Miami in the '80s: gangs, drugs and hookers dominate the scene and a Cuban called Tony Montana rises up to be the most powerful drug dealer, controlling the whole of Miami. This is the story of the 1983 movie Scarface in which Tony Montana dies during a attack from a rival gang on his mansion at the end. The game now puts the player in the shoes of Tony a few moments before the gang hits his office.
After he successfully defends his mansion, his empire lies in ruins. But Tony wouldn't be Tony Montana if he would just give up, so it is the player's goal to reclaim Miami once again. To do so, he has to earn money and respect. The only way to earn money in Miami is to deal drugs.
Gameplay involves managing a network of "Fronts" - legitimate shops where drugs are sold in large amounts. By overtaking these Fronts, Tony increases his control over the city. He must also eliminate enemy gangs scattered throughout the town and launder money at the local bank. When dealing with dealers or avoiding cop heat, the player must participate in mini-games that determine success and reward.
Respect is earned by increasing Tony's territory, buying exotics for his mansion, and earning "balls" in fights and while driving. The enemies have different target zones which award different amounts of balls on a hit. This also fills up Tony's 'ball-meter', allowing him to enter a kind of god mode where he is invulnerable and has unlimited ammo.
The player is free to roam the city of Miami, similar to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City , with side-missions including racing events.