EA sport BIG was the best sport dev that era imo. Fifa street, NBA street, SSX, def jam, freekstyle, NFL street. All were so good, and age well even to this day.
prob not in this way but a modern rapper fighting game would go triple platinum. sm potential imagine having drake getting mixed to death by kendrick 😭
Gotta love it! Don't matter who you are, the idea of being part of or made into a video game just turns everyone into kids shouting the cool ideas in their heads and performing "special moves" for demonstration. Perfectly encapsulates what makes gaming so special.
I had Vendetta and FFNY. FFNY was such a good brawler with depth. I didn't realize how many OP characters there were until I saw it being played at CEO
My godson loves this game. Any time he comes to visit it’s the only thing he wants to play. There was a whole ps5 right there and it did not matter it was all about fight for ny 😂
One of masterpiece PS2 game. I love this game a lot and sometimes still complete the story mode once in every year or so. Glad u guys finally covering it. Prob the inspiration for SF6 world tour mode too. Def jam FFNY still has best story mode in fighting game before that.
I've seen a lot of retrospectives on this game before and I think this is the first one that actually mentioned the competitive scene that's been trying to keep the game alive and in the spotlight as best as we can. I appreciate the nod and shoutouts to AXG as well that's been keeping us in ECT and DTN. Great video.
This game was the shit! I played it right away and couldn't believe how amazing it was, both for the idea and the exectuion (at least for young me). It really was a once in a lifetime thing, and it's one of the few games I wish they made a proper remake for
@theobell2002 this game wouldn't work the charm of it was the time period it was in the 2000s vibe fit the game well. I don't see a remake having close to as good of a vibe as vendetta and ffny had. We allready have proof of that def jam icon flopped hard
4:06 WCW Mayhem was not developed by AKI, but by a little known studio named Kodiak Interactive. AKI was working with THQ and the WWF at the time. Kodiak also made a direct sequel to Mayhem (WCW Backstage Assault) in 2000, but it wasn't until after that game released when EA paired with AKI. AKI, alongside THQ did make WCW games from 1997 to 1998 (including fan favorite WCW/nWo Revenge), but Mayhem was not one of them. What actually happened was: WWF ditched Acclaim for THQ in 1999, which meant THQ would end their previous deal with WCW. WCW, in response would ditch THQ for Electronic Arts that same year.
Probably licensing and royalty issues due to how many big stars were on this game. Back then it was a priviledge to be in games. Now stars know it makes money, they ask for more to get featured.
Man fck tht i would glady take baby check just to be part of this game just for fans.. the industries knows how much this well sell. Everyone with a systems i gonna get it. And they can add MT of clothes and accessaries. Hell the give the play a mansion and vehichle so they can spend to customize them. Ffny is top3 ps2 games so a remake or reboot will be just as popular(if done right)
I played Def Jam Vendetta RELIGIOUSLY on the GameCube. That game was so much fun. I understand why they can’t make a game like this today, but I wish they’d try. I know it would be RIDICULOUSLY expensive, but can you imagine a new one with modern artists and some that can return? I’d love that. I know it won’t happen, but I’d LOVE that.
Feels like back in the day, people did stuff mostly to do it and say they did. Now everything feels very "what do I get out of it" type mentality, I'm probably wrong; it just really feels that way now.
This game brings back so many memories... back then as a kid I didn't know much about hip hop but watching this I see how many references I failed to catch. Thanks for the nostalgia
I remember it vividly getting to play a lot of the EA Sports Big Titles like NBA Street V3, NFL Street 3 and Def Jam NY on the PS2. You know the game will be good if you here that "EA Sports BIIIIIIIGGG!" intro once you boot up the game.
Idk, with the current fighting game renaissance going on, something like this filling in the whole in the 3D space would be appreciated, while also being a unique concept.
7:32 Don Matrick might be the worst executive in gaming history. Has he ever made a not terrible decision? No one deserves complete failure more than him and he somehow failed upwards to almost completely destroy an entire console brand later on.
I'm sure he must have made one right decision in the last 42 years (yes, he has been in the industry that long!) He couldn't really have worse optics if he tried right now.
@@thelastgogeta he made Test Drive, Need For Speed (because he couldn't bring Test Drive with him to EA), and FIFA franchises. But other than those, dude wack.
I literally had this game like 3 different times, on every console at the time. Game cube, Xbox, and ps2. I love this game. I spent a lot of time playing it when I was in middle school.
One important thing that wasn't mentioned was, this franchise only came to be because this was originally a WCW game, but then they went out of business and was purchased by the WWF/E in 2001 scrapping their game. A year later it's remnants were salvaged to create the first Def Jam game.
NetherRealm Studios needs to by the IP and they could do it for sure! This is up their alley!! Or Maybe I just might make the game and name the characters something different but have them look just like them. Have all the best rappers as characters male and female! Somebody better make this before I do, or some other indie gam dev or person with some money who can just hire a team to make it... I'll keep this in my pocket just incase nobody ends up making it.. I'll wait with hopes a big studio will see this comment.....
@@theobell2002 I did. Still, compared to today, some original games were still being made in the early 2000s that would never have been made today with the corpo culture takeover of the gaming industry and the greed that drives every decision. That was the start of it, but it wasn't nearly as bad as it is today, which is what I'm referring to.
Same devs after all. Both Kinnikuman Generations/Ultimate Muscle and the Muscle Grand Prix games were made by AKI, though the latter is more of a traditional fighting game.
I had both Def Jam vendetta and Fight for NY on the Gamecube. Fight for NY was amazing. I ended up passing the games down to my nephew. He has it to this day.
I have so many memories with Def Jam Vendetta. I remember my main motivation to finish it was to unlock all the "Eye Candy" lol. Got so bummed that there wasn't anything similar in Fight for NY
Randomly found 2nd game of this series back in the day, it was amazing, a tittle that meant nothing to me, turned out to be really fun fighting game with alot of depth. And as always, top quality vid from you guys!
I was at the GameStop when meth lost The kid was using DMX (the best character in the game) Mef threw the controller afterwards and starting signing autographs angrily
FFNY is one of the greatest fighting games of all-time, but just like WCW vs nWo Revenge is for me above No Mercy; Vendetta holds a special place in my heart because it was the perfect blend of hip-hop and AKI's fantastic wrestling game engine.
I really wish this game(all of the games in this era was remade for newer models) watching the gameplay of Fight for NY made me want to go order this game again(this, NBA Streets Vol2, NFL Street, WWE Here Comes the Pain)…man those times were Awesome.
Happened to walk by a medium sized tournament of this game at a convention a couple years ago. I was transfixed. We NEED this on current gen. I'm not asking for a sequel or even a fully updated reboot or remaster. Just a port to current gen and hopefully with online support.
Unreal Engibe is one of the most capable game engines obviously people would use it. You shouldn't blame people who make tools for others lack of creativity, that's silly.
It's crazy how FFNY is at 20 year's now,I remember renting this for Gamecube until I said enough is enough let me buy it and I got it for no more than $15 LOL..thanks for the video😎🍻🍺
I have ps2 & xbox copies of Def Jam FFNY & keep them vaulted away cuz that game is 1 of my all time favorite fighting games from the early 2000s. I miss this game so much that I'm willing to get it emulated for my pc & keep the hard copies safe.
Some time ago, DefJam posted on twitter. It's a puc asking which one do we want next. 5 locations. Def Jam Miami and others. They never followed up on that.
67 unique characters is some CRAZY work. This and Backyard Wrestling were truly cooking up and it seemed very few people outside of my friend group were paying attention. The PS2 was truly a golden age, if you ignore all the shite games that of course had to exist for balance 😹
I was in highschool when these games came out and they are some of my favs of all time. NBA streets vol.2 is by far, the best basketball game ever made. EA is so stupid not bringing a new one of any of these games to the table. These games were so popular it was crazy. Aldo, all that licensed music will probably never been seen again, it was great.
I used to stomp my friends in the neighborhood with Sticky back in the day. I thought I had finally found my game. Imagine my disappointment when I found out I was just abusing an OP character.
The second game was freaking awesome such a great fighting game and starting from nothing and getting access to clothes and tattoos to customize your character. Game was awesome
I still have my xbox copy. Fight for New York was the new wrestlemania 2000, for me. SSX Tricky replaced coolboarders and 1080, in a good way. I will always love coolboarders and 1080.
My older frat bro broke this out on his modded Wii for us like last week. Had never heard of it before but everyone was dying laughing by the end lit night
the closest that we have to Dej Jam games nowadays are WWE games as in the WWE games, they either have rapper dlcs like Bad Bunny,MGK & Post Malone or u can create your own and let them fight it out with someone
EA sport BIG was the best sport dev that era imo. Fifa street, NBA street, SSX, def jam, freekstyle, NFL street. All were so good, and age well even to this day.
Ssx is the best
Would love a deep dive into EA Sports BIG for the reasons you listed
the cool thing is that the gameplay is developed by a japanese studio
Now looking at ea today, you wouldn’t believe they created such masterpieces.
FIFA Street died when it turned into a Futsal sim 😢
ffny was truly lightning in a bottle and one of my all time personal favorites. i dont think a game like that could ever happen again
prob not in this way but a modern rapper fighting game would go triple platinum. sm potential imagine having drake getting mixed to death by kendrick 😭
@@bigttheory big same. Especially after hearing about the beef? FFNY and a modern equivalent was all I can think of.
It's more MMA then the UFC games lol
@bigttheory probably only would be if it's like every other fighting game today.....most of em...so I doubt it work out.
Def Jam's "Blazin' Move" system inspired Tekken's "Rage Arts" and Mortal Kombat's "Fatal Blows."
Def Jam copied that from 1998 Thrill Kill
Gotta love it! Don't matter who you are, the idea of being part of or made into a video game just turns everyone into kids shouting the cool ideas in their heads and performing "special moves" for demonstration. Perfectly encapsulates what makes gaming so special.
I did it with wrestling, basketball 🏀, and Def Jam vendetta. I understand the feeling. 😊
I had Vendetta and FFNY. FFNY was such a good brawler with depth. I didn't realize how many OP characters there were until I saw it being played at CEO
bruh alot of the default characters we skipped on ended up being BUSTED!!!!!
@@Smoxie804 Fuckin' Pockets lmao
Me too bro
The closest we have now are the wwe games. I’ll admit they’re improving but the Def Jam moves and environmental attacks were on another level
"Def dam vanjetta" pulls away from drive thru 😂😂 8:34
aint that the guy who played guile in the street fighter movie? 🤣🤣
My godson loves this game. Any time he comes to visit it’s the only thing he wants to play. There was a whole ps5 right there and it did not matter it was all about fight for ny 😂
@@thec0r379 🎑🤠🐎 Classic joint 🍀🤞🏾
can’t blame em i be on my ps2 just as much as my pc
@@isaac2bands respect 👑 🎲
How is that surprising there ain't anything good coming out on ps5 the ps2 has an amazing library of games that still hold up today
One of masterpiece PS2 game. I love this game a lot and sometimes still complete the story mode once in every year or so. Glad u guys finally covering it.
Prob the inspiration for SF6 world tour mode too. Def jam FFNY still has best story mode in fighting game before that.
I've seen a lot of retrospectives on this game before and I think this is the first one that actually mentioned the competitive scene that's been trying to keep the game alive and in the spotlight as best as we can. I appreciate the nod and shoutouts to AXG as well that's been keeping us in ECT and DTN. Great video.
Praying someone makes a fan remake of it one day
This game was the shit! I played it right away and couldn't believe how amazing it was, both for the idea and the exectuion (at least for young me). It really was a once in a lifetime thing, and it's one of the few games I wish they made a proper remake for
This game was so good. They need to remake it fr.
for the modern audience?
Will never happen unfortunately
This is lightning in a bottle. It'd be impossible to bring this back in any kind of fashion sadly. The licensing would be an absolute nightmare
@@thatguywesmaranan Yes, for a modern audience. That's what remakes are for. To bring old games into the modern era.
@theobell2002 this game wouldn't work the charm of it was the time period it was in the 2000s vibe fit the game well. I don't see a remake having close to as good of a vibe as vendetta and ffny had. We allready have proof of that def jam icon flopped hard
4:06 WCW Mayhem was not developed by AKI, but by a little known studio named Kodiak Interactive. AKI was working with THQ and the WWF at the time. Kodiak also made a direct sequel to Mayhem (WCW Backstage Assault) in 2000, but it wasn't until after that game released when EA paired with AKI.
AKI, alongside THQ did make WCW games from 1997 to 1998 (including fan favorite WCW/nWo Revenge), but Mayhem was not one of them. What actually happened was: WWF ditched Acclaim for THQ in 1999, which meant THQ would end their previous deal with WCW. WCW, in response would ditch THQ for Electronic Arts that same year.
Why don't they bring this games back to the new consoles?
EA: No money for microtransactions?
Probably licensing and royalty issues due to how many big stars were on this game. Back then it was a priviledge to be in games. Now stars know it makes money, they ask for more to get featured.
Man fck tht i would glady take baby check just to be part of this game just for fans.. the industries knows how much this well sell. Everyone with a systems i gonna get it. And they can add MT of clothes and accessaries. Hell the give the play a mansion and vehichle so they can spend to customize them. Ffny is top3 ps2 games so a remake or reboot will be just as popular(if done right)
@ 8:25 The fact that method Man was raging on the controller against a little kid has me dying laughing😂😂😂😂😂
Love that everyones making Def Jam content now
I played Def Jam Vendetta RELIGIOUSLY on the GameCube. That game was so much fun. I understand why they can’t make a game like this today, but I wish they’d try. I know it would be RIDICULOUSLY expensive, but can you imagine a new one with modern artists and some that can return? I’d love that. I know it won’t happen, but I’d LOVE that.
Feels like back in the day, people did stuff mostly to do it and say they did. Now everything feels very "what do I get out of it" type mentality, I'm probably wrong; it just really feels that way now.
Can confirm I was swantoning from the couch all the time!
"DUDE! You didnt do my bird!!!" is so funny to me
This game brings back so many memories... back then as a kid I didn't know much about hip hop but watching this I see how many references I failed to catch. Thanks for the nostalgia
I've still got my copy of FFNY.
I remember it vividly getting to play a lot of the EA Sports Big Titles like NBA Street V3, NFL Street 3 and Def Jam NY on the PS2. You know the game will be good if you here that "EA Sports BIIIIIIIGGG!" intro once you boot up the game.
Idk, with the current fighting game renaissance going on, something like this filling in the whole in the 3D space would be appreciated, while also being a unique concept.
"Father I highly appreciate you for uploading this"
You are my hero 🎑🐣🎸
7:32 Don Matrick might be the worst executive in gaming history. Has he ever made a not terrible decision? No one deserves complete failure more than him and he somehow failed upwards to almost completely destroy an entire console brand later on.
I'm sure he must have made one right decision in the last 42 years (yes, he has been in the industry that long!)
He couldn't really have worse optics if he tried right now.
@@thelastgogeta he made Test Drive, Need For Speed (because he couldn't bring Test Drive with him to EA), and FIFA franchises.
But other than those, dude wack.
0:41 Eminem’s Lose Yourself as a metaphor for hip-hop told me everything I needed to know about this video.
I bought the first two games from a co-worker after not having them for a decade and that person is one of my best friends now. Love these game!
This was the pinnacle of gaming. If you missed it, you truly missed it.
Man these games were awesome back in the day!
I literally had this game like 3 different times, on every console at the time. Game cube, Xbox, and ps2. I love this game. I spent a lot of time playing it when I was in middle school.
I have been playing def jam all week. Crazy timing. There is no game like it.
This game is not talked about nearly enough, peak gaming chef kiss 😘
I always thought 2K could steal EA's thunder in making one of these or do a big colab in one of the future WWE 2K games.
One important thing that wasn't mentioned was, this franchise only came to be because this was originally a WCW game, but then they went out of business and was purchased by the WWF/E in 2001 scrapping their game. A year later it's remnants were salvaged to create the first Def Jam game.
Uhhh he did mention around the 4 minute mark.... though he got one part wrong with the first Mayhem game being developed by Aki which is false
I remember playing the hell outta vendetta while staying at my cousins in New York, we stayed up all night playing that game. Good times
Anyone remember "State of emergency "?
totally forgot about that game haahahah
NetherRealm Studios needs to by the IP and they could do it for sure! This is up their alley!! Or Maybe I just might make the game and name the characters something different but have them look just like them. Have all the best rappers as characters male and female! Somebody better make this before I do, or some other indie gam dev or person with some money who can just hire a team to make it... I'll keep this in my pocket just incase nobody ends up making it.. I'll wait with hopes a big studio will see this comment.....
Back when games had soul and culture instilled into them, and big corpo CEOs and MBA grads were ruining other industries instead. Gone are the days.
7:30 - Did you even watch the video? It was already happening back then.
@@theobell2002 I did. Still, compared to today, some original games were still being made in the early 2000s that would never have been made today with the corpo culture takeover of the gaming industry and the greed that drives every decision.
That was the start of it, but it wasn't nearly as bad as it is today, which is what I'm referring to.
Fun fact: this exact gameplay can be found in an anime game called Ultimate Muscle or Kinnikuman (I think I spelled it right)
Yes on PS2&Gamecube
Wish I bought from blockbuster before they closed haha
Same devs after all. Both Kinnikuman Generations/Ultimate Muscle and the Muscle Grand Prix games were made by AKI, though the latter is more of a traditional fighting game.
@@LAST1GGK also in rgg kurohyou & kurohyou 2. Spinoff games to the Yakuza series
HE GOT HIS BIRD
I had both Def Jam vendetta and Fight for NY on the Gamecube. Fight for NY was amazing. I ended up passing the games down to my nephew. He has it to this day.
Ssx shall will always be the the best game i ever sinked in my childhood
The first three always bring back warm, fuzzy feelings of early fall chillness and relaxation.
I have so many memories with Def Jam Vendetta. I remember my main motivation to finish it was to unlock all the "Eye Candy" lol. Got so bummed that there wasn't anything similar in Fight for NY
Very, very well produced video! Great way to showcase these games, I have very fond memories of them.
Man!! I loved SSX!!! Good times with that series.
This game is a gem that should be left alone no need to remake it
nba street v3. had mario, luigi, and peach on the gamecube. imagine getting dunked on by super mario. i can't block that dude!
Randomly found 2nd game of this series back in the day, it was amazing, a tittle that meant nothing to me, turned out to be really fun fighting game with alot of depth. And as always, top quality vid from you guys!
With the exception of DMX all the original rappers came back
Look I know Keith Murray wasn't the biggest name but c'mon
I was at the GameStop when meth lost
The kid was using DMX (the best character in the game)
Mef threw the controller afterwards and starting signing autographs angrily
I miss this game. Good thing there is a thing called ROMs
Got it on my phone. Blue tooth the PS controller 💙
Def Jam games were iconic. So nostalgic and came out at the perfect time, when i was a huge Wrestling fan.
We need another game like this
I haven't even watch the video at this point. Just YES, the very best fighting game EVER IMO! I'm anxiously hoping they make it available again soon!
FFNY is one of the greatest fighting games of all-time, but just like WCW vs nWo Revenge is for me above No Mercy; Vendetta holds a special place in my heart because it was the perfect blend of hip-hop and AKI's fantastic wrestling game engine.
DEF jam fight for New York was such a fantastic game. Those same mechanics can be changed up if need be and game that would be unpressed in this day.
I really wish this game(all of the games in this era was remade for newer models) watching the gameplay of Fight for NY made me want to go order this game again(this, NBA Streets Vol2, NFL Street, WWE Here Comes the Pain)…man those times were Awesome.
Peak fighting game. Wouldn’t play mk so much if they remaster/remake def jam
God I miss the days of my childhood.
Thank you for this video Sir.
so many people talk about this game, i missed out because i was into mvc2, doa and ssbm 😭
I'm happy people remember this game !
Happened to walk by a medium sized tournament of this game at a convention a couple years ago. I was transfixed. We NEED this on current gen. I'm not asking for a sequel or even a fully updated reboot or remaster. Just a port to current gen and hopefully with online support.
5:54 it's like DMX was born to be in a fighting game 😂😂😂 RIP
Def Jam definitely needs to bring this back! Late ‘90s/ Early ‘00s gaming was superior.
Along with DMX, Funkmaster Flex and Keith Murray didn't return. I wished they all had returned. Even the circuit fighters. RIH DMX
This game had amazing characters, cool environments and a sick character creation mode
Amazing video!!!! Keep up the great work.
def jam fight for NY should be remastered as welll as kill zone series, I been waiting for years for this.
The DLC content cost would be crazy
I remember playing Def Jam Icon for 15 minutes and turning it off. Fight for New York is gold.
That Powerpuff girls intro edit was too perfect 😂
This and NFS Underground 1/2 & Most Wanted *defined an ERA!* 😌🤌🏾
DUDEEEEE, DEF JAM WAS SO HECKING GOOD
Thanks EA for this cuz I can't tell yall the many many many times I played, beat, played, beat and repeat.
Vendetta was my jam
An absolute gem of a game. Also do metal gear online 2
Def jam is so good holy moly my main game for years as a kid
They don't make games like they used to. Now, it's just "Unreal Engine The Video Game".
If no one else make a better engine then they cant
I mean hell helldivers was made with the corpse of a game engine they just revived
I mean Unreal Engine the Video Game is just Unreal Tournament
Unreal Engibe is one of the most capable game engines obviously people would use it. You shouldn't blame people who make tools for others lack of creativity, that's silly.
Are you dumb? Why are you blaming the tools for bad video games?
This is like blaming the hammer for putting in the nail the wrong way.
Don't blame the tools, blame the user.
It's crazy how FFNY is at 20 year's now,I remember renting this for Gamecube until I said enough is enough let me buy it and I got it for no more than $15 LOL..thanks for the video😎🍻🍺
I have ps2 & xbox copies of Def Jam FFNY & keep them vaulted away cuz that game is 1 of my all time favorite fighting games from the early 2000s. I miss this game so much that I'm willing to get it emulated for my pc & keep the hard copies safe.
Some time ago, DefJam posted on twitter. It's a puc asking which one do we want next.
5 locations.
Def Jam Miami and others.
They never followed up on that.
67 unique characters is some CRAZY work. This and Backyard Wrestling were truly cooking up and it seemed very few people outside of my friend group were paying attention. The PS2 was truly a golden age, if you ignore all the shite games that of course had to exist for balance 😹
Method REALLY called the kid that beat him a piece of sh*t!? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I loved this game, my fantasy character would have been tupac
Pockets was Tupac. They probably just couldn't get licensing to officially use his name.
So you are telling me even EA games had soul?
Just what the hell went wrong with modern gaming?!
I was in highschool when these games came out and they are some of my favs of all time. NBA streets vol.2 is by far, the best basketball game ever made. EA is so stupid not bringing a new one of any of these games to the table. These games were so popular it was crazy. Aldo, all that licensed music will probably never been seen again, it was great.
I used to stomp my friends in the neighborhood with Sticky back in the day. I thought I had finally found my game. Imagine my disappointment when I found out I was just abusing an OP character.
I woulda wrecked him with Redman🤣
The second game was freaking awesome such a great fighting game and starting from nothing and getting access to clothes and tattoos to customize your character. Game was awesome
I still have my xbox copy. Fight for New York was the new wrestlemania 2000, for me. SSX Tricky replaced coolboarders and 1080, in a good way. I will always love coolboarders and 1080.
My older frat bro broke this out on his modded Wii for us like last week. Had never heard of it before but everyone was dying laughing by the end lit night
Ghostface Killah was my main in Fight for NY
The game is super expensive now.
7:15 mark “.. restrictions to anything overtly violent..” as the man is slamming someone into concrete.
Bring back MLB Slugfest
Ffny Pogo stick is the one move i will mever forgot in all super in that game lmao
That and the jump rope move for me(I think it's called over hard) and I'm vendetta Spida's Harlem handspring
Redman's Balls to the Wall is goated though.
@@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn I think it does some of the highest damage
I absolutely love this game, not sure why it's called "Def Jam" though, I always knew DJ stands for Disc Jockey
8:36 Def Dam Vanjetta 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
fight for NY was spotless.just amazing
the closest that we have to Dej Jam games nowadays are WWE games as in the WWE games, they either have rapper dlcs like Bad Bunny,MGK & Post Malone or u can create your own and let them fight it out with someone