Gameplay: 5
Graphics: 8
Sound: 7.5
Replay: 7
Multiplayer: Yes (4)

Electronic Arts is a big company with a big problem. They use their big name to make crappy games and have them sell well. Ok, ok, I'll admit there have been some good games along the way, but it's not often, and when there is a good game they franchise it like crazy and pop out expansion packs faster than you can count them. Now EA is venturing into new areas and have touched down in the fighting genre. Def Jam Vendetta is a whole new type of fighting game, but it that a good thing or a bad thing?

Well, if Def Jam Vendetta was the only fighter available for the consoles then I would say it was a good thing and this is a good game. But due to the fact that there are other, much better, fighting games available this is just the usual work of EA. A hum-drum game wrapped in a spectacular package. Sadly, I don't see EA deciding to change anytime soon. As long as it works they misewell just keep making average games and let their name sell the game for them.

The gameplay is the biggest disappointment with this game. The characters are all rappers and most are fairly skinny people, but the speed of the gameplay makes it feel as if they are all sumo wrestlers. They misewell be strapping on some jockstraps and sumo suits and go at it. The game just runs at a very slow pace. Moving around the ring seems to take forever. But that is not the biggest problem.

The main problem with the gameplay is with the moves themselves. For one, the computer cheats...a lot. But beyond that, the gameplay is just really cheap. Use the same move over and over again. Knock your opponent down. Wait for him to get up. Keep hitting him. Oh, and if he finally hits you, he'll do the same. I mean, it gets old after a while. It reminds me of the old Mortal Kombat games. Just keep pressing one button the whole time and hope you win. It's pathetic.

Graphically this game isn't anything special. The characters look pretty good. They are decently modeled when it comes to facial features and clothes. The backgrounds look very good and are active with people cheering, etc. There is just a lot going on and it all looks pretty good. The graphics is definately the upside to this game. It's too bad the same effort wasn't put into the other aspects of the game.

Sound wise this game is pretty solid. All of the rappers' voices are done by the real people of course. They all have their own lines and talk a good deal of smack while stepping into the ring. Some of the stuff they say is pretty hilarious. The musical score is good as well if you like rap/hip hop. Naturally, since the game is based around rappers the music is going to be the same.

There is some replay to be found here if you actually manage to like the game. A good deal to unlock from fighters to arenas. And if you also happen to find a friend who likes the game, or even three then you can have yourself some pretty fun brawls. If you love fighters I would recommend looking elsewhere first, but if you must try this just give it a rental. Don't be too disappointed. I warned you.