Do you still remember Scarface: The World Is Yours?
Released in 2006, Scarface: The World Is Yours is a game inspired by the iconic 1983 film Scarface, a movie that became a timeless classic. Directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone, Scarface tells the story of Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who rises from the lowest social ranks to become one of Miami’s most powerful drug lords. With Al Pacino’s unforgettable performance, the film not only achieved commercial success but also became one of the most influential works in the crime genre.
The idea for the film dates back to the 1930s when the original Scarface was made by Howard Hawks. The 1983 version, with a more modern approach and unfiltered violence, reflected the social and cultural issues of 1980s America, including drugs and immigration. Al Pacino, a fan of the original movie, played a crucial role in pushing for its remake. With Pacino and De Palma collaborating with Universal Studios, they created a project that is forever remembered as a symbol of ambition, downfall, and destruction.
Following the film’s success, interest in sequels or spin-offs grew. Eventually, in the 2000s, Vivendi Universal Games decided to create a game based on the movie. Unlike the film, which focused on Tony Montana’s downfall, the game presented an alternate story: What if Tony had survived and rebuilt his empire? This idea made the game distinct from the film while still preserving its rebellious and violent spirit.
Scarface: The World Is Yours offers an alternative storyline to the ending of the original movie. Unlike the film’s tragic conclusion, where the main character, Tony Montana, is killed in his mansion by his enemies, the game assumes that Tony narrowly escapes death at the last moment. The game begins from this very point: Tony, gravely wounded and on the run, loses his mansion and is forced to flee. His empire is destroyed, all his assets are seized, and his enemies—including Alejandro Sosa—consider him defeated.
However, Tony refuses to give up. Determined to rebuild his lost empire, he embarks on a new journey. The game’s story revolves around his efforts to reclaim his territory in Miami and take revenge on Sosa. Tony must start from scratch, working his way up from the streets of Miami to gather money and new allies, gradually reviving his drug trade network.
The game is divided into four main areas: Little Havana, Ocean Beach, and finally, Sosa’s stronghold. Tony must take back each area from enemy control and bring it under his rule. This process involves purchasing businesses, managing resources, fighting rival cartels, and bribing the police to avoid trouble.
Beyond its revenge-driven storyline, Scarface: The World Is Yours also allows players to manage Tony’s luxurious lifestyle—buying extravagant mansions, luxury cars, and yachts. This aspect of the game provides a tangible experience of living as a wealthy criminal. The game ends with an open conclusion, where Tony finally takes full control of the city but must continue fighting to protect his empire.
The gameplay of Scarface: The World Is Yours is heavily based on an open-world design, placing players in the role of Tony Montana as he works to rebuild his lost empire. It combines elements of action, strategy, and resource management. Players can freely explore the city of Miami, complete various missions to take over new territories, and purchase businesses such as bars, shops, and docks. These businesses not only generate income but also serve as key hubs for expanding Tony’s drug distribution network.
One of the most interesting gameplay mechanics is the Reputation System. By completing missions, purchasing luxury items, and expanding his empire, Tony’s reputation increases, unlocking new features, stronger allies, and more advanced weapons. Gunfights with enemies, police, and rival cartels form a significant part of the gameplay. The shooting mechanics and cover system were well-designed for their time, offering smooth and engaging combat experiences.
One of the most exciting aspects of the game is its drug trade system. Players must purchase drugs from suppliers, distribute them across different areas, and stay alert to avoid getting caught by the police or ambushed by enemies. This system requires careful resource management and strategic planning. Additionally, negotiations play a key role—if successful, players can secure better deals and increase their profits.
The soundtrack is one of the game’s strongest features. By blending the original film’s score with new tracks, it vividly recreates the atmosphere of 1980s Miami. The music includes a mix of Synthwave, classic rock, and Latin tracks, immersing players in Tony Montana’s lavish yet dangerous lifestyle. Iconic songs like Push It to the Limit and orchestral pieces from the movie enhance the sense of power and excitement.
The game also allows players to customize their music experience. Using the in-car radio system, they can choose tracks from a diverse playlist featuring legendary artists such as Rick James, David Bowie, Queen, and many more, adding even more depth and variety to the gameplay.
Despite its success, Scarface: The World Is Yours never received a sequel, a fact that disappointed many fans. With its open world, alternate storyline, and unique gameplay mechanics, the game had immense potential for a continuation. Players were not only captivated by Tony Montana as a character but also deeply engaged with innovative mechanics like the Reputation System and empire management, which made them feel like an integral part of the Scarface universe.
However, several factors—including shifting studio priorities, legal complications, and changes in the gaming industry—ultimately led to the cancellation of any sequel plans. Rumors once suggested that Scarface 2, also known as Scarface: Empire, was in development, with a story set in cities like Las Vegas and Cuba. Early development screenshots were even leaked, showcasing the ambitious vision behind the project. It was said that the sequel aimed to explore Tony’s character more deeply while expanding the game’s world significantly.
Unfortunately, the project never moved beyond the pre-production phase, leaving the Scarface universe confined to a single game. Given the lasting popularity of Tony Montana and the unique world of Scarface, there is still significant potential for a revival—whether as a new game or even a film adaptation. While no new updates have surfaced, fans continue to hope that one day, Scarface will make a grand return. A modern game with today’s advanced technology could add more depth to the Scarface universe and deliver an unforgettable experience for a new generation of players.
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