  Well after the shock of waking up yesterday morning at 3am with blood dripping out of my ear, it's good that I can read something that brings a smile to my face. It's probably a bad thing that this something that interests a 25 year old engineer combines computer games and fake fighting. Def Jam Vendetta - a great game I managed to get of Les for a few quid once he tired of it. It's basic premise (rap stars twat each other) is fun, if somewhat potentially limited (especially if you only have a limited number of real-life star names appearing in the game), but the game succeeded because at the heart was a surprisingly sophisticated wrestling engine. Based on the AKI Corp system, used on the N64 for the WCW games (i.e. "Random button pressing" &#169 Andy J), the game allows for strategic fights which you often have to think about to win (i.e. the different style of fight you have to try to beat a small, fast guy compared to beating on a fat man), and allowing the player to focus on a body part to weaken the player and make them submit. The use of this system shit THQ, makers of the Smackdown series, up, making them revise their system and turn from an arcade style fighter to a similar realistic style.
So, since Smackdown rose to the challenge, it's Def Jam/ AKI's turn to respond. Electronic Arts is again partnering with urban music and lifestyle powerhouse Def Jam to bring gamers Def Jam VENDETTA II (working title), the ultimate hip-hop-fueled fighting video game. Currently in development under the EA GAMESTM brand, Def Jam VENDETTA II features more than 70 characters, including more than 35 of the most well-known artists and personalities in hip-hop today, including Busta Rhymes, Carmen Electra, Lil' Kim, Ludacris, Method Man, Redman, Sean Paul, Slick Rick, Snoop Dogg, and many more.
Def Jam VENDETTA II challenges players to step into the shoes of a ruthless NYC street fighter battling for control of the hip-hop underground. The game features an all-new fighting engine allowing gamers to customize multiple fighting styles as the deep new story mode takes the action well beyond the ring and into the streets. Well, that's one of the problems sorted out straight away - a bigger selction of real rappers. Busta Rhymes!
And of course, the man about to become a "most selected character" to rival the Brazilian guy on Tekken 3, SNOOP DOGG However, one name stands out... Sean Paul That pussy arsed Beenie Man wannabe? What a load of shite. Still, shit-reggae-for-12-year-council-estate-glueheads-to-lose-their-virginity-to singers aside, this game should kick all kinds of arse. = Ah, the great ways to spread the word of our Lord... urlLink The Brick Testament 
