Def Jam Vendetta (GameCube)

Touting itself as "too gangster for the Garden" (in the words of its kingpin D-Mob), Def Jam Vendetta takes you on a head-slamming, gut-busting tour of the underground hip-hop fightclub circuit. No blow is too low in this testosterone-spiked world featuring the music and likenesses of Def Jam artists such as Ghostface Killah, Redman and Ludacris--not to mention a whole host of the nastiest, most lowdown fictional thugs you'd imagine the hardcore rap world has to offer. Everyone's lying in wait to see if you're for real or just another wannabe player.

Def Jam Vendetta offers three game modes: Battle, where it's just you against up to three takers, Survival, in which you fight all comers until you lose and--where the real meat of the game takes place--Story, in which you fight as one of four brawlers. The journey begins at the Face Club where you step in for your injured pal Manny. From there you move on to other venues such as DMX's Junkyard and Ludacris's Club Luda and climb the ranks to the ultimate showdown with D-Mob. The route there isn't a cakewalk, but the more battles you win, the more money you make to upgrade your fighting attributes. Victories also bring the ladies calling. They literally fight for your attention--win a fight by playing as the newest girl to approach you and you'll unlock pictures of her in your photo gallery.

Action inside the ring is gritty and furious as you can lay down a multitude of moves and combinations with names like Hurtin' Unit, Spittin' Teef, Ghetto Thuggin', and Death Row Delivery, to name just a few. Momentum is key in building toward Blazin' Mode, in which you can utilise your signature move for the sure KO. In the meantime, though, there's still plenty of fun to be had in decking your opponents and watching them moan and writhe about in pain. --Larry White

"Absolutely top notch, as long as you don't mind having compulsory elements of a wrestling game entirely absent. 87%."

Def Jam Vendetta promises to bring the exciting world of underground street fighting to life. Players will be challenged to test their skills through an arcade-style, underground fight club circuit that stays true to the EA Sports big reputation with a variety of hyper-realistic moves that are dynamic with realistic finesse and style.

The game will feature an original storyline that compliments gameplay action and more than 45 unique characters supported with over 1,500 varying moves, including dozens of signature specials and taunts. Players will advance through the game's more than 10 highly-detailed, underground hip-hop venues, each filled with animated crowds, hot beats and original music.