Def Jam Interactive Teams With EA For ‘Def Jam: Icon’

Def Jam Interactive has partnered once again with Electronic Arts to develop another Hip-Hop-oriented video game, Def Jam: Icon, EA announced Wednesday (Oct. 18). The game allows users to "live out the life of a Hip-Hop mogul, going from rags to riches," as players assume the role of top celebrity rappers like Ludacris, T.I. and […]

Def Jam Interactive

has partnered once again with Electronic Arts to develop another Hip-Hop-oriented

video game, Def Jam: Icon, EA announced Wednesday (Oct. 18). The

game allows users to "live out the life of a Hip-Hop mogul, going from rags

to riches," as players assume the role of top celebrity rappers like Ludacris,

T.I. and Big Boi."We

are changing the way fighting games are played," said Kudo Tsunoda, executive

producer and general manager of EA Chicago. "We are completely innovating

the role of the environments in the games, moving from the typical lifeless arenas

the Hip-Hop celebrities are fighting in, to environments that play an instrumental

part in the fight where they will react to the music and interact with both characters

like a third fighter"The

game will be available for both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles. According

to EA, Def Jam: Icon will integrate Hip-Hop into every aspect of the game,

with fighting that incorporates both style and rhythm. The

in-game soundtrack is intended to affect how players fight in each venue, while

other environmental hazards will play a driving force in the player staying alive.Unique

fighting gameplay controls have been added to Def Jam: Icon. These new

controls simulate the experience of actually being in combat, but with the styles

of the artists’ personalities. "We

have worked very closely with the team to ensure that authentic Hip-Hop culture

and lifestyle permeates through every part of the product," said Lauren Wirtzer,VP

Marketing, Def Jam Enterprises. "Def Jam: Icon will guarantee the

ultimate combination of a real Hip-Hop experience and revolutionary fighting gameplay."

Def

Jam: Icon

is scheduled for release in March 2007.