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Jul 11
Release Date and Details: “Sign of the Times” DLC takes Mafia III to a dark place
Mafia III - JosephB2K
The burnt-out shell of Sammy’s is littered with bodies, the result of a ritual sacrifice gone wrong. It’s up to Lincoln Clay, Father James – and you – to unravel the clues and free a woman from the grips of a bloodthirsty cult. “Sign of the Times” is a dark trip into the drug-induced underbelly of New Bordeaux. What can you expect out of “Sign of the Times” when it arrives on July 25? Keep reading to learn all about the third installment of Mafia III’s Season Pass content.
“Faster, Baby!” had you ripping through rural Sinclair Parish with high-speed chases and stunt driving. “Stones Unturned” took you on an explosive buddy action adventure with John Donovan by your side. Now, as a mysterious cult surfaces in the city, “Sign of the Times” draws you into a creepy game of cat-and-mouse that feels more like a 1960s-inspired psychological thriller. There’s a few new gameplay elements introduced, as well as gear to earn and cars to add to your fleet.
We spoke with Bill Harms and Ed Fowler, Hangar 13’s Narrative Director and Senior Writer, and found out more about what’s to come in “Sign of the Times.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go2AmSXy8KE
TRUTH IS AS STRANGE AS FICTION – Bill Harms, Narrative Director
The inspiration for “Sign of the Times” is pretty clear. The late 1960s was a time of social and civil unrest – which we cover extensively in the game – but also of hallucinogenic experimentation and crazed cults, the horrible memory of the Manson Family being the most infamous. We were inspired to tell a story that represented that element of the time period, which led to The Ensanglante you tangle with in New Bordeaux.
But, even we have to admit that this is a pretty different experience going from Lincoln’s story of revenge against the Italian Mob, taking down corrupt officials in “Faster, Baby!” or helping your old war buddy in “Stones Unturned.”
I see each of the DLC stories as three different journeys for Lincoln and how he’s wrestling with his own grief and finding a way forward. You have someone like Lincoln who felt powerless in stopping the betrayal early in the game. In “Sign of the Times,” you have him finding someone who needs help – that’s not able to put the pieces of the puzzle together – and he can actually do something for her.
Part of it is seeing himself in that character – Anna – and the common ground of going through traumatic experiences. This isn’t some quest for revenge or redemption, but Lincoln tries to find some kind of peace for her that he’s not able to find for himself.
There’s definitely a different feel for this part of Lincoln’s story. It’s more internal, there are points you’re hearing Lincoln talk to himself as he hunts for clues. More importantly, he’s not in full control of this situation – and there are times when he won’t even know what’s real and what isn’t. Unlike the one-man war that Lincoln wages against the Marcanos, he doesn’t have an inside line. No knowledge of The Ensanglante or what they do. He’s trying to piece things together at the same time as the player.
NEW WAYS TO PLAY – Ed Fowler, Senior Writer
From the moment that the “Sign of the Times” DLC kicks off, you’re in for more deliberate pacing. There’s a mystery to solve with Lincoln searching for stray objects left behind, strange writing – you’ll even examine bodies for clues. By eyeballing the environment and using a blacklight flashlight to uncover hints, you’ll zero in on where The Ensanglante operate and what the hell their endgame is for New Bordeaux. At key points in this DLC, we have these investigation zones where you’ll methodically look for clues that reveal more of the truth… and it can quickly turn a corner where you’ll be dealing with cult members in tense firefights.
There’s crazed, knife-wielding cultists that will taunt you and jump out from nowhere. Not to mention throwing knives you’ll be able to silently hurl back at them. As you scour new locations inside New Bordeaux city limits, you’ll also fight off well-armed psychopaths as they attempt to slow down your search.
Speaking of slowing down, “Sign of the Times” introduces slow-motion gunplay. Once triggered, you have a few extra seconds to take down enemies. However, for those able to skillfully pull off headshots, you’ll extend the slow-mo timer – so take aim!
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FULL STORIES HEADLINES
Jul 18
You Can Rebuild Sammy’s in Sign of the Times
Mafia III - JosephB2K
Ever since fans set foot in New Bordeaux, they've wanted to make Sammy’s a place all their own – now you can in “Sign of the Times” for Mafia III.
A big part of the story behind this DLC is, of course, investigating a cult operating out of New Bordeaux. “It all starts with Lincoln going back to visit the burned out remains of Sammy’s to get some closure,” explains Senior Writer Ed Fowler. “This felt like the right way to start the story, but also a great call back to an extremely important location in Lincoln's life and the player's experience in the main game. So once we landed on that location, we knew that was it. There was no better place to begin a story like this.” The way it works: After you get to the bottom of what the Ensanglante is planning, you’ll be able to come back to Sammy’s and really deck the place out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_hUxg2CtkE
All the hard-earned cash earned from your side businesses and whatever you *ahem* get while on the streets can be put into refurbishing Sammy’s to its former glory. Rebuild the bar, get a new jukebox – put Sammy’s back together just like you remember it from the very beginning of the game. But you can also start adding more to it.
Where it gets interesting is that as you need to hire more staff, you’ll start unlocking side missions. Help a drummer out of a jam and his band will perform at your club. Do a favor for someone and they’ll start working your bar.
And, a nice perk from helping said bartender: You’ll unlock the Samson Harrier. This high-speed hot rod flies off the starting line – and will be a fine edition to your fleet. Provided you can win it in a race.
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“After all is said and done,” Fowler adds, “we wanted to provide a bit of closure for Lincoln as we wrapped our last big DLC for Mafia III. You can start playing "Sign of the Times" at any point after the first sit-down and feel like you’ve tried to do right by your adoptive father’s legacy.”
