58
When all is said and done, Vendetta is an uninspired wrestling title that lacks Def Jam's trademark sheen. [21 Mar 2003, p.120]
80
The key to Vendetta's success (I mean, seriously, rappers <I>wrestling?</I>) is that it's fast, fluid, and features an almost perfectly balanced wrestling engine. [Apr 2003, p.86]
30
This is the first time EA BIG have gotten the mix between style and substance truly wrong. But that's what you get for listening to the marketing department - and not the gamers.
8
It's a weird premise; a wrestling game with hip-hop stars, but it works. This is one of the most enjoyable fighting games on the PlayStation 2. It's an arcade-style brawler that is more accessible than the WWE titles. "Def Jam" features 46 playable characters and a lengthy story mode in which you level up your chosen fighter. One of the most notable features is the "Blazin" special move. It is an over-the-top attack that is similar to the fatalities in "Mortal Kombat". While the game is lacking in modes and has a tame 'T' rating, it's still a worthy action title. I would rate it with an 8.4 out of 10.
9
After completing Def Jam Fight For NY I might as well try to play the first previous Def Jam video game title called Def Jam Vendetta. Unlike the second game, which has no character creation for the story mode I get to choose 4 protagonists in the story mode which are Briggs, Proof, Spider, and Tank. Each has its own look, fighting style, and backstory. But somehow despite having to pick any of the four characters. Their own story just completely remains the same. Meaning that it only shows nothing but copy-paste cut scenes instead of showing the proper perspective of any of the protagonist's side of the story. As for the gameplay, it is very difficult to control because it does not have the same controls as Def Jam Fight For NY. But thankfully there is a tutorial option in the monument I can understand the controls. When playing the game with multiple fights I have been I was unsure if it was either the controls of the game or just me. Because the more I proceed with the story the harder the fights that I have been. Turns out that I have only normal difficulty this whole time. So technically it's just me. Because my hands were very painful fighting every opponent I defeated which looks more like a workout. Either way, this is another one of those great Def Jam Games that I would recommend. It's best to play the first game before playing the second.
8
Might be the only wrestling game i actually like. I remember having a lot of fun playing it with friends.
Def Jam Vendetta
PlayStation 2
Released On:
Mar 31, 2003
Metascore
Generally Favorable
80
User score
Generally Favorable
7.7
My Score
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
70% Positive
23 Reviews
23 Reviews
27% Mixed
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
3% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
100
Electronic Arts deserves kudos for breathing new life into the aging fighting genre with this title's fresh approach.
90
At once the best wrestling game in years, an awesome showcase for some damn good hip-hop, and an example of what can happen when a game company takes a chance.
User score
Generally Favorable
73% Positive
30 Ratings
30 Ratings
20% Mixed
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
7% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
Mar 31, 2018
10
I still play the game to this day the first time i played it was on gamecube to me this game is better then tekken tag tournament but i like that game too i still own it i am 13 years old so yea
Sep 13, 2023
9
After completing Def Jam Fight For NY I might as well try to play the first previous Def Jam video game title called Def Jam Vendetta. Unlike the second game, which has no character creation for the story mode I get to choose 4 protagonists in the story mode which are Briggs, Proof, Spider, and Tank. Each has its own look, fighting style, and backstory. But somehow despite having to pick any of the four characters. Their own story just completely remains the same. Meaning that it only shows nothing but copy-paste cut scenes instead of showing the proper perspective of any of the protagonist's side of the story. As for the gameplay, it is very difficult to control because it does not have the same controls as Def Jam Fight For NY. But thankfully there is a tutorial option in the monument I can understand the controls. When playing the game with multiple fights I have been I was unsure if it was either the controls of the game or just me. Because the more I proceed with the story the harder the fights that I have been. Turns out that I have only normal difficulty this whole time. So technically it's just me. Because my hands were very painful fighting every opponent I defeated which looks more like a workout. Either way, this is another one of those great Def Jam Games that I would recommend. It's best to play the first game before playing the second.
84
As a wrestling game, Def Jam Vendetta manages to succeed on most every level, providing surprisingly deep gameplay, quality graphics and sound, and a distinctive atmosphere.
80
Every fighter is incredibly big and extremely detailed. The animations are silky smooth and the combos just seem to meld into one another seamlessly. [Apr 2003, p.60]
77
While the story line has fewer twists than a breadstick, the game is addictive because the balanced fighting engine keeps every battle interesting. [Apr 2003, p.114]
67
Unfortunately, Def Jam drops the mic again by not providing any sort of Character Creator.
30
This is the first time EA BIG have gotten the mix between style and substance truly wrong. But that's what you get for listening to the marketing department - and not the gamers.
Mar 16, 2019
9
A delightful game and one of my favorites on ps2. Very cool soundtracks. I passed it about 2-3 times for each of the four characters. But most fun to play with a friend.
Aug 12, 2010
9
I remember when I first started to play videogames, thiswas one of the first games that I ever played, and I have to say, it is one of the most entertaining fighting games ever to come out for the PS2.
Mar 19, 2024
8
It's a weird premise; a wrestling game with hip-hop stars, but it works. This is one of the most enjoyable fighting games on the PlayStation 2. It's an arcade-style brawler that is more accessible than the WWE titles. "Def Jam" features 46 playable characters and a lengthy story mode in which you level up your chosen fighter. One of the most notable features is the "Blazin" special move. It is an over-the-top attack that is similar to the fatalities in "Mortal Kombat". While the game is lacking in modes and has a tame 'T' rating, it's still a worthy action title. I would rate it with an 8.4 out of 10.
Aug 22, 2023
8
Might be the only wrestling game i actually like. I remember having a lot of fun playing it with friends.
Mar 7, 2022
5
I went in expecting something like Fight for NY (since it was part of my childhood), and I discovered one of the most button-mashing, controller-breaking, frustatingly difficult games I've ever played. The controls are horrible; The upgrades make no true changes to the game. Plus, they're not even explained; what the **** is charisma for?? The camera during tag team matches is horrible; a total clusterf*ck; Lacks a decent tutorial; The story is stupid, and nothing especial. Plus, it treats females like mindless, sex-driven, dirty little sluts who fight over men they haven't even seen before. The graphics are really good, by the way, considering the year it came out, and props for even having a story mode to begin with; a really uncommon feature in fighting games back then. Plus, there's a big roster of wrestlers you can have fun with, in case you actually enjoy this game. And, of course, a good amount of modes and arenas, despite the fact you can't interact in a lot of different ways with them, as they're all just square WWE rings. You can, of course, do the usual: climb up the turnbuckle, use the ropes, etc. I do know alot of people like this title, but my time in it was filled by frustration and the need to just get it done. Despite it's many positive reviews, I believe this is an irritating experience. I really wish I liked it, but due to it's absurd difficulty level (Medium), and frustrating controls, I couldn't. A MEDIOCRE game at best.
SummaryIt's been three years since D-Mob chased you out of the New York fight circuit and you swore you'd never go back. Now your pal Manny is in trouble and he needs you to bail him out. The plan is simple: get in, win a few fights, pay off his debt, get out. No problem. Well, it turns out that things aren't as easy as they appear. Once in the... Read More
Rated Tfor Teen
Platforms:
- GameCube
- PlayStation 2
Initial Release Date:Mar 31, 2003
Developer:
Publisher:EA Sports Big
