«Mafia»: Conquer the world of crime on Atari 8-bit | Download

August 31, 2024 • Updated: Mar 08, 2025 - 02:59 PM

views

«Mafia» comes to Atari 8-bit computers with a renewed and improved final version, based on the classic game originally developed by Igelsoft for Commodore 64 in 1986.

This adaptation was made by the group "The Real Mafia", composed of AtariAge forum user "Drunkeneye" (code and graphics); Adam Wachowski (support); Andrzej "Andy" Kidaj and Marcin "Cedyń" Czartyński (music); as well as Michal "Miker" Szpilowski (sound effects), who have successfully brought the atmosphere and gameplay of the original to the Atari XL/XE computers.

Combining RPG and turn-based strategy elements, this game takes you back to 1930s Chicago, during the Prohibition era, where you take on the role of an aspiring mobster looking to rise through the ranks of organized crime. You're an ex-con with no reputation in the criminal underworld, and even the hot dog vendors laugh at you. However, you have one goal: to become the boss of the underworld. To do so, you must outwit your competitors in a no-holds-barred fight.

Objective of the game

The ultimate goal in “Mafia” is clear: become the most powerful crime boss in Chicago. To do so, you must outperform other players, gain maximum respect in the criminal underworld and avoid being arrested by the police. Every decision you make will have consequences that will affect your progress, making this game an exciting mix of strategy, resource management and decision-making in a criminal environment.

As you progress through the game, your goal is to gain respect and increase your criminal rank. This will allow you to unlock new options and abilities to expand your influence in the city. You will earn money through robbery, extortion, and other illegal activities, and you can borrow from loan sharks to fund larger operations. Only those who manage to "convince" the mayor and "borrow" gold from the money carrier can become the crime boss.

The challenges in Mafia are numerous and varied. You must avoid being captured by the police, especially if your character is wanted. In addition, you will compete with other gangs for control of territory, while managing your organization's finances, which include paying rent and repaying debts.

How to play «Mafia»

Initial setup: At the start of a game, each player creates their own character, choosing a name and title for their gang. Attributes such as strength, intelligence, brutality, health and starting capital are assigned randomly, adding an element of surprise and variability to each game session.

Gameplay Mechanics: Players move around a city map using a limited number of moves per turn. During these moves, they can interact with different strategic locations such as banks, gun shops, bars, and subway stations. Each location offers different actions that can be crucial to the survival and growth of your gang.

Game Controls

You move your character around the map with the joystick. In the menus, you can also use the stick with the fire button to activate options; or use the number keys, depending on what is shown on the screen. Likewise, the keysANDeitherNto accept or reject alternatives, respectively. In duels, you can shoot with the keyReturn

ESC: Shows the gangsters and the current state of the game.

While viewing the map: when pressingESCYou can get an overview of the health, properties and weapons of each member of your gang, including yourself.

Combat

Combat is turn-based, and each gangster can move or shoot on his turn. To participate in a fight:

Return: Unholster the weapon.
Arrow keys: Shoot in the corresponding direction. Space bar: Skip the player's turn.
Q: Give up the fight (recommended for beginners).
Yo: Activate AI mode after the next move. Note: Once activated, AI cannot be deactivated.

In combat, your gangster will blink faster when he is ready to shoot. Use the arrow keys to aim in the desired direction and press the corresponding key to shoot.

Specific actions

Banks: You can attempt quick heists or plan more complex robberies during the night, which requires careful preparation and coordination.

Gun shops: Here you can buy different types of weapons to arm your minions and increase your chances of success in confrontations.

Bars: These are ideal places to recruit new members for your gang or look for valuable information about the activities of rival gangs.

Subway stations: They offer opportunities for pickpocketing of passengers, which can provide quick revenue but with a high risk of getting caught.

At the recent Silly Venture 2024 Summer Edition festival, «Mafia» managed to stand out by taking second place in the Atari XL/XE Games competition, with a total of 7,222 points. It is worth mentioning that the game requires an Atari computer with 64 kB of RAM and a floppy drive to run properly.

With its unique blend of strategy and management elements, Mafia offers Atari 8-bit gamers an immersive and challenging gaming experience that is sure to capture the attention of both retro gaming fans and new players alike.

Mafia v 1.0 for Atari 8-bit computers - final version

Download | 180 kB