In Mafia: The Old Country, the collection of newspapers and Saints’ Cards is primarily aimed at enriching the player’s experience by deepening their engagement with the game’s intricate narrative and cultural landscape. Although these collectibles do not directly influence gameplay mechanics, such as combat or stealth abilities, they serve vital roles in enhancing storytelling and immersion.

Saints’ Cards
The Saints’ Cards are a notable collectible within the game, each dedicated to a significant Italian saint and accompanied by a prayer. Found predominantly in shrines scattered across the game’s world, there are 20 cards in total. Collecting all 20 unlocks the achievement known as The Collector. This incentivizes players to explore the game’s environment while simultaneously contributing to the lore of Mafia: The Old Country. The cards function not only as items to collect but also as a means of paying homage to Italian culture, which helps to deepen players’ understanding of the context and ambiance of the Sicilian setting.

Newspapers
On the other hand, newspapers are found in various contexts throughout the game, including specific chapters like Chapter 8. These collectibles provide players with additional narrative context, offering insights into the historical and cultural backdrop of the world. Each newspaper piece contributes to a richer storytelling experience by offering details that enhance the player’s immersion and understanding of the game’s setting. Furthermore, collecting newspapers is necessary for achieving 100% completion of the game, appealing to completionists and encouraging thorough exploration.

Conclusion
In summary, the purpose of collecting Saints’ Cards and newspapers in Mafia: The Old Country is primarily centered around narrative engagement and achievement unlocking. While they do not provide tangible gameplay benefits in terms of enhancing combat or stealth dynamics, they play an essential role in inviting players to explore the game’s lush historical and cultural layers. This approach aligns with the overall theme of immersion in the Sicilian underworld, allowing players not only to engage with the story but also to appreciate the depth of the game’s world.