Saturday August 12, 11:50 AM

'80s hits, custom mixing spark "Scarface" game

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (Billboard) - Johnny Cash, Debbie Harry, Iggy Pop, Public Enemy and Run-D.M.C are among the artists contributing hit tracks to Vivendi Games' Sierra Entertainment division's "Scarface: The World Is Yours," due in October for PlayStation 2, Xbox and PC platforms.

Songs chosen to enliven the '80s setting include Debbie Harry's "Rush Rush" and Beth Anderson's "Dance Dance Dance" from the film score, Johnny Cash's "I'm an Easy Rider," Iggy Pop's "The Passenger," Public Enemy's "Don't Believe The Hype," Run-D.M.C.'s "Sucker MCs," Judas Priest's "Breaking the Law," Rick James' "Super Freak" and "Give It To Me Baby," Merle Haggard's "Workin' Man's Blues," Grandmaster Flash's "The Message" and Peter Tosh's "Steppin' Razor."

The 130-song-plus soundtrack also will feature more than two dozen of today's top rap and hip-hop stars, including some original songs for the game, with final contracts in the works.

An innovative "mix tape" option allows players to create their own music compilations or select from pre-made "mix tapes" which span genres such as reggae, pop, hip-hop, Latin, reggaeton and country, utilizing any of the game tracks, the original Giorgio Moroder score and songs from the film.

"Playing" as Tony Montana, gamers will find some tracks are available at the start of the game and others must be unlocked by completing missions. More can be accessed through the game's Exotic Catalog, which lets players indulge in Scarface's lavish lifestyle by purchasing such items as music, decor for the mansion and cars.

Reuters/Billboard