Here's a look at this week's noteworthy console game title releases, both of which fall into the boxing/fighting genres. So lace up your gloves (or take the gloves off in the case of Vendetta) and hit the ring with some friends - because playing the computer just isn't the same as knocking a good friend silly.
Def Jam Vendetta
(PS2, GameCube; MSRP $49.99)
In the old school days of hip hop, rappers would “battle” it out by exchanging lyrical insults, trying to one-up themselves verbally. In Def Jam Vendetta, the fight gets a little more up close and personal as players pay for a loss with not just a bruised ego but perhaps a black eye or broken limb. A fusion of the film Fight Club and an over-the-top rap video, Vendetta brings the powerhouse superstars of hip hop into the ring to battle it out in an underground fighting circuit.
The name of the game here is victory in the ring with your character slugging it out in a variety of seedy, dark hip hop venues where you gain respect, money and power. The colorful character roster features artists such as DMX, Ludacris, Ghostface Killah and Redman. Vendetta is a virtual who's who of the Def Jam Records label.
The real question here is whether Vendetta brings more to the table other than recognizable faces. Based on the demo disc that was sent to me the answer is a resounding yes. With a fierce soundtrack, (you'll really want your home theater receiver booted up for this title) incredible no-holds-barred action, and amazing finishing moves with the performers actual voice used, Vendetta is a great party game that can lead to some serious real life trash talking. The title boasts a great storyline which is a real plus as well.
Accomodating up to four players, Vendetta is a must have for your fight title library and PS2 owners will get a week's jump on GameCubers as the title debuts there first March 18th.
Black and Bruised
(PS2, GameCube; MSRP $49.99)
While most of the fighting games released today try and knock the player over the head with its brutal realism and gore, Bruised is a lighter take on boxing with fun, creative cartoon-like characters that bring back memories of the old Punch-Out!! arcade game that was popular back in the '80s. The characters' faces do show damage as the fight goes on but you won't see Mortal Kombat type blood and violence here.
The basic rules of the sport do remain intact but don't mistake Bruised for any sort of boxing simulator. Bruised is more of a boxing-cartoon-come-to-life and gameplay is fun but not terribly innovative. I would have liked to have seen a little bit more done with the characters, their personalities are great but their appearances seem a bit canned.
The real meat of the game lies in its “boxer's life” mode which lets you build a fight career and connect your character's storyline to actual gameplay. The graphics in Bruised are some of the best out there with a frame rate of 60 per second and crisp, colorful characters and background renderings.
The bottom line for boxing fans is that if you are looking for a fun button-mash fest, this is an easy pick up and play title - maybe too easy - but if realistic mechanics are your bag you may want to pass on this game.
First Published March 8, 2003, 6:06 p.m.
