Reader Reviews
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Def Jam Vendetta (PS2)
by DDevil
Def Jam Vendetta is the latest wrestling game to be developed by AKI, creators of the fantastic ''WCW/nWo Revenge'' on N64. Taking their game engine that was last seen in those games, EA Sports have given it their BIG work over.
The story is very basic, you chose one of four heroes and fight to the top, but the game takes the same path no matter your choice. There is also a survival mode and standard multiplayer options (one on one, tag and free-for-all), there are not many game modes and to make matters worse, you can't edit the moves.
The controls are simple but effective, with one strike and one grapple button, which are both used in a variety of ways, all easy to understand. With these two buttons, it's possible to do plenty of attacks (changing with how long the button is pressed) add two more buttons for counters and blocks and you've got the meat of the game.
As you fight, and inflict damage on your opponent your ''momentum'' meter rises and when it's filled it flashes and you can enter ''blazin''' mode, when in this mode grappling your opponent and tapping the right analogue stick will perform your special move. If your enemies health bar is low enough, this will KO them. You can also work on body parts, until they can't stand the pain and submit (usually accompanied by a superb bone cracking sound) or you can try and pin them for a three-count. As there's no DQ or count out, it really is last man standing.
The sound and graphics though are nothing special; it's all colourful enough and sounds OK, but by no means anything special. I do like the cartoon style look of the fighters though, as it fits in nicely with the game as a whole.
Vendetta is a good, enjoyable game; it's got a fair few flaws but nothing game ruining. WWE SmackDown! this is not, but its good fun all the same.