OG Xbox remake is free for select users

A new and enhanced version of the original Mafia remake is available for free on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, but only for select users.

Last week, 2K released the new-gen version of Mafia: Definitive Edition on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5. This remaster, developed by Hangar 13, was originally released in 2020 on PC, PS4 and Xbox One.

However, despite being named “Definitive Edition”, implying that it is a remaster, if anything else, it was closer to being a proper remake, especially with it being built from the ground up.

Compared to the original game released in 2002, Mafia: Definitive Edition offers improved graphics, gameplay, new missions, cinematics, and more. The recent new-gen upgrade boosts the resolution to a native 4K and 60 frames per second.

Who gets Mafia: Definitive Edition for free?

Those who purchased the 2020 game can download the Xbox Series X/S or PlayStation 5 release for free. Unfortunately, it still appears that those who claimed the game via PlayStation Plus do not get the new-gen version for free. That being said, there is some good news for all those who have to pay up.

At the time of writing, Mafia: Definitive Edition on the Xbox Marketplace, PlayStation Store and Steam can claim a massive 85% discount, bringing the game down from just over £5/$5 instead of £34.99/$39.99.

This deal concludes at the end of August, so please act quickly to avoid missing out. As for the free upgrade, there appears to be no expiry date for claiming the new-gen version of Mafia: Definitive Edition for those who own the 2020 release.

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Is the Mafia: Definitive Edition upgrade available on Steam?

Technically, yes and no. The reason is that, depending on the power of your PC, Mafia: Definitive Edition will already have increased visuals and performance, likely even better than Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.

Does the Mafia: Definitive Edition save data carry over?

Unfortunately not. The Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 version of Mafia: Definitive Edition is being treated as a standalone release with no option to import any data, so returning players will need to start from scratch.

However, if this game has been sitting on your pile of shame and you’ve forgotten about the story, restarting the campaign could be a blessing, and you’ll be able to appreciate all the upgrades from the very beginning. It’s also a great excuse to revisit the game if you’ve been tempted by another completion.

How well was Mafia: Definitive Edition received?

On the aggregate website Metacritic, Mafia: Definitive Edition scored a decent and very aligned 78 from critics and 7.7 from users. But some might argue that it deserved a higher score. On Steam, it’s earned a rating of “Very Positive”, taken from nearly 29,000 user reviews.

Mafia: Definitive Edition is out now on PC, PlayStation and Xbox.