Def Jam: Icon

 Xbox 360
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 48 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 48
  3. Negative: 2 out of 48
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  1. XboxAddict
    94
    The game’s music system puts game audio in a brand new light, making it an integral part of the action. The whole game seems to course in line with the music in a synergy that hasn’t been done, but definitely should be replicated.
  2. GameZone
    90
    A great entry to the series, combining a fluid control scheme, pulsating environments, and cool simulation features for the most comprehensive Def Jam title yet.
  3. Console Gameworld
    90
    DJ controls are surprisingly fun.
  5. PGNx Media
    88
    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.
  6. Armchair Empire
    85
    Spinning a new tune for the franchise, Def Jam ICON’s incredible graphics, a really fresh gameplay innovation, great hip-hop soundtrack, the ability to play to your own “beats” and solid online fighting come together in (Bone, Thugs-N) harmony.
  7. GameSpot
    81
    Def Jam: Icon plays well enough, but it really shines thanks to its crazy story mode and healthy roster.
  8. Planet Xbox 360
    81
    While the “DJ beat” system is not all it was cracked up to be, the deep story mode, destructible environments, and kick-ass soundtrack polish out the game quite well.
  9. 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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  10. Official Xbox Magazine
    80
    Fight for NY was a critical success, so EA has taken a curious risk by remixing the game's features and flow. [Apr 2007, p.84]
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  11. TeamXbox
    80
    In the end, Def Jam Icon is more like a bump-n-grind slow jam instead of the club banger that it should have been, but it still deserves merit.
  12. 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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  13. AceGamez
    80
    There are some minor drawbacks, but with its innovative fighting style, thumping tracks and visual excellence, Def Jam: Icon offers some fresh new school flava that you really have to savour with your neighbour.
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  14. GamePro
    80
    But as pretty as the game is, and as great as the soundtrack might be, the game's real draw lies in the eight amazingly detailed rumble locations. [Apr 2007, p.83]
  15. AtomicGamer
    78
    While the environments, sound effects and music are some of the best that I’ve seen in a next-gen game yet, I can’t say the same thing for the fighting system that seems to lack variety.
  16. 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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  17. 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.
  18. 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.

Awards & Rankings

93
#93 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2007
42
#42 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2007
57
#57 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
6.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 111 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 57 out of 111
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 111
  3. Negative: 40 out of 111
  1. FeerFrikazus
    Sep 10, 2017
    5
    Un juego de combate muy normalito, el combate es original pero no es gran cosa, la "historia" la pusieron solo para rellenar y tampoco es queUn juego de combate muy normalito, el combate es original pero no es gran cosa, la "historia" la pusieron solo para rellenar y tampoco es que hay muchos personajes.
    En fin, no me gusto y no lo recomiendo, ya que hay juegos de combate mucho mejores.    … Full Review »
  2. Rahsmoove
    Jul 20, 2014
    6
    Def Jam Icon is good but very disappointing. It has better character Customization, graphics, a better plot, and clothing than Def Jam NY, butDef Jam Icon is good but very disappointing. It has better character Customization, graphics, a better plot, and clothing than Def Jam NY, but it fails to b better it.… Full Review »
  3. niconline
    Oct 29, 2012
    7
    If you consider yourself a fan of rap music, you're almost guaranteed to have a good time using your favorite artists to beat the snot out ofIf you consider yourself a fan of rap music, you're almost guaranteed to have a good time using your favorite artists to beat the snot out of your least favorites. Even if you're not a fan of the music, there's still a lot of fun to be had here due to a solid, albeit somewhat flawed fighting system. The story is excellent for a fighting game, and the voice acting performances are among the best I've seen, with every major character voiced by their real life counterpart. The graphics are great for the most part, although the color filters that flood the screen after the musical track is switched can be a bit jarring. The audio is outstanding, with the most impressive licensed track library I've ever seen and some phenomenal voice acting jobs done by the rap artists in the game. While there's a few issues that hinder the game, it's still a perfect addition to any fighting fan's library.… Full Review »
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