Def Jam Vendetta

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Games Radar
    72
    Compared to the all-powerful "SmackDown!" it gets pummelled into the canvas in terms of variety of moves and subtlety. (Relatively speaking, or course. Neither are exactly delicate games). [GamesMaster]
  2. Cheat Code Central
    70
    I can honestly say that as far as wrestling games go this one is pretty darn decent. It's due to the grappling engine and the excellent graphics and animation.
    All this publication's reviews
  3. GMR Magazine
    70
    One of the fastest-paced, most exciting wrestling games we've ever played... [But] effectively dealing with multiple opponents is highly problematic. [Apr 2003, p.70]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. netjak
    68
    As far as replay value is concerned, Def Jam: Vendetta has absolutely none. Zilch. Once you run through the story mode with the four playable characters, that pretty much ends it.
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Game Revolution
    67
    Unfortunately, Def Jam drops the mic again by not providing any sort of Character Creator.
  7. All Game Guide
    60
    A great looking game with a tried-and-true wrestling engine behind it. Unfortunately the modes of play and options are lacking, and casual fans only interested in the recording artists will quickly tire of the structured format.
  8. Village Voice
    60
    If only DMX could sic his pit bulls on you, Funkmaster Flex burst your eardrums ID'ing himself, or Redman burn you with a blunt.
  9. Entertainment Weekly
    58
    When all is said and done, Vendetta is an uninspired wrestling title that lacks Def Jam's trademark sheen. [21 Mar 2003, p.120]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. Cinescape
    58
    Maybe wrestling and rap will suit you more than me, or maybe it won’t.

Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Best PS2 Game of 2003
54
#54 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 59 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 59
  3. Negative: 4 out of 59
  1. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    8
    Might be the only wrestling game i actually like. I remember having a lot of fun playing it with friends.
  2. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Apr 2, 2023
    8
    This hip hop-themed wrestling game from AKI was the only one I ever owned. While the 'T' rating and lack of content held it back from reachingThis hip hop-themed wrestling game from AKI was the only one I ever owned. While the 'T' rating and lack of content held it back from reaching its full potential, "Vendetta" still delivered great fun. One of the better fighting games on the PS2. I would rate this with an 8.4 out of 10.… Full Review »
  3. ehtaco
    Aug 26, 2022
    8
    This game holds up amazingly well. Both as a fighting game and a wrestling game. It's better than it has any right to be. There are movesetThis game holds up amazingly well. Both as a fighting game and a wrestling game. It's better than it has any right to be. There are moveset issues, some annoying registry problems with reversals/blocks, but overall it's such an enjoyable experience. So bizarre that a wrestling game based around the early 2000s hip-hop scene is genuinely one of the better games in the genre maybe ever. And this isn't even the best one in the series. Worth going back to for sure.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »