Scarface chops up '80s mix

Cult movies spawn cult soundtracks, and games based on cult movies should likewise look toward the oddly endearing and quirky songs that gave flavor to the film's playlist. As the 1983 Brian DePalma film Scarface gets transmogrified into a game, Sierra Entertainment is slowly releasing details on its soundtrack.

However, lifting all the songs from the film may make Scarface: The World is Yours look and sound a little too much like another game franchise it was no doubt influenced by--Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto series. Curiously enough, GTA: Vice City clearly got its inspiration from the Scarface movie, basing the game in a faux Miami and outfitting the drug-dealing lead character in floral-print shirts. More proof of the film's influence on the series can be heard in Grand Theft Auto III--the entire Scarface soundtrack was featured on Flashback 95.6 FM, the '80s station in the game.

As such, Sierra is taking a slightly different approach with the PlayStation 2, PC, and the Xbox release of Scarface: The World is Yours. While the game is set largely in Miami and while the Pacino clone will wear tropical-themed shirts, the soundtrack will feature songs from the 1980s (including a few from the Scarface soundtrack), the current era, and Giorgio Moroder's original film score.

Spicing up the soundtrack will be various genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, reggae, and more. Leading the way from the '80s are Debbie Harry, Run DMC, and Rick "Superfreak" James, with more tracks unlockable as players progress through the game.

Gamers will also have the ability to customize their listening experiences through the Mix Tape feature. Various playlists will be available from the start, but new ones can be built by users with a few flicks of the joystick.

The music can be played throughout Scarface, letting gamers groove to Johnny Cash's "I'm an Easy Rider" while driving on the boardwalk, Judas Priest's "Breaking the Law" while breaking the law, or (hopefully) Billy Ocean's "Caribbean Queen" while blasting some "%^@#ing caca-roaches" with an Uzi.

A partial list of the 1980s tunes is below.

Artist--Song
Debbie Harry--"Rush Rush" (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Public Enemy--"Don't Believe The Hype"
Run DMC--"Sucker MCs"
Judas Priest--"Breaking the Law"
Rick James--"Super Freak"
Grandmaster Flash--"The Message"
Peter Tosh--"Steppin' Razor"
Rick James--"Give It To Me Baby"
Beth Anderson--"Dance Dance Dance" (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Burning Spear--"Social Living"
Iggy Pop--"The Passenger"
Johnny Cash--"I'm an Easy Rider"

Scarface, which ships this fall, is rated M for Mature and will retail for $49.99. For more information, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.