Def Jam: Vendetta user review

Hip Hop STAND UP!

Review written by
iris

There used to be a time when hip hop was just about beatboxes and alliteration rhymes embedded with metaphors. But now it seems to have infiltrated every type of major industry from the Billboard 100 to mineral water (G-Unit spring drink anyone?). It makes millions from clothing sales and every rapper seems to own a shoe line. Well, gamers, it's your turn.

Gameplay

When I first picked up the controller to play this game, I was simply amazed by how agile the on screen character felt. Seriously, the movement is amazing and I was actually for a second optimistic about how the fight engine would be.

How disappointed I was. There are probably only 5 variations in attacks and only one grapple simulation. EA tried to make up for this by giving all characters a special finishing move. Even though they ARE impressive, they feel like cheap techniques to make up for the lack of moves and just help make the game easier. This does not do EA any favours, as this game is very easy once you know the concepts.

Presentation

When someone mentions hip hop, what are the first three things you think of? 9 times out of ten its Tupac, girls and bling. I was expecting this game to stick true to traditions and be all glamorous- it doesn't. The presentation in this game is not top notch. All the settings are all grime based with hooded thugs in the corner.

The graphics echo this. The ropes for the fight look like paper and the ring base looks as if it were made from the PS1 engine. In fact, the only decent designs in the game are the main characters that you choose.

Sound

The music is probably the only really good aspect in an otherwise unsatisfying game. Ranging from classics to album tracks. Actually- I'm starting to wonder whether Def Jam allowed this game to be made as a marketing strategy. *tries to think*