New Def Jam 3 details @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on October 18, 2006

News: EA plans to "redefine Hip-hop, Music and Fighting Games". I can't wait.

EA has revealed several new details about their upcoming PS3 and Xbox 360 fighter Def Jam 3.

The game is scheduled for a March 2007 release and its new title will be Def Jam: Icon. With Icon, EA plans to "redefine Hip-hop, Music and Fighting Games". With this lofty goal in mind, we've also learned that hip-hop superstars Ludacris, T.I. and Big Boi will all be playable characters.

EA developers have also let loose a little info on the gameplay mechanics:

УMusic is the cornerstone of hip-hop culture so we wanted to incorporate music and rhythm into the actual gameplay mechanics,Ф said Kudo Tsunoda, executive producer and General Manager of EA Chicago. УIn Def Jam: Icon, we are changing the way fighting games are played! We are completely innovating the role of the environments in the games, moving from the typical lifeless arenas the hip-hop celebrities are fighting in to environments that play an instrumental part in the fight where they will react to the music and interact with both characters like a third fighter.Ф

Music will further enhance the fighting experience by effecting how players fight in each venue and "environmental interactions and hazards will become a key strategy to staying alive." It should be interesting to say the least.

We'll have more on Def Jam: Icon soon.