Exploring Mafia 3 on Twitch with @FeOTBpod
Tonight, @FeOTBpod returns to Twitch.tv!
Instead of following another season of College Football, I’ll be streaming one of my favorite story-based games, Mafia 3. You might see the title and remember the game for what it was—or what we all wished it could have been—and that might feel off-putting. But hey, that’s why it’s my channel and not yours! If you’re completely anti-Mafia 3, you might just have a deeper problem with video games in general. In that case, you’re probably reading the wrong blog post, and that’s okay.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
Way back in a world where Harambe still wowed crowds at the zoo and I was enjoying my senior year of high school, Rockstar Games was gearing up to release a follow-up to their stellar organized crime gaming series, Mafia. The game was highly anticipated, riding on the success of the first two installments.
The original Mafia, released on PlayStation, later remastered for PlayStation 4, sold over 2 million copies worldwide by August 2007. Its sequel, Mafia II, dropped in 2011 for PlayStation 3, generating revenue estimated at $19 million. These games were not only well-crafted but had the depth and substance that compelled players to not just play but love—and share—that love.
My Mafia Journey
My own journey with the series began with Mafia II on my PlayStation 3. At 17, finally old enough to buy M-rated games, I picked up two titles:
- L.A. Noire (which quickly taught me that mystery games aren’t my thing).
- Mafia II, the story of Sicilian immigrant Vito Scaletta growing up in Empire Bay, New York.
Mafia II was the first story-driven game I sat down with, struggled through, and completed—an experience that cemented the game’s place in my heart.
Mafia 3: A Divisive Chapter
Now let’s talk about the game I’ll be streaming tonight, Mafia III (M3). Released on October 7, 2016, the game faced some backlash. While it sold an estimated 7 million copies worldwide, it failed to hit the revenue mark of its predecessor, grossing $11.7 million.
The challenges of meeting the expectations set by previous successes likely fueled much of the criticism. Developers had already proven they could create cinematic-style universes and characters with the earlier games. But with M3, some felt the magic didn’t quite translate.
The Setting and Story
In Mafia III, we follow Lincoln Clay, a biracial Vietnam Special Forces veteran living in 1960s New Bordeaux, Louisiana. This game takes organized crime far from New York’s five families, introducing a fresh perspective.
Lincoln’s adopted father, Sammy, leads the Black Mob, running local rackets and kicking back to Sal Marcano, an Italian Mob leader and commission representative. If you know anything about mafia history beyond New York—think Carlos Marcello and Joseph Civello—you’ll appreciate this unique southern spin.
The story kicks off with Lincoln and his brother Ellis joining a massive heist for Sal during Mardi Gras. From the incredible motion capture performances to the immersive 1960s atmosphere, M3 excels in pulling you into its world.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Why I Love Mafia 3:
- Lincoln’s story brings a fresh lens to the genre.
- The game nails the 1960s aesthetic, from the soundtrack to the environment.
- The performances behind the characters are top-notch.
Common Critiques:
-
Overpowered Lincoln:
Lincoln’s Vietnam training makes him a near-invincible force. Even when outnumbered, he often feels like a Rambo-esque figure, which can make some sequences feel repetitive.
(Let me know in the comments or on socials—@FeOTBpod—if you agree!) -
Limited Open World:
Unlike expansive games like Red Dead Redemption, M3 confines most action to a relatively small area, leaving some players wanting more exploration opportunities.
Join Me Tonight!
Despite the critiques, I’m excited to dive into this game with you all. Let’s experience Lincoln Clay’s journey together, discuss the highs and lows, and revisit this divisive yet fascinating chapter in the Mafia series.
Make sure to follow and subscribe to our YouTube and Twitch channels!
After our Talking the Gridiron segment on VSN, I’ll be live on Twitch. Don’t miss it!
