Def Jam: Icon: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 01:05, 4 December 2006

Latest revision as of 22:20, 10 August 2025

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{{short description|2007 video game}}

{{linkless|October 2006}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2021}}

{{cleanup-date|November 2006}}

{{futureInfobox video game}}

{{Infobox CVG| title = Def Jam: Icon

| image = Def Jam Icon Game Cover.jpeg

| developer = [[Electronic Arts|EA Chicago]]

| publisher = EA[[Electronic ChicagoArts]]

| producer = Michael Mendheim<br>Kudo Tsunoda

| designer =

| series = ''[[Def Jam Vendetta (series)|Def Jam= 3]]''

| engine =

| released = March 9th, 2007

| genre = [[Versus fighting game|Fighting]]

| modes = 1-4 players.

| ratings = [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]]: Not Yet Rated;

| platforms = [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]]

| released = {{vgrelease|NA|March 6, 2007|AUS|March 15, 2007<small> (X360)</small>|AUS|March 22, 2007<small> (PS3)</small>|EU|March 23, 2007}}

| media =

| genre = [[Versus fighting game|Fighting]]

| requirements =

| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]

| input =

}}

'''''Def Jam: Icon''''' is thea third of3D [[Electronicfighting Arts|EAvideo Gamesgame]] developed by [[hip-hopEA music|hip hopChicago]] and published by [[versusElectronic fightingArts]]. game|fightingIt gamewas released for the [[PlayStation 3]] series,and due[[Xbox out360]] forin next-genMarch consoles2007. The latestgame installmentis willthe lookthird andmain soundinstallment likein aEA's cutting''[[Def edgeJam videoRecordings|Def whileJam]]''-licensed offeringhip-hop thevideo "intensitygame series, and drama"the offirst agame bigin budgetthe film.series Theto videonot games isbe developed by EA Chicago of ''[[FightSyn NightSophia, RoundInc.|AKI 3Corporation]]''. fameUnlike andits is going to come out for thepredecessors, ''[[PlayStationDef 3Jam Vendetta]]'' and ''[[XboxDef 360Jam: Fight for NY]]'', the game's soundtrack is completely changeable.

==Story Mode==

The story pins your create-a-fighter releasing his own [[record label]]. Soon after, your create-a-fighter fights his way through other various [[hip-hop]] artists, gaining more fame and publicity.

==Gameplay==

Other information about the game's story mode is kept under wraps by [[EA Chicago]]

''Def Jam: Icon'' is less [[professional wrestling|wrestling]]-oriented than the previous games, ''Def Jam Vendetta'' and ''Def Jam: Fight for NY''.<ref name=Geek>{{cite web| url=https://www.geek.com/games/game-of-the-year-def-jam-icon-1688985/| title=Game of the Year: Def Jam Icon| last=Minor| first=Jordan| publisher=[[Geek.com]]| date=February 16, 2017| access-date=May 7, 2019| archive-date=May 7, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507131751/https://www.geek.com/games/game-of-the-year-def-jam-icon-1688985/| url-status=dead}}</ref> The game's executive producer, Kudo Tsunoda, has stated that he did not feel that wrestling and hip-hop went particularly well with each other.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/def-jam-fight-for-new-york-was-the-definitely-the-best-rap-video-game-ever-in-life/ | title='Def Jam: Fight for New York' was Definitely the Best Rap Video Game Ever| magazine=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]] | date=June 3, 2016| access-date=May 7, 2019}}</ref> However, throws and environmental damage remain in the game.

Gameplay is similar to EA Chicago's ''[[Fight Night: Round 3]]'', featuring a focus on up-close brawling,<ref>{{cite web| url=https://theboombox.com/def-jam-new-vendetta-video-game/| title=IS DEF JAM ROLLING OUT NEW 'VENDETTA' VIDEO GAME?| publisher=[[The Boombox]]| last=Smith| first=Rob| date=August 7, 2018| access-date=May 7, 2019| archive-date=May 7, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507130248/https://theboombox.com/def-jam-new-vendetta-video-game/| url-status=live}}</ref> mixing up blocks, throws, parries, and using the right analog stick to deliver stronger attacks.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/17636864/ns/technology_and_science-games/t/fight-scratch-eas-def-jam-icon/| title=Fight and Scratch with EA's 'Def Jam: Icon'| work=[[NBC News]]| last=Buchanan| first=Levi| date=March 16, 2007| access-date=May 7, 2019| archive-date=June 7, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607003215/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/17636864/ns/technology_and_science-games/t/fight-scratch-eas-def-jam-icon/| url-status=dead}}</ref> Also, like ''Round 3'', there is no in-game heads up display by default, encouraging the player to observe physical cues on in-game characters to determine their health, such as clothing, bruises and exhaustion of the opponent.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.destructoid.com/def-jam-icon-playing-a-different-kind-of-fighter-with-big-boi-and-kudo-28636.phtml| title=Def Jam Icon: Playing a different kind of fighter with Big Boi and Kudo| website=[[Destructoid]]| last=Summa| first=Robert| date=December 14, 2006| access-date=May 7, 2019| archive-date=October 10, 2007| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010021556/http://www.destructoid.com/def-jam-icon-playing-a-different-kind-of-fighter-with-big-boi-and-kudo-28636.phtml| url-status=live}}</ref>

==Features==

Developers aimed to make the music and the environment a much larger factor in the fight.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.popmatters.com/def-jam-icon-2496182050.html | title=Def Jam: Icon | last=Williams| first=Christopher| magazine=[[PopMatters]] | date=April 12, 2007| access-date=May 7, 2019}}</ref> Among the environments are streets, subways, nightclubs, penthouses, BET's ''[[106 and Park]]'' stage, and others.<ref name=Geek/><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/45837/def-jam-icon-interview| title=Def Jam: Icon Interview| last=Craddock| first=David| publisher=[[Shack News]]| date=February 20, 2007| access-date=May 7, 2019| archive-date=May 7, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507143204/https://www.shacknews.com/article/45837/def-jam-icon-interview| url-status=live}}</ref>

Def Jam 3 will be much less wrestling-oriented than [[Def Jam Vendetta]] and [[Def Jam: Fight for New York]]. The producer, '''[[Kudo Tsunoda]]''', is on record as saying that he did not feel that wrestling and hip-hop went particularly well with each other. Previews have revealed that throws and environmental damage will remain in the game.

The game makes unique use of [[Synesthesia in art|synesthesia]]-inspired mechanics for a fighting game, in which there is a level of interactivity between music and the stages where hazards and the entire backdrop moves to the beat of the [[Background music|BGM]].<ref name="GSpot Review" /> Different events occur on the [[Beat (music)|beats]] of each song - some of which are dangerous. For example, a column of fire shoots up from a ruined gas station on every "[[Bass (sound)|bass]] hit" of a song's chorus.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.gamezone.com/originals/def-jam-icon-interview-kudo-tsunoda/| title=Def Jam ICON Interview: Kudo Tsunoda| date=May 4, 2012| publisher=Gamezone| access-date=May 7, 2019| archive-date=May 7, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507143158/https://www.gamezone.com/originals/def-jam-icon-interview-kudo-tsunoda/| url-status=live}}</ref> Other changes will be purely cosmetic: [[hubcap]]s on cars will spin and twinkle to the beat of each song.<ref>{{cite book |last=Moormann |first= Peter |date=August 11, 2012|title=Music and Game: Perspectives on a Popular Alliance |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JYfROhvXMPAC&q=Def+Jam+icon&pg=PA74|publisher=[[Springer Science+Business Media]]|page=74|isbn= 9783531189130 |access-date=May 7, 2019}}</ref> The developers have added more damage to a fighter's punches and kicks if they occur "[[rhythm|to the beat]]" or making a rapper stronger if one of their songs is playing.

Def Jam 3 aims to make the music and the environment a much larger part of the fight. The environments will be "on ___location": rooftops, streets, gas stations, etc, rather than the wrestling rings or arenas of the previous Def Jam titles. In addition, the producers are promising massive levels of interactivity within each environment. Fighters will bleed and show visible signs of their injuries as the fights progress and as your character gets hurt. Pharrell will also be included in Def Jam Icon as your tutorial guide. Some Bahangara singers will be in this game.

By listening to the beat of the song and then timing a throw, the player can toss the opponent into an environmental hazard just as it goes off. The game features a "turntable" action, where by spinning the right analog stick allows the character to manipulate the music and the environment for both players and shows the character as if they are using a DJ turntable in mid-air.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/def-jam-icon-review| title=Def Jam: Icon Review| publisher=Video Gamer| last=Vallentin| first=Greg| date=April 30, 2007| access-date=May 7, 2019| archive-date=May 7, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507144901/https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/def-jam-icon-review| url-status=live}}</ref> With this, the environment can be used for gaining advantage and weakening the opponents by activating the environmental hazards when they are near. During the match, fighters bleed and show visible signs of their injuries.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/TECH/fun.games/03/23/def.jam.icon/index.html| title=Review: Hip-hop adds beat to 'Def Jam: Icon'| publisher=[[CNN]]| last=Saltzman| first=Marc| date=March 23, 2007| access-date=May 7, 2019| archive-date=May 7, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507130248/http://edition.cnn.com/2007/TECH/fun.games/03/23/def.jam.icon/index.html| url-status=live}}</ref>

The music will actually affect the environment. Different things will occur on the beats of each song. Some of them are dangerous: for example, a column of flame might shoot up from a ruined gas station on every "bass hit" of song's chorus. Some will be purely cosmetic: the hubcaps on the cars will spin and twinkle to the beat of each song. The studio is even considering adding more damage to a fighter's punches and kicks if they occur "to the beat", or a rapper being stronger if one of their songs is playing. By listening to the beat of the song and then timing a throw, the player could toss his opponent into an environmental hazard just as it went off. This would add to the intense nature of the games fighting action.

===Characters===

==Confirmed Fighters==

The game features 29 playable characters, including real-life hip hop artists signed to [[Def Jam]] at the time, as well as original characters. [[Funkmaster Flex]], [[Russell Simmons]], [[Kevin Liles]], [[Mayra Verónica]], [[Christine Dolce]] and [[Melyssa Ford]] appear as non playable characters.

* [[Big Boi]] (Confirmed Through Promotional Screenshots)

{| class="wikitable"

* [[Ludacris]] (Confirmed Through Promotional Screenshots)

! colspan="2" | Base roster

* [[T.I.]] (Confirmed Through Promotional Screenshots)

! colspan="2" | Unlockables

* [[Method Man]] (Confirmed Through Game Informer Article And Screenshots)

|-

* [[Redman]] (Confirmed Through Game Informer Article)

|

* [[Paul Wall]] (Confirmed Though Billboard.com Article)

* [[Big Boi]]

* [[The Game]] (Confirmed Through Billboard.com Article)

* [[Bun B]]

* [[E-40]]

* [[Ghostface Killah]]

* [[Jim Jones (rapper)|Jim Jones]]

* [[Kano (rapper)|Kano]]

* [[Lil Jon]]

* [[Ludacris]]

|

* [[Mike Jones (rapper)|Mike Jones]]

* [[Paul Wall]]

* [[Redman (rapper)|Redman]]

* [[Sean Paul]]

* [[T.I.]]

* [[Tego Calderón|Tego]]

* [[The Game (rapper)|The Game]]

* [[Jeezy|Young Jeezy]]

|

* Big Herc

* Boyd

* Dae Dae

* [[James Hong|Dr. Chang]]

* Fast Hal

* [[Fat Joe]]

* Greer

|

* [[Johnny Nunez]]

* [[Method Man]] <small>(as Gooch)</small>

* [[Sticky Fingaz]] <small>(as Wink)</small>

* [[Anthony Anderson|Troy Dollar]]

* Wheatly

|}

==Rumored"Build Fightersa Label"==

The game's story mode, called "Build a Label", starts when the player is obligated to create his own "suspect" on an FBI computer. The player can edit every aspect of the character's body and choose his fighting style and fighting song. The songs available at the start are "Got It Sewed Up (Remix)" by [[Mike Jones (rapper)|Mike Jones]], "Back Then" also by Mike Jones, "[[Soul Survivor (Young Jeezy song)|Soul Survivor]]" by [[Jeezy|Young Jeezy]] featuring [[Akon]], "I Do This", also by [[Jeezy|Young Jeezy]], "Go Hard Or Go Home" by [[E-40]], "[[Tell Me When to Go]]" also by [[E-40]] featuring [[Keak da Sneak]], "[[Sittin' Sidewayz]]" by [[Paul Wall]] featuring [[Big Pokey]], and "Trill" by Paul Wall featuring [[Bun B]] and [[B.G. (rapper)|B.G.]] Also available at the start are two fighting styles: Ghetto Blaster and Street Kwon Do. It is worth noting that the artists of the four songs initially offered are not accessible to sign while the other artists of the other songs are accessible to sign.

* [[Xzibit]] (Supposedly Confirmed Through PSM3 Magazine. NOT 100%)

* [[Ice-T]] (Supposedly Confirmed Through PSM3 Article And Screenshots)

* [[Nelly]] (Mentioned In The November Issue Of GameInformer)

* [[Eminem]] (Supposedly Confirmed Himself During An Interview With XXL Magizine. NOT 100%)

After creating a character, the story starts in a sequence where [[Funkmaster Flex|DJ Funkmaster Flex]] can be heard speaking to his audience on the radio with the instrumental of "I Do This" by Young Jeezy playing in the background. The camera pans through several sections of a neighborhood, including a building with a promotional poster for T.I. vs T.I.P. on the side. By the time Funkmaster Flex is done talking, the camera shows a child, Kevin, walking down the street with his friend Jake while bouncing a basketball. Kevin then spots Curtis Carver ([[Kevin Liles]]), a mogul in the music industry, speaking with his record label's vice president (Playa). The camera then shifts to Carver, who is still speaking with Playa, when is suddenly interrupted by Kevin, accompanied by Jake. Kevin then asks Carver for his autograph. While Carver signs Kevin's basketball, he asks the children whether they're staying out of trouble. After handing Kevin back his basketball, Carver also gives him and Jake some money and advises them to pursue careers in basketball, adding that it will bring them financial success. While Kevin and Jake walk away, gunshots are heard and Carver can be seen falling to the ground. Kevin and Jake run away, and Playa can be seen looking at Carver while his blood spreads around his torso on the ground.

==Confirmed Fighters Not To Be Included==

* [[Jay-Z]] (Confirmed This Himself Through An Interview)

==Reception==

==Confirmed Tracks==

{{Video game reviews

'''Note:''' It is rumored that '''''Def Jam: Icon''''' will feature a customizable soundtrack.

| PS3 = true

| X360 = true

| na = true

| 1UP_PS3 = C+<ref name="1UP Review">{{cite web | url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/def-jam-icon_2 | title=Def Jam: Icon | last=Zuniga | first=Todd | website=[[1UP.com]] | date=March 2, 2007 | access-date=February 25, 2014 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305031122/http://www.1up.com/reviews/def-jam-icon_2 | archive-date=March 5, 2016 }}</ref>

| 1UP_X360 = C+<ref name="1UP Review" />

| Edge_X360 = 5/10<ref>{{cite magazine | title=Def Jam: Icon (X360) | author=Edge staff | magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] | issue=174 | date=April 2007 | page=79}}</ref>

| EGM_PS3 = 6.83/10<ref name="EGM Review">{{cite magazine | title=Def Jam: Icon | author=EGM Staff | magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] | issue=214 | date=April 2007 | page=88}}</ref>

| EGM_X360 = 6.83/10<ref name="EGM Review" />

| EuroG_X360 = 5/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/def-jam-icon-review | title=Def Jam: Icon Review (Xbox 360) | last=Albiges | first=Luke | website=[[Eurogamer]] | date=March 19, 2007 | access-date=February 25, 2014 | archive-date=October 7, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007114245/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/def-jam-icon-review | url-status=live }}</ref>

| GI_PS3 = 7.75/10<ref name="GI Review">{{cite magazine | url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/789CE775-6AE9-426F-8F93-09DFD0930AC3.htm | title=Def Jam: Icon | last=Helgeson | first=Matt | magazine=[[Game Informer]] | issue=167 | date=March 2007 | page=96 | access-date=February 25, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080130074907/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/789CE775-6AE9-426F-8F93-09DFD0930AC3.htm | archive-date=January 30, 2008 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

| GI_X360 = 7.75/10<ref name="GI Review" />

| GamePro_X360 = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox360/games/reviews/105548.shtml | title=Review: Def Jam: Icon (X360) | author=Ouroboros | magazine=[[GamePro]] | date=April 2007 | page=83 | access-date=February 25, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070314001834/http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox360/games/reviews/105548.shtml | archive-date=March 14, 2007 | url-status=dead}}</ref>

| GameRev_PS3 = B<ref name="GRev Review">{{cite web | url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/def-jam-icon | title=Def Jam: Icon Review | last=Dodson | first=Joe | publisher=[[Game Revolution]] | date=March 13, 2007 | access-date=February 25, 2014 | archive-date=September 6, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906123130/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/def-jam-icon | url-status=live }}</ref>

| GameRev_X360 = B<ref name="GRev Review" />

| GSpot_PS3 = 8.1/10<ref name="GSpot Review">{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/def-jam-icon-review/1900-6167022/ | title=Def Jam: Icon Review | last=Gerstmann | first=Jeff | website=[[GameSpot]] | date=March 7, 2007 | access-date=February 24, 2014 | archive-date=March 27, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327225804/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/def-jam-icon-review/1900-6167022/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

| GSpot_X360 = 8.1/10<ref name="GSpot Review" />

| GSpy_PS3 = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="GSpy Review">{{cite web | url=http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/def-jam-vendetta-3/772853p1.html | title=GameSpy: Def Jam: Icon | last=McGarvey | first=Sterling | publisher=[[GameSpy]] | date=March 14, 2007 | access-date=February 25, 2014 | archive-date=October 2, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002132139/http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/def-jam-vendetta-3/772853p1.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

| GSpy_X360 = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="GSpy Review" />

| GT_PS3 = 6.3/10<ref name="GT Review">{{cite web | url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/bc36sk/def-jam--icon-review | title=Def Jam: Icon Review | publisher=[[GameTrailers]] | date=March 6, 2007 | access-date=March 30, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007060139/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/bc36sk/def-jam--icon-review | archive-date=October 7, 2013 | url-status=dead}}</ref>

| GT_X360 = 6.3/10<ref name="GT Review" />

| GameZone_PS3 = 7.9/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/def_jam_icon_ps3_review | title=Def Jam: Icon - PS3 - Review | last=Bedigian | first=Louis | publisher=GameZone | date=March 5, 2007 | access-date=February 25, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081005211124/http://ps3.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r30663.htm | archive-date=October 5, 2008 | url-status=live}}</ref>

| GameZone_X360 = 9/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/def_jam_icon_360_review | title=Def Jam: Icon - 360 - Review | last=Hopper | first=Steven | publisher=GameZone | date=March 5, 2007 | access-date=February 25, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081005082558/http://xbox360.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r30663.htm | archive-date=October 5, 2008 | url-status=live}}</ref>

| IGN_PS3 = 6.7/10<ref name="IGN Review 2">{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/03/07/def-jam-icon-review | title=Def Jam: Icon Review (PS3) | last=Haynes | first=Jeff | website=[[IGN]] | date=March 6, 2007 | access-date=February 24, 2014 | archive-date=January 22, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122132615/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/03/07/def-jam-icon-review | url-status=live }}</ref>

| IGN_X360 = 7/10<ref name="IGN Review">{{cite web | url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/770/770966p1.html | title=Def Jam: Icon Review (X360) | last=Haynes | first=Jeff | website=IGN | date=March 6, 2007 | access-date=February 24, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070309122046/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/770/770966p1.html | archive-date=March 9, 2007 | url-status=dead}}</ref>

| OXM_X360 = 8/10<ref>{{cite magazine | title=Def Jam: Icon | magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine]] | date=April 2007 | page=84}}</ref>

| rev1 = ''[[The A.V. Club]]''

| rev1_PS3 = B−<ref name="AVClub" />

| rev1_X360 = B−<ref name="AVClub" />

| rev2 = ''[[Detroit Free Press]]''

| rev2_PS3 = {{Rating|3|4}}<ref name="Detroit" />

| rev2_X360 = {{Rating|3|4}}<ref name="Detroit" />

| MC_PS3 = 68/100<ref name="Meta PS3">{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/def-jam-icon/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 | title=Def Jam: Icon Critic Reviews for PlayStation 3 | website=[[Metacritic]] | access-date=February 24, 2014 | archive-date=January 5, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130105042806/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/def-jam-icon/critic-reviews | url-status=live }}</ref>

| MC_X360 = 69/100<ref name="Meta 360">{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/def-jam-icon/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 | title=Def Jam: Icon Critic Reviews for Xbox 360 | website=Metacritic | access-date=February 24, 2014 | archive-date=July 20, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720012238/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/def-jam-icon/critic-reviews | url-status=live }}</ref>

}}

{{portal|Video games}}

While the game received mixed to positive reviews from critics and game critics, the game received "average" reviews on both platforms according to video game [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]].<ref name="Meta PS3" /><ref name="Meta 360" />

[[IGN]] praised the uncensored soundtrack, "beautifully rendered" visuals and the "My Soundtrack" feature on the former version, but criticized "weak fighting moves" and "inconsistent game mechanics".<ref name="IGN Review" /><ref name="IGN Review 2" /> [[GameSpot]], however, became more positive, stating that it "plays well enough, but it really shines thanks to its crazy story and healthy roster."<ref name="GSpot Review" />

''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' gave the game three stars out of four and said it was "just two hairs short of a masterpiece. EA and Def Jam have set the bar really high for fighting games."<ref name="Detroit">{{cite news | url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/436789312 | title=HIP-HOP SLUGFEST | last=Todd | first=Brian E. | newspaper=[[Detroit Free Press]] | date=March 25, 2007 | access-date=March 30, 2016 | id={{ProQuest|436789312}} }}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' gave it an average review and stated that "While ''Icon'' is the best looking of the Def Jam games, the combat system isn't quite as entertaining, dropping the previous games' over-the-top wrestling moves for more straightforward street fighting. It's not a bad system, but it's just not as wild and entertaining."<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/08/technology/08game.html?ex=1174021200&en=6f25008991ce01fc&ei=5070&emc=eta1&_r=0 | title=A Sexy Witch, Zombies and Death: Who Needs a Story? | last=Herold | first=Charles | newspaper=[[The New York Times]] | date=March 8, 2007 | access-date=February 25, 2014}}</ref> ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' gave it a B− and said that "Even if you don't own every Ludacris album, watching the rich environments rattle to the music is reason enough to give this a play. Just don't expect much depth from this beat 'em up."<ref name="AVClub">{{cite news | url=http://www.avclub.com/article/def-jam-icon-7940 | title=Def Jam Icon | last=Zuniga | first=Todd | newspaper=[[The A.V. Club]] | date=March 5, 2007 | access-date=February 25, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070308095110/http://www.avclub.com/content/node/59267 | archive-date=March 8, 2007 | url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

==References==

[[Ludacris]] - Get Back - [[The Red Light District]] (2004)

{{reflist}}

==Pre-AlphaExternal Gameplaylinks==

* [http://www.ea.com/uk/def-jam-icon Official website]

* {{moby game|id=/def-jam-icon}}

{{Def Jam Recordings video games}}

[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=893322842975401803&q=Def+Jam%3A+ICON&hl=en T.I. versus Big Boi]

[[Category: 2006 computer and2007 video games]]

[[Category:VersusDef fightingJam video games]]

[[Category:Electronic Arts games]]

[[Category:Music generated games]]

[[Category:Video games based on musicians]]

[[Category:Organized crime video games]]

[[Category:PlayStation 3 games]]

[[Category:Fighting games]]

[[Category:Video game sequels]]

[[Category:Xbox 360 games]]

[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]

[[Category:Video games using Havok]]

[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]