Def Jam: Icon

"Did it live up to the hype?"

I am a big fan of the Def Jam games. The first time I saw the trailer and screenshot of the game it blew my mind away. Def Jam moves on to the next gen. After changing the gameplay of the game I must say it was a awful.

Note: I don't have XBL so I am not going to put any thoughts on it.

Gameplay 7/10

The point of the game was the fighting. Like in previous Def Jam games the fighting system was superb. Icon switches it up by removing the grappling and focusing more on punches and kicks. There are times when it gets frustrating when you press any of the buttons and it responds late to it. The fighting is slow and there is no running in the game. Once they are thrown across the other side of the level you have to walk to them and continue to beat on them or vice versa. They also used the right analog stick where you get more stronger hits with it than the buttons. It was a good concept but not great.

EA decided to use a new system in which you hold the L trigger and move the analog sticks in a counter or clockwise as if you were spinning on turntables. Your going to need to use this in order to apply heavy damage on your enemy. You basically throw your enemy into the hazards in the level then you scratch and watch them get thrown all over the place. Also it lets you change the music when you play the game. They did an okay job with this feature hopefully if they decide to make a new game they can improve on this feature.

Graphics 9/10

They did a tremendous job in the game. The characters in the game look
outstanding. The tattoos on some of the rappers look like there real life counterpart. The levels in the game look tremendous you get a couple of night clubs, a gas station, 106 & Park stage, etc.

Sound 9/10

One of the most important factors in this game is the music. The game is hip hop orientated so you'll get some of the recent songs in the game and some that are few years old. In this game before you fight you choose a song, once you play the game it either plays your song or your enemy. So you have you use the turntable feature to play your song. Eventually it goes back and forth with it.

Replay Value 7/10

Build a Label, is where you build yourself up in the industry and you recruit rappers in the game. Once you win a couple of fights you are able to purchase clothes, shoes, tattoos, etc. Dress up your character.

Closing Thoughts....

Rent before purchasing this game. If your a fan of fighting games this might disappoint you but if you enjoy hip hop this game should please you. Did EA take all of Method Man and Redmans supply when they made this game?

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 03/12/07