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PS2 Game ReviewScarfaceFor true escapism, Scarface on the PS2 is a testosterone-driven thrill ride for most of us blokes. For fans of the cult-classic movie from Universal, this game gives players the opportunity to resurrect crime lord Tony "Scarface" Montana. The game begins with an alternate ending to the Scarface movie where Al Pacino's character, Tony Montana, escapes the hostile invasion of his mansion, going into hiding in the Miami everglades. Speaking like a Cuban tough guy, talking dirty to women, shooting from the hip and driving dangerously, Tony returns to Miami to take back the world - his world.
On Tony's hit-list of enemies are the characters in the Scarface film. Tony tracks each one down, systematically and exacts retribution on his enemies, their henchmen and business interests. Some of the villains include Nacho, the Diaz Brothers and the infamous Sosa who was the mastermind behind Tony's demise, as depicted in the film. Getting into the game is easy and you immerse yourself in being Tony. Once you have crushed a few of your enemies, stolen their assets and clawed back part of your empire, the game gives you the opportunity to spend Tony's hard-won cash on exotics. Exotics comprise fast cars, fast boats, henchmen, rare items and stylish and tacky items for your mansion. So, in short, there is enough cedar, rosewood, cigars, cognac and trophy women to adorn Tony's mansion that would make any pimp or crime lord proud.
The game itself is the same sort of third-person engine that brought us games like Grand Theft Auto and The Getaway series - driving vehicles and third-person shooting. While I had played and finished these other series of games Scarface somehow sucked me in. I enjoyed playing Scarface, getting into its escapism which pleasantly surprised me. Also a big draw-card was being able to see progress as the size of the game was not insurmountable or as long as the Grand Theft Auto series. Also suprising was the micro-economic management of Tony's network of shopfront, clubs and businesses that complete his criminal network. Overall all of the elements that Sierra have put into the game make it more than just a third-person shooter.
Scarface is another big hit in the dynasty of games from Sierra, going back some 28 or so years. I have played a range of sierra games from Donald Duck on my Commodore 64, through to the Kings, Space, Police and Hero's Quest series on PC in the 1990s through to some leading-edge games like Scarface on game consoles. They have been pretty consistent in being part of the leading pack in console game development houses. In line with Sierra's history, you can expect a whole host of new, exciting games from these guys on Playstation, Xbox and PC. Check out their website at Sierra Vivendi Games. If you are interested in playing the Scarface game on PS2, I strongly suggest you watch the movie from Universal first. It gives you much of the game's context and you can relate to it far more. That is part of Sierra's genius in taking faithful fans of a cult-classic film into a virtual world where they can play the anti-hero of Tony Montana.
While it is brutish, macho and full of testosterone, I love the escapism
of this game. I give it four out of five Cuban cigars. Scarface is a trademark that is copyright of Universal
Pictures and the Scarface PS2 game is produced by Sierra.
All pictures for this review are from Sierra
Vivendi Games, Sierra is itself a registered trademark. |
Scarface: The World is Yours, copyright Universal and Sierra Vivendi Games
Scarface: The World is Yours, copyright Universal and Sierra Vivendi Games |
