Review

When it was announced, this seemed like the most pointless idea for a game out there. Why did we need a game based on Scarface when GTA: Vice City already has enough elements of the 1983 gangster classic to appease fans of the film? Then there’s the fact that it changes the hugely memorable ending in just to give us a starting point for an original storyline. Was there any way this game could succeed?

Fortunately the answer to this question is, yes. The game throws you right into the action by using the climactic shootout from the movie as it’s opening. Controlling Tony Montana you grab your machine gun and lay waste to the waves of goons trying to storm your mansion, and because we know there’s a lone gunman sneaking up behind we can just spin around and waste him too! This instantly shows off the simple controls and targeting system, laying our fears to rest. There’s also more swearing and blood in this opening section than the entire GTA series put together!

This is the most blatant GTA clone going, but this is also the reason why it works more than most. As you run around, dealing drugs, stealing cars and gunning down anyone in your path it feels just like you’re playing Rockstar’s seminal series. Or at least it would be but for one important difference – you’re controlling Al Pacino! His presence is key to the success of the game. Such is his star status that EA’s The Godfather suffered greatly by his absence, and making this game would have been unthinkable without him.

The aim of the game is to reclaim your empire and take revenge of those who betrayed you. Initially this means doing small-time drug deals in order to pay off the vice cops, (is it a coincidence that they look like Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx? I think not!) who have control of your mansion. Once you have re-established this based of operations you can you can take on bigger, more dangerous missions. However, you must remember that if you die any dirty money will be lost, so regular trips to the bank to launder it are required.

If you’re looking for something new, then there’s not really that much here. The way drug deals are performed is interesting, resembling the power-bar from a golf game and I liked the way you can hire different types of henchmen as your reputation grows. The biggest and most prominent new feature though is the “balls” meter. As you drive and shoot you can increase the amount of “balls” you have and once the meter is full you can enter “blind rage” mode for a short spell where any enemies in your line of sight will be auto targeted and disposed of.

There’s a lot to admire and enjoy in Scarface, even if it never quite achieves the heights of either the film or the inspiration. Some odd decisions, like the inclusion of modern music on the soundtrack despite the 80’s setting, mar the overall impression but not enough to worry about. It’s much better than other, recent GTA clones – namely Just Cause and Saints Row – so clearly the extra year of development has paid off, but a little more variety and a touch of originality would have worked wonders.

About the Review

Platform

Sony Playstation 2

Developer

Radical Entertainment

Publisher

Sierra

Released

28th July 2006