Def Jam Fight for NY is the follow up to EA’s popular beat-em-up Def Jam Vendetta. The game is packed with even more Def Jam Hip-Hop artists who it seems are just as handy with their fists and feet as they are with a mic. The original game had an emphasis on wrestling; in Fight for NY, the fighting styles are much more varied.
The heart of this game is the story mode. In this mode you create your own fighter in great detail; you get to choose his physique and appearance and you can even personalise his clothing, tattoos and bling-bling jewellery. You also must choose what your fighter’s initial fighting style can be. You can select from streetfighting, wrestling, kickboxing, martial arts or submissions.
These fight styles are completely different from each other and come with their own unique finishing moves. As you advance through the game you can acquire developmental points which can be exchanged for new moves and fighting styles. You can eventually mix up to three different styles to transform your fighter into an all-punching, all-kicking, bone-breaking warrior!
The story centers about D-Mob and his nemesis Crow, played by the unforgettable Snoop Doggy Dogg. Each of these guys owns underground fighting clubs dotted around New York and each of them wants to gain control over the others territory. You, as D-Mob’s most prized fighter must battle and beat Crow’s fighters in order to gain control over his clubs. Of course it’s not quite as simple as that — nobody fights fair on the mean streets of NY. As you follow the story you will encounter and fight Crow’s combatants in situations other than in fight clubs. For example, one of my favourite levels of this game is the one that takes place in a NY subway station. The quickest way to win this level is to throw your opponent under a train!
The venues in which you will battle are varied and can have great influence on how you fight. One venue is a rowdy roadhouse, where spectators will happily swing a pool cue at your or your enemy if you take the fight into the crowd. In a scrap yard battle, bystanders will hand you a piece of scaffolding or monkey wrench for you to do with as you wish.
I have to admit that initially I was very wary of this game. I was a big fan of the original title and at first didn’t think this sequel was as good. The game takes a little bit of patience; the action doesn’t really warm up until you have acquired at least one extra fighting style. When you do have your fighter using two or more disciplines you will find that the game really comes into its own. This game has definitely earned its 18 certificate; it contains scenes of violence that even exceeds that of the original Def Jam game.
The game is as simple to play as its predecessor but is definitely harder to master. Punch moves are activated by tapping the triangle button, kicks with the square and grapples are activated with the ‘x’ button. As with Def Jam Vendetta your fighter has a blaze meter, which fills up as you pound your opponent. When this meter is full you have about 30 seconds to grapple your opponent and unleash a deadly acrobatic and violent finishing move. These moves are totally OTT and a wonder to watch.
This game despite my initial reservations is a quality beat-em-up that easily surpasses the excellent original game. The game play is fun and the fighters that you meet have varied fighting styles that will test your skills to the limit. It is one of those games that is ridiculously hard to put down once you’ve booted it up on your console. If you like your beat-em-ups blood soaked and filled with mayhem — this game is definitely for you.
Def Jam Fight for NY
Requirements: PlayStation 2 console
Rating: 90%
Contact: GameStop 01-813 5350
10/01/05
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