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Def Jam Vendetta

Generally favorable reviews
Based on 22 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 10 votes
Read user comments
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Game Info
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Aki Corporation - EA Canada
Genre(s): Wrestling, Fighting, Sports
Players: 4
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: April 1, 2003
Summary
It'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 scene, your past comes back to haunt you. Soon you're over your head and your only chance to get your life back together is to settle a score that has gone too long unpaid. [Electronic Arts]
Also On Metacritic
GAMES: Def Jam Fight for NY
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central Game Revolution
Also On The Web: GameSpy Preview Official Website
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
GamePro
More than just a port of a PlayStation 2 fighting gameits a port of a very good PlayStation 2 fighting game... The GameCube version suffers a bit on a few fronts, most notably its controls and graphics.
Read Full Review >Electric Playground
I don't listen to rap music and I know very little about it, but I am enthralled by this game's easy control; wild over-the-top moves; and enjoyable story mode.
Read Full Review >IGN
When it comes to two-player action, you'll be hard-pressed to find a smoother, slicker slobber knocker than this wrestler... The highest rated wrestling game on the site.
Read Full Review >Game Over Online
Theres a ton of replay value with the numerous game modes, and the computer opponents can always be counted on for a challenge, especially with the expansive number of moves for each fighter.
Read Full Review >Game Informer
It may not have the depth that wrestling fans expect - such as character creation, gimmick matches, or the largest assortment of moves - but the fundamentals of play are of a much higher quality than any other game in the genre. [Apr 2003, p.88]
Nintendojo
The stunning graphics, superb sound and beautifully addictive gameplay are several of the factors that make this a great game.
Read Full Review >GameZone
A vicious high-adrenaline wrestling/street fighting game that defies conventional brawler concepts while managing to one up its nearest WWE competition in terms of style and gameplay.
Read Full Review >GamingTrend
This game is beautiful to control, I just wish I could have a more broad story mode so I can play as the rappers or the other wrestlers instead of just 4 made up ones.
Read Full Review >Armchair Empire
If youre a fan of the wrestling genre, Def Jam Vendetta is just what the doctor ordered.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
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.
Read Full Review >Into Liquid Sky
While the lack of extra modes or the theme of the game may turn some people off, most everyone else should enjoy the game.
Read Full Review >GameShark
There's no denying that DJV is an awesome game with a lot of flash, charisma, style and action.
Read Full Review >Yahoo! Games
Perhaps the best thing that Def Jam Vendetta has going for it, though, is its attitude. The developers took this idea and ran with it, a tactic that makes story mode as engaging as a B movie.
Read Full Review >Play Magazine
Def Jam Vendetta is extremely violent (and I mean that in the most positive way).
GameCube Europe
AKI certainly succeded in making a fun wrestling game. On top of that, theyve managed to keep it completely free of ridiculous men wearing tights.
Read Full Review >GameSpy
Even with all its flaws, Def Jam Vendetta is the best wrestling game currently on the market.
Read Full Review >Nintendo Power
The inventive momentum-building feature helps keep matches exciting and victory within reach. [June 2003, p.137]
GMR Magazine
One of the fastest-paced, most exciting wrestling games we've ever played... [But] effectively dealing with multiple opponents is highly problematic. [Apr 2003, p.70]
Game Revolution
Unfortunately, Def Jam drops the mic again by not providing any sort of Character Creator.
Read Full Review >Gaming Age
It's with a sigh of unfufilled expectations and through clenched teeth that I say Def Jam Vendetta is the best US wrestler this generation.
Read Full Review >Gamezilla!
During the mulitplayer portion of the game, I also encountered some pretty big design flaws, which you might call bugs, but I hesitate to do so. A tag team match can't be ended the normal ways each time, and I've played with three of my friends for a half hour or more without being able to end a single match.
Read Full Review >Entertainment Weekly
When all is said and done, Vendetta is an uninspired wrestling title that lacks Def Jam's trademark sheen. [21 Mar 2003, p.120]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 8.8 (out of 10) based on 10 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
[Anonymous] gave it a 10:
This game rock i heard about it by my friend and when i played it i started to love rap. This games only mistake that i noticed was when your player does a ground grapple it looks like part of your player is going into the opponets body. My 2 Faves are Method Man and Ghostface Killah.
Frosty da black man gave it a 10:
The sh*t...this game is.
Koala gave it a 10:
Best Game Ever!
[Anonymous] gave it a 10:
This game is the sh*t.
Patrick O. gave it an 8:
It rocks hard and the gameplay rules, and the characteers are cool to.
[Anonymous] gave it a 10:
This game is hot.
