Note: The following information may contains errors since sources are comunity websites around the web. If informations are wrong or you have more information write a comment below, thanks.
The definitive edition is basically new games so the soundtrack not being the same of classic originals isn t a bad thing by per se, it ‘s just a new experience, still if someone wants the old soundtracks in their games, mods and a little of search can solve this.
This has happened with other games too not just Mafia series: Grand Theft Auto III, Vice City, and San Andreas (Original Releases and Definitive Editions).
Mafia 1 classic (gog-steam) has an edited soundtrack and does not include any licensed music.
Mafia 2 classic (steam) has 3-4 original music removed.
Mafia 1 Definitive Edition music is different NEW. The main theme is the same but has been re-recorded.
Mafia 2 Definitive Edition removed 2 songs and all music from Joe’s Adventures DLC.
Mafia 3 Definitive Edition (should) have only 1 song removed.
Restore original music Mafia 1 (classic) (this is for the gog version)
Restore original music Mafia 2 (classic) (removed 3 – 4 songs ?)
Restore original music Mafia 3 Definitive Edition (just one song?)
Restoring official soundtracks on Mafia Definitve Editions is a bit difficult…
Link to Mafia 1 (classic) PCGW
Link to Mafia 2 (classic) PCGW
There is no official, fully verified list from the developers. The “removals” mostly result from licensing issues—many tracks in the Classic versions have been either replaced, re-recorded, or removed entirely in the Definitive Editions. The lists below represent what community members have identified, and they may not be 100% exhaustive or uniformly agreed upon.
Mafia 1 (The City of Lost Heaven)
Original (Classic) vs. Definitive Edition: The original Mafia 1 featured a licensed soundtrack of jazz, swing, and period recordings (with artists such as Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, and Duke Ellington among others). In the Definitive Edition, many of these vintage recordings were either re-recorded with new orchestral arrangements or removed altogether. Because there isn’t a complete community‐compiled roster of all affected tracks, the notable changes are as follows:
- Licensed recordings by period artists (e.g., performances originally by Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, etc.) have been replaced or removed.
Mafia 2
Original (Classic) vs. Definitive Edition: Mafia 2 Classic boasted an extensive selection of licensed songs spanning genres like blues, jazz, swing, and early rock—from many era‑specific recordings that helped set its 1940s/50s atmosphere. When the Definitive Edition was released, due to licensing restrictions the vast majority of these tracks were removed (with only the main theme remaining intact) and replaced by an entirely new original score.
- Almost the entire licensed soundtrack (comprising numerous individual songs across various artists) has been removed from the Definitive Edition.
Mafia 3
Original (Classic) vs. Definitive Edition: For Mafia 3, several individual song titles have been mentioned by community members as having been removed or replaced in the Definitive Edition due to licensing expirations. Based on posts from forums and subreddits (like r/MafiaTheGame), the following titles have been reported as removed or absent from the updated soundtrack:
- “House of the Rising Sun” – originally by The Animals (Note: Some players have reported still hearing variations of this song in parts of the game, so its status remains debated.)
- “Palisades Park” – originally by The Ramones
- “Pictures of Matchstick Men” – originally by Status Quo
- “The Weight” – originally by The Band
- “I Got You (I Feel Good)” – originally by James Brown
- “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” – originally by The Beach Boys (Several community members have mentioned this track as another removal.)
Because the changes stem from licensing issues for long‑dated agreements, many of the Classic versions’ songs have either been removed or entirely replaced with new, original compositions in the Definitive Editions. For the most up‑to‑date or detailed breakdown on which specific songs are affected, community resources such as Mafia series wikis or the MafiaTheGame subreddit are the best references.
If you’re a fan looking to experience the original licensed soundtracks, you might consider using the Classic versions (where available) or searching for user‑made mods that restore the original audio files.
