Mafia (2002)

Lore & Background

The game takes place in the fictional U.S. city of Lost Heaven, Illinois, during the final years of Prohibition in the 1930s. The story spans from 1930 to 1938. Tommy Angelo, a taxi driver, is forced to help members of the Salieri crime family escape an ambush by the rival Morello family. After the Morello family puts a hit out on him, Tommy joins Salieri's crew. The plot involves conflicts between the Salieri and Morello families, and Tommy's eventual betrayal by Salieri after robbing a bank without permission.

In Their Own Story

The rain hadn't let up in three days. Tommy wiped the windshield with a cloth that did nothing, the wipers clicking uselessly against the glass. Lost Heaven looked like a watercolor left out in the rain—neon signs bleeding red and gold into the wet asphalt, the boardwalk lights smearing into long amber threads. He'd been driving for eleven hours. The fare was a man in a grey suit who never once looked at the rearview mirror, who tapped a finger on the dashboard in a rhythm that matched the engine's idle. When they stopped, the man said one word: 'Morello.' Tommy's hands went still on the wheel. The engine ticked. Somewhere three blocks east, a trumpet was playing a slow, mournful line that seemed to know what was about to happen. It hadn't happened yet. But in Lost Heaven, that was the same thing.

Reader's Guide

Gameplay consists of driving (city cruises, chases, races) and third-person on-foot navigation and shooting, connected by cutscenes. The city includes detailed interiors such as an airport, museum, church, hotel, abandoned prison, restaurants, and Don Salieri's bar. Weather changes and day/night cycles are present, but missions have fixed time and weather. 51 drivable cars plus 19 bonus cars are available. Police book players for minor offenses (speeding, running red lights) and serious offenses (assault, visible weapons). Finishing the main storyline unlocks Freeride Extreme mode with stunt jumps, side quests, and no police patrols.

Did You Know?

• The game's vehicles are based on real-world cars from the era, but renamed and redesigned due to trademark issues.
• Mafia is noted for comprehensive damage physics on nearly all vehicles, including real-time deformation.
• The setting encompasses around 4.63 square miles (12.0 km2).
• The game launched the Mafia series, with sequels including Mafia II (2010), Mafia III (2016), a remake Mafia: Definitive Edition (2020), and a prequel Mafia: The Old Country (2025).