Def Jam Vendetta

 PlayStation 2
Def Jam Vendetta Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 57 Ratings

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  • 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 thatIt'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]… Expand
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Def Jam Vendetta Movie 6

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
  1. Cincinnati Enquirer
    100
    Electronic Arts deserves kudos for breathing new life into the aging fighting genre with this title's fresh approach.
  2. GamePro
    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.
  3. TotalGames.net
    87
    It’s a fast and furious blast that should appeal to all grapple fans. Now how’s about giving us 80’s Metal Vendetta next, EA?
  4. PSX Nation
    80
    A tongue-in-cheek and over-the-top brawler that conclusively proves wrestling games can be fun when gameplay and quality control take precedence over star power or licenses.
  5. GamingWorld X
    78
    While the lack of gameplay variety may not be enough to budge the giant that is the current crop of WWE wrestling games, Def Jam Vendetta certainly manages to hold its own.
  6. Cheat Code Central
    70
    I can honestly say that as far as wrestling games go this one is pretty darn decent. It's due to the grappling engine and the excellent graphics and animation.
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Eurogamer
    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.

See all 33 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Danksoft
    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 likeI 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… Expand
  2. AlexD.
    Apr 30, 2003
    10
    This Game is so cool.
  4. JeromeW.
    Mar 19, 2003
    10
    The demo is kick ass - Only AKI knows wrestling games... The best there is, and will be!!!
  5. RACINO
    May 26, 2003
    10
    THIS GAME IS THE SH*T. Even if u dont like wrestlin games theres so many characters with different fightin styles ule find ureself luvin it THIS GAME IS THE SH*T. Even if u dont like wrestlin games theres so many characters with different fightin styles ule find ureself luvin it in no time. Theres nuthin like piss*in on ure mates in a 3-1 handikap by kickin dem 50 ft into tha air. If nething tha finishin moves make tha game. Get to BLAZIN and ure likely to break da arms, necks and balls of ure opponent with tha touch of a button! This is truly incredible and i aint even mentioned the graphics and soundtrack.… Expand
  6. gamefriek
    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 theI 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.… Expand
  7. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Mar 6, 2023
    8
    This hip hop-themed wrestling game from AKI was the only one I ever owned. While the 'T' rating and lack of content held it back from reachingThis hip hop-themed wrestling game from AKI was the only one I ever owned. While the 'T' rating and lack of content held it back from reaching its full potential, "Vendetta" still delivered great fun. One of the better fighting games on the PS2. I would rate this with an 8.4 out of 10.… Expand
  8. GabePhoenix
    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,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.    … Expand

See all 30 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Best PS2 Game of 2003
54
#54 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003