What's the best way to go about solving the problems associated with gang violence and the glorification of such activities within hip-hop culture? Ignore it and it'll go away? Or how about basing a video game on such exploits? We'll gleefully take the latter, as provided by EA Canada and developer AKI. If you're a spotty herbert with a penchant for rap and like to dish out virtual beatings via a game controller, step forward, Def Jam Vendetta is here.

Def Jam Vendetta's storyline goes li ... more >>

What's the best way to go about solving the problems associated with gang violence and the glorification of such activities within hip-hop culture? Ignore it and it'll go away? Or how about basing a video game on such exploits? We'll gleefully take the latter, as provided by EA Canada and developer AKI. If you're a spotty herbert with a penchant for rap and like to dish out virtual beatings via a game controller, step forward, Def Jam Vendetta is here.

Def Jam Vendetta's storyline goes like this: players test their skills in an arcade-style, underground fight club circuit, as they attempt to totally crush and humiliate their opponents. With each win, the player earns more money, more power, and more respect. Some of the combative features seen in Def Jam Vendetta are unique to the game, such as the 'momentum and health' system. This little tweak means that the better you fare in battle, the more likely you are to go on doing well as you progress. Not performing well swings the pendulum the other way. It all sounds too simple, but the fact is that if you start to suffer, you really have to play like a demon to turn things around. There are plenty of signature moves and gnarly fighting techniques to master to help you through the game, such as reverse kicks, elbow blocks and knee bunts, and they all derive from genuine Def Jam recording artists. Intros, voice-overs and victory sequences have been provided by selected playaz from the label roster. You may well get a fat lip from Ludacris, and Ghostface Killah might slap you about a bit, with the authentic Def Jam soundtrack turning and churning in the background with the appropriate breaks and beats.

Game modes include Story mode, wherein players work the circuit and encounter an array of characters. Story mode eventually takes the player to a final showdown with their worst enemy, D-Mob; Survival mode is where you take on all-comers, one after the other, until you can either take no more or you prevail; and Exhibition is where you can learn to fight hard and fast in a one-on-one. Tag Team, Free-for-all and Handicap options are also available to make things last a little longer. Get a friend or two on board and start to kick one another's bottoms is what we recommend.

Suffice to say that if the kind of music you like is heavy on beats and braggadocio, and you prefer your gameplay rough and tough, Def Jam Vendetta lets you party for your right to fight. << less