Review: Scarface: The World is Yours (PS2)

If there was an obvious void to EA's worthwhile adaptation of The Godfather, it was the failure of Al Pacino to reprise his role. Instead, the close proximity of Scarface allowed Pacino to revisit arguably his more famous portrayal, that of delectable Tony Montana.

The video game erupts from where the classic movie climaxed. The opening stages of Scarface: The World is Yours are excessive, violent and exhilarating. A bewildering exchange of gunfire with no reloading allows Tony to flee his devastated mansion and lie low. Revenge settles into place as a comeback is planned, slowly taking control of Little Havana, removing gangs, establishing fronts and restoring your mansion to its former glory. It's time to look up old friends, call in favours and take down those who benefited from your sudden demise.

This autumn has been a vibrant procession of GTA-influenced games taking the DMA formula in different directions, whilst adding more to the genre. Neither Saints Row nor The Godfather had a weapon such as Tony Montana in their arsenal; his arrogance, insults, bravado and ruthlessness are all in place, with Radical toasting their success in reviving such a notable character.

Tony has balls and Scarface brings this into the equation with a specific meter. By taunting victims, pulling off driving manoeuvres, executing opponents and so on, you build the meter until it allows the Rage attack. This brief first person perspective allows Tony let rip both verbally and violently during an invincible burst. There is little need to worry about such trivialities as respect and appearance in Scarface; Tony has never lacked glamour but what he does need (Bengali tigers) is available via his helpful money-laundering bank. If you do need a break from all things Tony, then henchmen missions are available.

The main obstacle in Scarface is cash. Raising finance at first is a real chore as you struggle to put together illicit funds to purchase fronts for your drug running. The groundwork is done via small dealers, with the proceeds being passed onto street representatives, before expanding when you acquire a warehouse. Even then, drug deals hinge on a swing-o-meter, with bad reactions provoking violence and likewise good judgement resulting in a high price. Icons highlight the police department and local gang attitude; push things too hard and the cops will close you down. Take too many liberties with a local gang and they'll put one of your fronts out of business, until you can find the cash for repairs and hunt them down.

Other missions are available via your contact Felix, who hooks you up with protection and assassination rackets. In spite of his good work, Felix can never hope to provide the range of missions (random or otherwise) that GTA provides. Scarface is not another epic adventure but sacrifices this in favour of entertainment, which it provides in vast quantities. Quality not quantity is, upon experience, an effective weapon. The map is not up to Saints Row's standard - with directional arrows occasionally leading you astray - although the tower of light (that defines a destination) proves very useful.

It is maintaining the balancing act of cash versus indulgences, whilst on the quest for power, that is the most demanding aspect of the game. With banks acting as save points, and failed missions offering the option to restart, everything is pitched in your favour. Scarface is far from the most challenging release in this genre, but finding revenue streams to satisfy your hunger for more tat and status symbols is addictive. The overriding atmosphere is what drives Gamestyle onward. We're all used to filling someone else's shoes in a video game, but very rarely does a charismatic character such as Tony Montana come along.

The soundtrack captures the era superbly well, with choice classics blaring whilst you drive around Miami. Latino, pop, rap and rock classics are all represented on your cassette player, with no annoying DJ to interrupt proceedings. A John Peel sized selection is on offer and includes Run DMC, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Johnny Cash and Grandmaster Flash. Vehicles and residents also follow the trends of the bygone age, with enough recorded dialogues to keep even random conversations interesting. Even the vehicle handling is surprisingly good, with damage and blowouts realistically upsetting your mode of transport.

Visually, the Playstation 2 is indulging Gamestyle with recent releases such as Bully and now the THX-certified Scarface. Environments are crisp, clear and display minimal pop-up. Even the streets are well-populated. The illusion is smeared by the lack of parked cars (only existing in motion on roads) and their sudden appearance in front of you whilst driving. The lack of available vehicles is removed by the use of Tony's brick-sized mobile phone, through which you can call a set of wheels from your garage collection. Even taking to the ocean is an enjoyable experience, and if necessary, Tony can take a dip - although with the local shark population, it's not recommended for cross-island hopping.

Of late, Gamestyle has experienced the highs (The Godfather) and the lows (Reservoir Dogs) of video game film licenses. With Scarface: The World Is Yours, Radical Games has delivered a game that surpasses EA's The Godfather. Knowledge of Scarface is not necessary, but you will respect Tony Montana or else.

Rating: 8 / 10

Words by Jason Julier