| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that this violent, profane action game is for adults only. Players control an aspiring drug kingpin, and gameplay involves buying and selling drugs and killing hundreds of people. The graphic violence frequently involves decapitation and other body mutilation. The language includes an incredible amount of swearing and plenty of coarse sexual references. The criminal world depicted in the game includes prostitution, corrupt police, and gambling.
SCARFACE: THE WORLD IS YOURS is essentially a Grand Theft Auto (GTA) clone. Like the series it is so clearly based on, Scarface lets players indulge in heaps of antisocial violence in a large virtual world populated by hookers, hustlers, and homicidal maniacs. In the 1983 film, Tony Montana is shot to death in his mansion, a victim of the violent, druggy world he built. In the game, Tony makes a last-minute escape and loses everything except his life: Players control Tony as he tries to re-build his reputation, defeat rival gangs, and reclaim the turf he needs to begin selling massive amounts of drugs.
The first few hours are a profane, bloody blast. The game world of Scarface is huge and beautiful. But as the game progresses, players will find themselves doing little else besides driving through ever-longer delivery missions and blasting through larger crowds of enemies. The environments don't provide a lot of incentive to explore.
In some ways, Scarface rises above many videogames based on movies: It looks great, has hours and hours of playtime, and the action is fast and thrilling. But unlike the GTA games, Scarface fails to create a sense of freedom or sly satire. It is a decent third-person action game with some intense shooting and fun driving challenges. However, repetitive play undermines the entertainment value.
Families can talk about the lingering appeal of the Tony Montana character and gangsters in popular culture. Why has Scarface held the public's attention for more than 20 years? Is Tony's brand of hyper-aggressive self-actualization admirable or just antisocial? Why is it fun to play as an antihero? Families may also wish to discuss the way games are used to promote movies and vice-versa. If you like a movie, are you more likely to want a game based on the movie?
| Platforms: | PlayStation 2, Windows |
| Available online? | Not available online |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Developer: | Vivendi Universal Games |
| Release date: | October 27, 2006 |
| Price: | $49.99 |
| ESRB rating: | M for Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Use of Drugs, Sexual Themes, Intense Violence |
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