$20 Game of the Week: Def Jam – Fight for New York (Gamecube, PS2, Xbox)

In late 2002, EA announced a 3-way partnership with developer Aki and hip hop label Def Jam.� The unlikely union resulted in 2003’s Def Jam Vendetta, a mix of wrestling and hip hop.� Although people were skeptical about the game at first, it became an instant hit when it was released.� However, a few things held it back from true greatness, mainly the lack of a create-a-character feature (something common place in most wrestling games) and the lack of play modes.� Enter Def Jam: FFNY which would rectify both of these situations.

The first major change FFNY took was to move the action outside the ring.� Now combat takes place in warehouses, basements, nightclubs, and other locations.� The environments are more interactive as well, with weapons, hazards, and even an unruly crowd to help you out.� The key to this game is to unlock a lot of fancy clothes and bling in order to get the crowd on your side.� At the start of the game, you create your wrestler using a police sketch artist.� It’s then up to you to reclaim New York by fighting the henchmen of a rival gang leader.� You can choose from 5 different fighting styles and dozens of unlockable super moves.� The cast of characters has been expanded in a big way, including lots of different characters from NORE to Slick Rick, and even actor Danny Trejo.� New match types include a steel cage, inferno, and a demolition match (where you slam your opponent into his car to damage it as much as possible).� Your character is upgradable, so of course the first few matches will be difficult.� When you are able to obtain some more style points, then you’ll grow stronger.

With the upcomming follow up Def Jam Icon discarding the wrestling engine altogether, now would be a good time to check out this game.� You know developer Aki from “WWF No Mercy” and “WCW/NWO Revenge”, so you already know about the quality of thier work.� The hip-hop music obviously isn’t for everyone, but for those who like good fighting games, you could do worse for a 20-spot.