, Haitian, African and American cultures all represented. The world of New Bordeaux is made up of ten different districts, which all together are quite a bit larger than that of the first Mafia game or Mafia II. Of course, for the game to truly be historically accurate, there’s some tough topics for Hangar 13 to tackle. Mafia III’s opening message notes that the title doesn’t plan on holding back on discussing topics like racism and discrimination.

Brand New Protagonist

Mafia III picks up with a brand new protagonist not featured in previous games, a Vietnam War veteran and orphan by the name of Lincoln Clay. After returning home from the war, Lincoln gets caught up in the black mob and a series of factional tensions.

After the game’s opening events, Lincoln sets out to start his own criminal empire and systematically take down his enemies. It’s important to note that Lincoln is the first non-Italian protagonist in the series, as he was born to a Dominican mother and a white father. There are however, a few characters from Mafia II that play a big role, particularly the last game’s protagonist, Vito Scalleta.

Underboss System

Lincoln won’t be facing down the Mafia all by his lonesome, as he’ll have a dangerous group of allies by his side. There are three major underbosses in Mafia III, and each are recruited by either Lincoln or his ally Donovan. Vito Scalleta from Mafia II is one of the underbosses joining you in the game, along with Cassandra the “Voodoo Queen” and Thomas Burke “The Anarchist.”

Besides playing into the story in big ways, the underbosses also grant you some valuable bonuses and boosts in gameplay. For example, having Burke on your side gives the ability to instantly get a vehicle delivered to you anywhere in the city, not to mention Vito’s insider info on the Mafia. All three have specific perks that grant you access to new weapon upgrades, vehicles, and associates with even more perks. They’re definitely valuable allies to have when taking on a massive crime syndicate.

More Options With Combat

Mafia III strives to give players options when approaching combat situations, providing more ways for you to do things stealthily or go in guns blazing. Most missions in the game will actually allow you to complete them through the sole use of stealth, without ever being spotted by an enemy (if you choose to do so and have the patience).

Like usual though, gunplay is the biggest focus of Mafia III, and the game gives you an expanded arsenal with more weapons than Mafia II. Shotguns, revolvers, grenade launchers, Tommy Guns and more make up the extended arsenal. You can even take a look at an official trailer, detailing the tools of destruction you’ll have access to. There are also areas within the city you can take over from the Mafia, and then assign one of your lieutenants to run

Of course, Lincoln also has plenty of ways to get up close and personal. Brutal melee and execution attacks can quickly take down any enemy. You’ll also sometimes have the option of interrogating characters you defeat or take down, gaining vital information on the Italian mob’s objectives. 

Soundtrack

Mafia III’s soundtrack is actually a huge part of the game, featuring an extensive list of real songs that you can hear over your car radio or throughout the world. It really helps sell the time period and realistic setting that Hangar 13 is going for. The list of songs includes over 30 tracks including “Paint it Black” by the Rolling Stones, “Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival,  and “A Little Less Conversation” by Elvis Presley. That’s just a taste, so check out the full listing here.

Free and Paid DLC

Mafia III may have just released, but there’s already plenty of additional content planned down the road. Fans will have access to a mix of both paid and free DLC. Hangar 13 will be releasing a stream of free add ons giving players more weapons, character outfits, races and extra vehicle customization. The developer says that there are also more items and additions planned for the future.

Paid DLC will focus more on expanding Mafia III’s story content, and adding on new experiences. Three story expansions are currently planned, although there’s no word on what the pricing for each could be. Here are the names of each expansion, followed by a quick description.

“Faster, Baby!” – Fast cars, dramatic chases, and stunt driving take center stage as Lincoln joins forces with his former flame, Roxy Laveau, to take down a corrupt Sheriff terrorizing Civil Rights activists on the outskirts of New Bordeaux.

“Sign of the Times” – A string of ritualistic killings has New Bordeaux on the edge of terror. At Father James’ request, Lincoln agrees to hunt down the cult responsible, a quest that will take him from the dark heart of the old bayou to the drug-ridden counterculture of the inner city.

“Stones Unturned” – When a merciless rival resurfaces in New Bordeaux, Lincoln must join forces with CIA agent John Donovan to settle a blood feud that began in the war-torn jungles of Vietnam.