Def Jam: Fight for NY

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 46
  3. Negative: 0 out of 46
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  1. games(TM)
    70
    A more solid, playable and visually splendid grappler than this will be hard to come by... If it weren’t for the fact that you can easily clock Story mode and unlock everything in a weekend, we’d have a much easier job recommending Fight For New York. [Nov 2004, p.108]
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  2. TotalGames.net
    70
    Sure, you can dress your fighter in all sorts of swish gear and blinging jewellery and Henry Rollins is on hand to teach you new 'Blazin' moves and generally improve your tactics, but once you've taken away all the gimmicks, you're left with what is still a very niche title.
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  3. Play.tm
    66
    The opponents seem to always outclass you, with the AI coming across as simplistic, relying instead on superior stats as opposed to any kind of impressive fighting prowess.
  5. GamerFeed
    60
    The gameplay is marred by the unforgiving AI that brutally destroys you whenever you gain just the slightest advantage. With that being said, Def Jam is at times more stressful than fun to play.
  6. PSX Nation
    60
    Not to mention, cheap AI, stiff controls, the "I can be beaten in a weekend" story mode, and an overload of psuedo-censored rap music hold this wrestler disguised as a street brawler back from being truly great.
  7. Play Magazine
    58
    New fighting styles, more weapons, added match types, rowdy crowds and some wicked, brutal environmental interactions help make up for the watered-down brawling. [Oct 2004, p.87]
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Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Best PS2 Game of 2004
14
#14 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004
12
#12 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 158 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 143 out of 158
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 158
  3. Negative: 8 out of 158
  1. 6ATOHbl4
    Feb 11, 2019
    10
    Good game. Very good game. Great game. Excellent game. Perfect game. A God's gift.
  2. Kervin619
    Sep 12, 2023
    10
    One of the most excellent hip-hop-influenced fighting ever made. Def Jam Fight For NY is something that we have never seen before and that weOne of the most excellent hip-hop-influenced fighting ever made. Def Jam Fight For NY is something that we have never seen before and that we have always needed. A fighting game with the crowds used as a weapon or a hazard, Satisfying environmental takedowns, and best of all it has one of the most brutal and painful Blazing Moves that are so unbelievable to look at and completely over the top and the best part in this game is character creation.

    But the weapons feel a little weirdly handled because they did not do takedowns and have little damage counts. However, this game did not stop becoming one of the best.

    The cast in Def Jam was really good and so is the story with their selves as alternate Def Jam Fight personas. While some really felt missing like Jervis and Starks.

    Still, this is the best game to recall your memories.    … Full Review »
  3. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    9
    I spent so many hours playing this by myself and with friends. I created so many characters and beat the main story mode using so manyI spent so many hours playing this by myself and with friends. I created so many characters and beat the main story mode using so many different kinds of combat style, basically tried absolutely everything this game had to offer... and keep coming back for more. It's a 10 for me, just a masterpiece.… Full Review »
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