Eletronic Arts released these 4 first images of Def Jam: Icon, the first next-gen episode of this fighting game series.
Official announcement:
EA ANNOUNCES DEF JAM: ICON FOR PLAYSTATION 3 AND XBOX 360 EA Chicago, the Creator of the Acclaimed EA SPORTS Fight Night Franchise, Partners with Def Jam Interactive to Redefine Hip-hop, Music and Fighting Games
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – October 18, 2006 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS), in partnership with Def Jam Interactive, announced today that DEF JAM: ICON™ will be released for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system in March 2007 in North America and Europe. Infusing hip-hop music, culture and lifestyle into the gameplay, EA Chicago and urban lifestyle powerhouse Def Jam Interactive, continue to push the boundaries of game development bringing unique and innovative content to the next generation of gaming.
“Music is the cornerstone of hip-hop culture so we wanted to incorporate music and rhythm into the actual gameplay mechanics,” said Kudo Tsunoda, executive producer and General Manager of EA Chicago. “In DEF JAM: ICON, we are changing the way fighting games are played! We are completely innovating the role of the environments in the games, moving from the typical lifeless arenas the hip-hop celebrities are fighting in to environments that play an instrumental part in the fight where they will react to the music and interact with both characters like a third fighter.”
EA Chicago is delivering star-stunning action and bone breaking beats as players live out the life of a hip hop mogul, going from rags to riches. Incorporating hip-hop culture into every aspect of the game, DEF JAM: ICON will deliver the intensity of a no-holds-barred street fight but with style and rhythm. Music will effect how players fight in each venue and environmental interactions and hazards will become a key strategy to staying alive.
EA Chicago’s unique fighting gameplay controls introduce a new way for gamers to fight as they assume the role of top celebrity characters such as Ludacris, T.I. and Big Boi. Innovative controls give better feedback to players so they feel like they’re actually throwing the combat moves. Gamers can now fight with the style and flash of the superstar personalities.
“The Def Jam Interactive – EA relationship has expanded into a new frontier with EA Chicago’s breakthrough technology. We have worked very closely with the team to ensure that authentic hip-hop culture and lifestyle permeates through every part of the product. DEF JAM: ICON will guarantee the ultimate combination of a real hip-hop experience and revolutionary fighting gameplay,” said Lauren Wirtzer, VP Marketing, Def Jam Enterprises.
DEF JAM: ICON is scheduled to ship in March 2007 for the PLAYSTATION®3 system and Xbox 360™. DEF JAM: ICON has not yet been rated by PEGI or the USK.
All comments (50)
Commented on 2006-10-18 22:51:54I love innovation, but judging on what i have seen so far, the game would be better off without... i mean, i could get sea sick while playing a fighting game!
Commented on 2006-10-18 22:56:28
Commented on 2006-10-18 23:05:15Infact, this is the only fighting game I enjoyed playing for years, looking forwar to the next one...
Commented on 2006-10-18 23:09:00
Commented on 2006-10-18 23:15:03I'm glad they're doing something with the background, all the areas before were so boring, if they were just fighting on a black screen it would be about the same. Making it move with the music is a good way to make it seem more alive.
I just hope they up the roster of rappers, I want Rick Ross vs Freeway in a Beard Brawl.
Commented on 2006-10-18 23:23:14
Commented on 2006-10-19 00:35:59
Commented on 2006-10-19 01:17:43looking forward to this game
Commented on 2006-10-19 02:16:01
Commented on 2006-10-19 03:41:08
Commented on 2006-10-19 04:29:20 In reply to Eddy186EA sports in particular is the shit member of the group not the other guys
Commented on 2006-10-19 05:24:42
Commented on 2006-10-19 05:32:50BTW: This game really does put a new spin on the term chop shop doesnt it for those cars LOL
Commented on 2006-10-19 06:59:45
Commented on 2006-10-19 08:48:48http://www.gamevideos.com/video/id/6937
Commented on 2006-10-19 11:15:13edit: was wondering those buildings too. First I thought there has been earthquake what has fucked up the surroundings. But wtf is wrong whit that sliced car? Deffinetly sounds like stupid innovation, but I guess surroundings dont matter. Previous DJ got superior gameplay where allmost everything in surroundings could be used as wapon. 2 vs 2 matches were truly great fun to humiliate enemies whit your friend doing nasty moves together. Hopefully there is decent LIVE support this time so I can go and bash stupid kiddies trough jukebox head first :)
Commented on 2006-10-19 11:26:34
Commented on 2006-10-19 17:22:01 In reply to Eddy186
Commented on 2006-10-19 19:00:49
Commented on 2006-10-20 15:06:25
Commented on 2006-10-20 20:52:52ps the whole building moving thing could be wierd, but we'll see...
Commented on 2006-10-21 07:24:03
Commented on 2006-10-21 23:11:46"You can use the DJ turntable control button to scratch, and trigger the beat that will set of an explosion"...?!
That makes NO sense at all, that's just pathetic!
They are so trying to make it "cool", it's completely missing it's goal...
Buildings moving to the beat, "cool" DJ-scratches, no more grappling and stuff like that?
What a waste..!
Commented on 2006-10-22 12:22:36 In reply to Jato
Commented on 2006-10-22 12:34:19As it stands, I only have three requirements for Icons: it has to be fun, it has to feature online play via Live and they have to allow the use of custom soundtracks. If they succeed on all those fronts, then you know where you can find me next March (picking up at least two EA games Burnout 5 and DJ: Icons).