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It's a beat down, new Def Jam: Icon gameplay videos
In a few hours the Def Jam: Icon demo will be available on the XBLM and for those of you who just can't wait Gamertag Radio posted a few new gameplay videos. Yes, we know we already posted a Def Jam: Icon video before, but these are fresh sucka! There is a total of four new gameplay videos and they aren't done by amateurs like the previous one. And after watching the videos we must say that the game is quite pretty and the music themed fighting is a unique idea that will be interesting to see how it'll pan out. Anyway, hurry up, watch these videos, then in a few hours download the demo ... that's what we in the know call instant street cred.
Def Jam: Icon demo thugs it out tomorrow
After the promised Def Jam: Icon demo went MIA last Thursday, EA has announced that it will arrive tomorrow instead. The demo will feature two playable characters, T.I. and Big Boi, along with the songs "Kryptonite" and "Top Back." Players will be fighting it out in a gas station. Def Jam: Icon will introduce a new dynamic to the series, as music will now play a central role in the fighting. Skilled players will be able to use the beats of the music and the environment to their advantage. The videos we've seen so far have left us less than impressed, but we'd love to be proven wrong. Anyone looking forward to downloading this tomorrow?
Become an Icon, Def Jam demo Thursday
We really want to like Def Jam: Icon. The concept is interesting enough: put your favorite hip hop stars in brutal fist fights, all while integrating the music into the mix. The idea is to make the music central to the fight. If you're doing well, then your anthem will play, potentially giving you an opportunity to deal extra environmental damage. It's sounds neat on paper, but videos of the game in action have left us (and others) skeptical. It looks like we'll finally know for sure this week, as a demo is expected to drop on Thursday. We hope Icon turns out to be decent, because the 360 needs another fighter, and Virtua Fighter 5 is at least 5 months away. Keep your fingers crossed.
New Def Jam Icon trailer is misleading
There is a new trailer out for Def Jam Icon, the upcoming hip hop fighting game from EA. Given the game's ... eccentric premise, the trailer is drop dead serious. In fact, we'd wager that more than a few people will be expecting a completely different game after watching it. The game, for those that don't know, is a fighting game with a heavy emphasis on music. The background changes and interacts with the beats of the music. In fact, you choose your characters music track before each match. If you're winning, then your track will play. This can be advantageous for the player that utilizes environmental hazards at the right time (check out Joystiq's impressions for more info). It's an interesting idea, and hopefully one that translates into a fun game. The trailer, however, shows off something more like a gang drama. In fact, there isn't even a hint in the trailer that Def Jam Icon is a fighting game, and an unrealistic one at that. It's a nice trailer and everything, but it's a little misleading. As a service to prospective players, we've embedded both the new trailer and some footage from the game after the break (second video NSFW).
Joystiq impressions: Def Jam Icon
I recently sampled Def Jam Icon in its close-to-finished state; the game will ship for the PS3 and Xbox 360 in March. The title takes a genre in which I have little personal interest -- hip-hop stars like Ludacris, Big Boi, and The Game fighting -- and focuses on the best part of that premise, the music. Each player begins a match after choosing a song for their character. As the fight progresses, the music becomes an integral part of the game, with the leading character's anthem blaring and the background objects bumping with the rhythm. With the right timing to the music, the background objects even cause extra injury. I saw a lot of potential to this approach, but Def Jam Icon is high on my skeptic sense of hit-or-miss; if the game behaves the way EA describes, it should be a fun fighter. But in my short time seeing the game, I wasn't convinced that the downbeats would match the beat-downs as EA touts, especially with user-imported music. I'll have to wait until I'm able to scrutinize the game on my own to make a fair assessment.
Mad Catz finally appoints new CFO
Mad Catz has named journeyman financial exec Stewart Halpern as its newest CFO, replacing Cyril Talbot III who left the position nearly four months ago. Halpern will officially join the company on January 15.Halpern leaves Rockstar, where he was head of finance, to join the peripheral maker. Previously, he was CFO for Def Jam's holding company Rush Communications. After posting a net loss of $6.7 million back in June, Mad Catz is looking to Halpern to turn things around in the New Year. Good luck with that.
Def Jam isn't alone, new fighter from EA
1UP is reporting that EA Chicago, in addition to Def Jam: Icon and the next Fight Night, is working on another fighter. The announcement from EA declares that they are working on "a licensed title and a new intellectual property in the fighting videogame genre." We have no idea what the licensed title could be, but 1UP suggests that the new IP might be the rock and roll version of Def Jam, allowing players to pit the likes of David Bowie and Gene Simmons against each other. While the idea is interesting, we'd rather see EA create an entirely new fighter so they can spend time tuning the gameplay instead of the concept. How about the rest of you? Would you like to see Green Day face off with Metallica, or would you rather have something new?
Def Jam: Icon gameplay video
There's a new video of Def Jam: Icon on GameVideos. 1UP has a lengthy preview as well. The biggest "feature" of Icon is how heavily the music interacts with the game. Buildings jump in rhythm to the music, explosions occur in time with the beats, even the fighting seems to be choreographed to the music. The concept sounds interesting on paper, but this video is anything but interesting. On the contrary, it's kind of boring. Now, gameplay videos of fighting games can be hard to judge, especially when the players are inexperienced, and it's obvious that these two don't know how to play the game -- in fact, if you listen to the video, you could guess that these guys are just waiting for their Grey Goose and cranberry to show up. Still, the graphics are alright and the concept is new. Hopefully, we'll see some better videos -- or better yet, a demo -- before the game releases in March. Watch the video after the break.
Def Jam: Icon to rap and brawl its way onto the PS3
Are you a fan of the rap/hip-hop movement? Do you like fighting? How about games about one, or both? ...Play the other iterations of Def Jam? How about another question? Anyway, seems the PS3 will be receiving the next Def Jam (not "deaf", because spelling things inkorrectlee is kewl) and it's promising to be awesome to your ears and your fingers. Needless to say, you can expect some of the big names of the field to pop in (Ludacris, Big Boi, T.I...) The game is slated for a March 2007 release (how convenient, just in time for Europe's launch...) for both the PS3 and XBox 360.The game is developed by EA Chicago (the brains behind Fight Night Round 3) and are intent on using the environments and music as vital points during matches. How this exactly works is still up in the air, but we've a quote from executive producer Kudo Tsunoda: "we are changing the way fighting games are played! We are completely innovating the role of the environments in the games, moving from the typical lifeless arenas the hip-hop celebrities are fighting in to environments that play an instrumental part in the fight where they will react to the music and interact with both characters like a third fighter." Like a third fighter? Maybe like the Songstress class in FFX-2? Mostly buff your fighter and hinder the opponent? Or, you know, it could be this. Keep your eyes and ears open for any new developments on this title!
Def Jam pimped out for next gen, 1st images
EA has officially announced the imminent arrival of Def Jam: Icon. A continuation of the popular (?) fighting series, Icon looks to bring in both da noise and da funk. -- and hip hop stars beating the crap out of each other. Filled with celebrities like T.I., Big Boi, and Ludacris, hip hop fans will certainly be pleased. Hopefully Andre 3000 is in there with plenty of selectable costumes, too. Some of the PR drivel is a little hard to swallow though: "In DEF JAM: ICON, we are changing the way fighting games are played! We are completely innovating the role of the environments in the games, moving from the typical lifeless arenas the hip-hop celebrities are fighting in to environments that play an instrumental part in the fight where they will react to the music and interact with both characters like a third fighter." Interactive environments? Welcome to every 3D fighter since the Dreamcast, EA. Check out Xboxyde for more pictures. Full press release after the break.
New Def Jam screenshots
If the hip-hop gangsta scene is your thing, check out the new screenshots of Def Jam Fight for NY: The Takeover. As a precursor to Def Jam Vendetta, it'll give gamers a taste of the backstory involving D-Mob and his crew. Busta Rhymes, Lil' Kim, Ludacris, Method Man, Redman and Snoop Dogg are no strangers to the series either. Expect a March release date for The Takeover.
Def Jam is PSP bound
IGN carries the news that Def Jam will be making a PSP appearance via Def Jam Fight for New York: The Takeover. Billed as a prequel of sorts to Def Jam Vendetta, the latest game in the franchise boasts new modes, including a create-your-own-fighter mode and a wireless match making mode. Currently in development by the good EA (EA Canada), you can expect Def Jam: Fight for New York: The Takeover to beat your PSP to a bloody pulp sometime this Spring.
Def Jam: Fight for New York... Underrated gem?
You know, this game has been out for a few months now, but I wanted to bring it to folks attention heading into the holidays as I'm hugely addicted to it right now. You don't have to be a hip-hop fan to appreciate this game, though it certainly doesn't hurt. In many ways, this is the game the pitiful "Fight Club" title should have been. It's a brutal, no holds barred fighter. Over the top, magnificently violent, and graphically gorgeous. I've been playing this to deat the last few days, and damn... I can't get enough of it. With a ridiculous number of fighters (once they're all unlocked), the match-up's are varied. The areas and type of fights are varied. Only thing I can find to complain about is the ability, or lack thereof, to pick random fighters. With 70+ fighters that's a bit of an oversight. It's a fantastic fighter though. Stylish, very violent (a rarity for an EA title), and hugely enjoyable. Plus the fact it's not every day you get to see the Henry Rollins throw Carmen Electra in front of a train...
Def Jam Fight for NY review
Fight for NY is the sequel to last year's hip-hop wrestling title Def Jam Vendetta. This time around, Aki has added a classic fighting-genre dimension, but the grappling system remains the key to bringing blazin' amounts of pain. The roster is perhaps the most impressive aspect of the package, featuring over 70 fighters (more than 40 of which are real-life celebrities), including Snoop (or 'Crow') your nemesis in story mode. And speaking of the story, "Fight for NY's story is better than Fable's" (IGN). Believe it or not, this game could be a legitimate contender if not for spotty framerate and camera issues, not to mention no online support. Still, it's worth a play, especially if you've got some friends around.
"Mama Said Knock You Out": Def Jam Fight For NY Soundtrack revealed
It's nothing we didn't expect, but nonetheless Fight For NY's soundtack features an impressive lineup of hip hop vets and up-and-comers. The list is as follows (as posted on 1up.com): "America's Most" - Method Man, Redman "Anything Goes" - C-N-N "Are We Cuttin'" - Pastor Troy "Bust" - Outkast "Comp" - Comp "Flipside" - Freeway "Get Into It" - Comp "Get It Now" - Bless "Let's Get Dirty" - Redman "Let's Go" - Shawnna "Lil' Bro" - Ric-a-Che "Make It Hurt" - Busta Rhymes "Mama Said Knock You Out" - LL Cool J "Man Up" - Sticky Fingaz "Mother Mother" - Xzibit "Move!" - Public Enemy "'Nuff Respect" - Big Daddy Kane "O.G. Original Gangster" - Ice-T "Pistol Grip Pump" - Volume 10 "Pop Off" - Joe Budden "Poppa Large" - Ultramagnetic MCs "See About Ya" - Beezle featuring Bonecrusher "Seize the Day" - Bless "Take a Look at My Life" - Fat Joe "Walk With Me" - Joe Budden "We Gon' Hit 'Em" - Deuce, Dub and the Junkyard Gang "What's Happenin'" - Method Man "Yes Sir" - C-N-N
