Def Jam Vendetta

 PlayStation 2
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
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  1. GabePhoenix
    Mar 7, 2022
    5
    I went in expecting something like Fight for NY (since it was part of my childhood), and I discovered one of the most button-mashing, controller-breaking, frustatingly difficult games I've ever played.

    The controls are horrible; The upgrades make no true changes to the game. Plus, they're not even explained; what the **** is charisma for?? The camera during tag team matches is    I went in expecting something like Fight for NY (since it was part of my childhood), and I discovered one of the most button-mashing, controller-breaking, frustatingly difficult games I've ever played.

    The controls are horrible;
    The upgrades make no true changes to the game. Plus, they're not even explained; what the **** is charisma for??
    The camera during tag team matches is horrible; a total clusterf*ck;
    Lacks a decent tutorial;
    The story is stupid, and nothing especial. Plus, it treats females like mindless, sex-driven, dirty little sluts who fight over men they haven't even seen before.

    The graphics are really good, by the way, considering the year it came out, and props for even having a story mode to begin with; a really uncommon feature in fighting games back then. Plus, there's a big roster of wrestlers you can have fun with, in case you actually enjoy this game. And, of course, a good amount of modes and arenas, despite the fact you can't interact in a lot of different ways with them, as they're all just square WWE rings. You can, of course, do the usual: climb up the turnbuckle, use the ropes, etc.

    I do know alot of people like this title, but my time in it was filled by frustration and the need to just get it done.

    Despite it's many positive reviews, I believe this is an irritating experience.

    I really wish I liked it, but due to it's absurd difficulty level (Medium), and frustrating controls, I couldn't.

    A MEDIOCRE game at best.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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]
  2. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    The key to Vendetta's success (I mean, seriously, rappers wrestling?) is that it's fast, fluid, and features an almost perfectly balanced wrestling engine. [Apr 2003, p.86]
  3. Eurogamer
    30
    This is the first time EA BIG have gotten the mix between style and substance truly wrong. But that's what you get for listening to the marketing department - and not the gamers.
    Read full review
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