Def Jam: Icon

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 38
  3. Negative: 3 out of 38
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  1. PGNx Media
    88
    Def Jam: ICON successfully combines the label-management career mode and surprisingly deep fighting. This, coupled with great graphics, interactive environments, and a killer soundtrack, make ICON an easy game to recommend.
  2. PSM Magazine
    85
    Overall, Icon is an incredible first effort that feels like there just wasn't enough time to fully flesh out every feature, but got the core concept nailed. [Apr 2007, p.76]
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  3. Digital Entertainment News
    85
    While it still very much feels like a sequel, everything is bigger, better, and more stylish. In the end, Def Jam: Icon manages to feel like a fresh experience instead of more of the same.
  5. Gamers' Temple
    82
    Icon is an average fighting game but the graphics, style, and interesting use of music make it more entertaining than I thought possible.
  6. GameSpot
    81
    Def Jam: Icon plays well enough, but it really shines thanks to its crazy story and healthy roster.
  7. Kombo
    81
    Build a label mode seems generally linear, but it is well thought out and features an excellent cast.
  8. Pelit (Finland)
    80
    A beat 'em up that is both pretty and a lot of fun with interesting music-related gameplay ideas. The controls are a bit too complicated for a beat 'em up, though. And where has the 4-player game gone? [Mar 2007]
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  9. GameZone
    80
    Its graphics are unprecedented, with gameplay and camera tricks that could not have been pulled off (in this form) in the previous generation. Hardcore fighting fans, however, are likely to be disappointed – and in the long run, turned off – by the lack of multiplayer enthusiasm.
  10. Hardcore Gamer
    80
    Icon is a fun ride, but it's got some pretty deep shoes to fill. It is fun and the music features are pretty cool, so give it a look. [Apr 2007, p.46]
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  11. Play UK
    79
    Feels like an unfulfilled promise, a game that could have been great but quite happily settled for being good. It's a real shame when you consider how much fun the opening hours are and multiplayer is. [Issue #151, p.88]
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  12. Game Informer
    78
    After a while, the recycled environments and repetitive battles start to feel like a chore rather than a reward. [Mar 2007, p.96]
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  13. Gamer 2.0
    77
    Hip-hop fans will almost certainly have one hell of a time with this game, with the focus on building label and the extensive soundtrack.
  14. Game Revolution
    75
    Building a Label isn’t deep, but it’s fun and silly, the engine makes for some nail biting fights, everything looks great, and the musically-timed catastrophes are worth the price of admission alone.
  15. Detroit Free Press
    75
    It's just two hairs short of a masterpiece. EA and Def Jam have set the bar really high for fighting games.

Awards & Rankings

64
#64 Best PS3 Game of 2007
48
#48 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2007
62
#62 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
4.1

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 52 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 52
  3. Negative: 30 out of 52
  1. Marxowski
    Oct 8, 2017
    0
    Atrocious game. I would rather spend 48 hours listening to Justin Bieber’s “Baby” on a loop than spending a single minute playing this dullAtrocious game. I would rather spend 48 hours listening to Justin Bieber’s “Baby” on a loop than spending a single minute playing this dull and boring game. They should’ve made a Def Jam Fight for NY remaster for the PS3 rather than making whatever tf this game is... Now we’re talking about remasters; I’m still sitting here waiting for the Def Jam Fight for NY remaster for the PS4!… Full Review »
  2. BlakkSteel
    Aug 8, 2023
    6
    This was made during the period where EA hit the 52 Fake Out on audiences long waiting on new entries to their beloved "BIG" series of games,This was made during the period where EA hit the 52 Fake Out on audiences long waiting on new entries to their beloved "BIG" series of games, & rolled out a couple of severely half-baked games. NBA Street & the Def Jam fighting series were huge winners on the previous generation. These games, especially this one, were massive disappointments. Lazy cash-in efforts.… Full Review »
  3. The_D4RknesS
    Aug 26, 2022
    1
    O What the developers had in mind when they invented producing this crap
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