2004s Def Jam: Fight For NY was the sequel to Def Jam Vendetta and would build on a core of wrestling style-fighting with other disciplines such as kickboxing, street fighting, submissions and martial arts. This game had hip-hop at its core not only was its soundtrack comprised entirely of classics from the genre but would also feature many esteemed rappers as playable fighters. Some notable fighters making appearances in the game would include Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dog, Fat Joe, Ghostface Killah, Ludacris, Redman, Sean Paul, Warren G and Xzibit as well as some rather questionable appearances from Carmen Electra, Shawnna and Kimora Lee as potential girlfriends. Though this dubious depiction of hip-hop stars as lethal fighters might make the game series sound like a gigantic gimmick, it is actually extremely playable with some awesome interactive environments to use against your opponents. Indeed, the game would receive a fair amount of critical praise for its improvements of the original with new fighting styles adding an additional layer of depth. Moreover, the games Story Mode is deceptively enjoyable, as you take an unknown fighter up through the ranks of New Yorks underground fight scene.
Hailing from South East London, Sam Heard is an aspiring writer and recent graduate from the University of Warwick. Sam's favourite things include energy drinks, late nights spent watching the UFC with his girlfriend and annihilating his friends at FIFA.
