Wu-Tang Clan Gets Its Game Face On

Known for pushing the boundaries of hip-hop culture, the visionary rap group Wu-Tang Clan is poised to become a pioneer in another medium when, in November, Activision releases the video game “Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style” ($49.99).

Based on the high-energy, diverse personas of the outfit’s nine members (its most famous being Method Man and RZA), “Shaolin Style” is the first video game created with a rap group as its prime attraction. The game was inspired by the same 1970s kung fu films that the Wu-Tang Clan incorporates into its records, which have sold about 10 million copies.

Players can participate as any of the Wu members, each of whom brandishes a different weapon. They then battle their way through 36 chambers (a reference to the group’s first record) from Staten Island, N.Y., the outfit’s hometown, to China, where a duel with the group’s rival takes place. Three new, exclusive songs from the Wu-Tang Clan serve as the game’s theme music.

“Our life isn’t only revolving around rap music,” says Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon. “We’ve got to go to the next level.”