Def Jam Vendetta. (PS2, Gamecube).(video game review)(Brief Article)

Video Business, March, 2003 by Gibson, Jon M.

Alternative Sports, T, $49.99 Available March 18 EA BIG Gameplay: Sporting 45 characters (12 of whom are Def Jam artists, including DMX, Ludacris, Method Man, Redman and Funkmaster Flex) and a soundtrack to match, Def Jam Vendetta isn't light on material in the hip-hop department.

It's also a clever ring-combat brawler, enhanced by more than 1,500 unique moves, signature attacks for each fighter, upgradeable attributes (purchasable with prize money) and a multiplayer mode for up to four buddies. Bottom Line: The outreach from enthusiast game magazines has been outrageous for this one. Coupled with EA's always generous marketing support, Vendetta is a hype-infused release-whether you're hip-hop fan or not.