Def Jam Brings Musical Fight to Next-Gen
Rappers and hip-hop? A perfect match if you're EA. First screens of the new game for next-gen.
Melding hip-hop and fighting may seem like an odd idea for a game series but that hasn't held back EA's rapper-blessed Def Jam series from bloodying a few noses. With two games already done for current consoles, EA's development studio in Chicago is aiming bigger for the next-gen debut of the series.
Def Jam: Icon is being pushed as an evolution of the series, thanks to more dynamic environments and more emphasis on hip-hop, whether that's infusing the game with hip-hop culture or giving the gameplay something of a musical twist. The game is coming to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 next year courtesy of Kudo Tsunoda, a veteran of the Fight Night series.
Tsunoda says the game will use dynamic environments that react to not only the actions of the combatants but also the music that permeates the entire game. Exactly how is still unclear, but Tsunoda says it will "change the way fighting games are played".
The full line-up of rapping fighters hasn't been confirmed, but Ludacris, T.I. and Big Boi will be there.
Def Jam: Icon will be out for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 next March.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo
Satoru Iwata Video Interview - the late Nintendo president spoke with Kikizo in 2004 as 'Nintendo Revolution' loomed.
Kaz Hirai Video Interview - the first of Kikizo's interviews with the man who went on to become global head of Sony.
Ed Fries Video Interview - one of Xbox's founders discusses an epic journey from Excel to Xbox.
Yu Suzuki, the Kikizo Interview - we spend time with one of gaming's most revered creators.
Tetris - The Making of an Icon: Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers reveal the fascinating story behind Tetris
Rare founders, Chris and Tim Stamper - their only interview? Genuinely 'rare' sit down with founders of the legendary studio.
The History of First-Person Shooters - a retrospective, from Maze War to Modern Warfare