Def Jam Vendetta

Promotion Independent Circuit
Game Series Independent Games
Release Date January 31, 2003
Additional Releases February 23rd, 2003 (PAL); March 21st, 2003 (JPN)
Platforms PlayStation 2, GameCube
Publisher EA Sports
Developer AKI Corporation

It's been three years since D-Mob chased you out of the New York fight circuit and you swore you'd never go back. Now your pal Manny is in trouble, and he needs you to bail him out. Your only chance to get the money is to settle a score with the Def Jam crew, including DMX, Ludacris, Joe Budden, and Method Man. While listening to the tracks and beats from Def Jam artists, you can fight or play as over 40 combatants, each with special moves, combos, and taunts.

"...Used to be, you wanted to make yourself known, you prove your worth as a street fighter or a hustler. We don't fight out in the streets no more. We're organized now; we...too gangsta for the gardens--so we've taken it underground...inside. I'm a business man, and this is my 'biznez'. My soldiers are legion--METHOD MAN, NORE, CAPONE, LUDA', REDMAN, DMX. If you wanna shot at me, you gotta make it past these brothas. It's a dangerous world out here; seems every time I turn around there's another young buck wantin' to take me on. I lay down for no man. You wanna take what's mine, you gotta beat me. ...But NOBODY...EVER...beats ME..." -D-Mob, 2003

Modes

STORY is the Single Player mode where you play as Briggs, Tank, Spider, or Proof, and strive to reclaim Angel Rodriguez. You'll unlock characters, attires, and venues here, as well as leveling up your chosen wrestler.
BATTLE is the Exhibition Mode where up to 4 players can play. Choose from a Singles match (1v1), a Free for All (3-Way and 4-Way), Tag Team (2v2), and Handicap (1v2, and 1v3).
SURVIVAL is a Single Player mode where you face off against an endless stream of opponents. You'll gain cash here to spend on leveling up your Story protagonists (Recommended that you do this first.)
TUTORIAL is a series of videos that'll educate you on the controls. Manny will be your teacher.
GALLERIES allows you to look at some photos of Deja, Angel, Opal, T'ai, and Penny. Additional photos can be bought with cash that you earn in game, but save those for last.
Aside from the OPTIONS, there's also HIGH SCORES, where you can check out the leaderboards for various things. Good luck getting to the top.