The Highs and Lows of the Def Jam Fighting Games | Xplay

[@xplay]

What rappers would you want to see in a New Def Jam Game?

[@regularspecial1]

idk but the ghost of MF DOOM has to be the villain. only it is actually a MF DOOMBOT

[@MrDrunkNFunky]

Non Def jam rappers: Run the Jewels, Boss battle with the entire Wutang Clan, of course. Method and Busta

[@TheRedVelvetScare]

Kendrick, Will Smith, Doomtree, Wu Tang obviously, Eminem, Ice Cube.

[@aitkeau]

DMX, Tupac, Kodak black,21 savage

[@jacobmillenbach2561]

Let’s not forget about the girls Carmen Kimora Lee lil Kim Cindy j Lauren and Shawnna

[@EthioBlackLion]

Man i really loved that last section with Mr. Banner and TBH. I know damn well TBH was holding back tears hearing Mr. Banner say he was proud of him for coming through all the trials he faced on his come up. Hell it got me too; as someone who is so used to seeing social media promote unhealthy conflict and jealousy between black men, seeing that moment of mutual love and respect really affected me in a positive way man. Much love to TBH, Mr. Banner and the Xplay crew.

[@Rahzarusfilms]

oh you noticed that too!

[@wesboi99]

I was glad to see that interaction between them as well. All love and admiration from both parties and its beautiful to see that we can be in a space where we can talk about something we mutually grew up it and be compensated for. Very proud of TBH for that amazing interview forreal.

[@SlicingDicingGamingENT]

I definitely almost teared up, you could see it in TBH's eyes. Such a great moment and great interview. This and GB interviewing Reggie has been some of the best content they've put out (also shout out to Fresh Ink with Kas and the gang)

[@pony-chan9638]

Shoot... I almost Cried Hearing It 😅

[@deelo721]

tbh fasho came a long way been watching him since i was a 15

[@virtuaspeedone]

“What if belly actually had a plot?” I know that went over several heads 😂 great review

[@Milosan1986]

All I know is that nas shot some dude in Jamaica or was it dmx? I forget.

[@virtuaspeedone]

@@Milosan1986 It was DMX. Nas barely did anything but narrate and go to Africa.

[@ShoTheEmcee]

The only thing I even remember from Belly was duke with the perm eatin a banana. That's how I KNOW nothin happened in that movie.

[@quewp1]

This is the funniest question of 2022.

[@aceassn716]

Yes he did in Jamaica Queens after leaving the Barbershop

[@paulpateras9264]

Def Jam fight for New York is legit one of the best wrestling games ever.

[@AdrianM865]

That's more of a fighting game than a wrestling game.

[@ABigBowlOfChips]

@@AdrianM865 It’s mostly being recognized as part of the fighting game community with tournaments and some people modded cut contents including some songs from the alpha version

[@AdrianM865]

@@ABigBowlOfChips Music to my ears sir!

[@TDWFNetwork]

@@AdrianM865 True, but the engine is from older wrestling games.

[@Ibuybabyaliens]

@@TDWFNetwork false

[@devinecummingsvoiceacting]

This video is definitely a love letter to DEF jam fans Worldwide thank you so much to the people involved in this video and putting such an amazing video like this together. I would always dream of seeing videos like this on national television let alone on KZbin as a child. and now I get a chance to see by people who represented in a game we all grew up loving as we were younger and thank you to everyone I put this together

[@christiankallio8586]

Damn I would pay so much for another game like Fight for NY. A hybrid of wrestling and fighting that's a beast all of it's own

[@dimantez4ever]

Def Jam Vendetta was literally a dream come true for me! Fight for NY was amazing as well!

[@LegendaryManSlayer93]

Fight for NY was my childhood. I remember my dad wouldn’t buy it at release for $50. So i used the blockbuster unlimited pass and kept it for like 6 months before returning it.

[@TheOnlyNeptoon]

Lol same thing i did with naruto ultimate ninja

[@brandonwoods2679]

🤣

[@giiotm8272]

nice to know we all lived the same childhood.. used to stay jacking games from blockbuster as a kid lmao.

[@jaquanjohnson1476]

As you should king ✊🏿

[@therealfox8514]

He should have paid the $50. Look at the price now.

[@loaded_n_locked2ajaxthejui835]

The fact y’all got David Banner on the interview is crazy

[@sinnyjohns4362]

Def Jam Fight for NY's mechanics + Smackdown Here Comes the Pain's features = PURE MADNESS OF A GAME

[@dior5454]

A true certified hood classic series. A new entry would be amazing in this era of hip-hop.

[@ohWAFE]

Wow this was a great episode was NOT expecting the David Banner interview

[@TheHutt0326]

Vendetta and Fight for NY were some of my favorite games growing up. Even as a kid who was clueless to the culture behind the games.

[@christopherfelix3542]

FFNY was better but yea

[@SonicMTD]

I completely forgot Henry Rollins was the coach you get in the gym. This game was amazing and so many happy memories.

[@CamisnicelikeIce]

Man seeing that interview with David Banner was really something special. Amazing video Xplay!

[@amethizz7085]

TBH holding back tears at the end was a beautiful moment.

[@rowd149]

Hearing David Banner talk about this, it just shows me what a lie it is when people talk about black folk not wanting to get into games and tech. His way was roundabout, but the moment he had the means and influence to become involved, he threw himself into crafting his character like any art director or gameplay designer would have. (Also, GB and TBH dropping in a Sidekick mention.) Man, we want to be involved! And thanks to XPlay and G4 for the platform to have these conversations! Wouldn't happen anywhere else.

[@reckless1216]

When has anyone ever said Black people don’t want to be involved in games? There are black peoples in the gaming industry for a long time

[@MMAOdin]

Literally nobody ever said that black people dont want to get into gaming or tech lol

[@YoungBasedChefBeezy]

@@reckless1216 I’ve definitely heard it before. We aren’t a “target demographic”

[@reckless1216]

@@YoungBasedChefBeezy so does that mean black people don’t want to or aren’t involved in the gaming community? Again Black people have been in the gaming industry for a long time. Voice acting, artist, music, motion capture, team leaders in studios etc. Maybe more involved but there are black people in the industry.

[@rensten4893]

Uhm... Method Man was a heavy consultant on the story and I haven't heard this all that much.

[@kenking2536]

TBH is interviewing David Banner about the Def Jam games on G4TV….I can’t even find the words to describe how dope this is. I love this video!

[@2012aal]

The craziest thing about fight for NY to me is that I didn’t even realize it was considered a wrestling game until 2012.

[@KingJadInfiniteHope]

i still don’t consider it a wrestling game because it’s not. if you can’t pin people it’s not a wrestling game.

[@AverageSavage_1]

To me only thought vendetta was the wrestling game and saw ffny as more of a street fighter oriented game.

[@andyboy624]

I guess the two step grapple and finisher blazins made it a wrestling game

[@2012aal]

@@andyboy624 I’m not gonna lie, I could’ve sworn there was actually pinning in this one. I been looking and it look like it’s not in it. Maybe I’m confusing this with Backyard Wrestlinh

[@KingJadInfiniteHope]

@@2012aal nope, no pinning, only two wrestling rings out of like 24 or 27 stages, i forget the number. and you can only win by K.O. Submission, Totaling a car, & crowd votes.

[@mephisto8191]

Loved these games. Back in the day when there were no microtransactions and it felt like the developers really wanted to impress the gamers as apposed to rushing a game out in order to make money quick.

[@robertfrost8264]

Well, also back then THEY HAD TO finish the games and send them out fully polished because they couldn't rely on patches and forced online updates.

[@mephisto8191]

@@robertfrost8264 true dat

[@mgiebus1869]

Damn man that end had me tearing up a bit

[@johnny718bravo]

That was beautiful. I need to find a copy of Vendetta. I still have Fight For NY.

[@HopeEsthiem15]

The black community comes together to acknowledge and appreciate this W G4. 🙌🏽

[@alkebulanshujaaogun5152]

Facts my brotha 🙌🏿

[@TheMTwinny]

Don't wanna be biased but...this be my favorite video from y'all yet. The presenters, script writing, comedic bits and surprise interview is all so well done. TBH getting to interview David Banner is just as insightful and wonderful as was Goldenboy's interview with Reggie. And seeing TBH looking like the mans was tearing up was also heartwarming to see.

[@Fitzgeralduh]

Kings uplifting Kings round here. You love to see it 💯💯💯

[@AStarInAndromeda]

I totally agree here and this energy also makes me so happy to be a black gamer

[@MrBIGJ79]

The end of that interview was very touching and dope. Proud of TBH.

[@graefx]

That interview hit hard.

[@TrizollinTehWorld]

This video is pure fire. Those def jam games were a movement when I was a kid. Literally every kid in the apartment complex had it and we would meet up and throw hands in vs. I hope at some point they remaster or take a shot at a new one that's like the first two.

[@ssbbking91]

Dang, I teared up watching this. Def Jam need to make a comeback

[@mgiebus1869]

Man that feeling of kicking Crow out the window will never get old. About to go dig this jawn out of my basement

[@shyguy1630]

You know how much I love Def Jam Fight for NY. Anytime someone talks about the game. I still watch just to see the clips again. David Banner was mean with that haymaker.

[@KEYTV13]

I always feared David Banner character on Def Jam because of how big he was and his walk and aggression was terrifying.

[@ethanndenero9417]

I’m so proud of TheBlackHokage’s come up. I remember when he was ModernWarNegro & before that he was Cornelius08 I love seeing people I fw prosper 💯💯💯

[@mew215]

By far, the best episode of X-Play. The end part between TBH and Banner had me in tears. As a black man still trying to find his way, that interaction between those two meant everything to me. Hopefully this video inspires EA to remaster Def Jam Fight For New York lol

[@BulkRanger]

Easily X Play's best work yet. This video was so full of love and passion from all involved. I would love to see more content like this.

[@Clivetinker]

Bro you sound like a bot with this channel comment history

[@BulkRanger]

Ok

[@jackcarroll3575]

@@Clivetinker >85 comments on this channel >accusing others of being bots

[@ShogunJacksonStone]

This was an incredible episode and interview with DB. Great work fellas 🙌🏿

[@theguitarhero333]

God damn, FFNY was so good. The treatment of the women in the story is pretty dated, but the mechanics and roster were so legit. Combining the different fighting styles to make new ways to play, buying bling to get more hype in fights, seeing all those rapper cameos. It so easily could've been a shitty cash in on celebrity clout, but it truly rocked.

[@blackdragon6]

I'd argue the treatment of women is pretty resonate, not dated lol. Especially the way they were designed. Even today it would still kinda be the same, except the women would be kinda willing participants in regards to their looks. I mean look at Cardi and Nicki 😆

[@solidinfinity]

Do more of this X-Play! Yall hit it out of the park with the interview and nostalgia! I hope this video sparks something in EA to re-release or remake or remaster the first two Def Jam games. Phenomenal episode. 🙏🏾 DefJamfor2022

[@Stef22757]

Man, They need to bring the game back it was so much fun.

[@mironricardo]

That 3 v 1 level legitimately had me so frustrated, but I felt so damn good when beating it.

[@conkersuprfan]

what I'm most surprised these days is that DJFFNY has a competitive scene that's active and do tournaments

[@DCASPER923]

I enjoyed this video throughly but the last segment was very much needed. I got choked up at the end because that conversation was so real and it’s not really heard that often. TBH ✊🏾 keep doing your thing and salute to G4 as a whole

[@dominickk5293]

Good review. Wish they would have talked more about how your fighting evolved in Fight for New York, as you learned new styles. Muay thai/grappler/street fighter. Clinch, grapple, and failing that, haymaker! It was like poetry.

[@MarioSonicDKPokeFAN]

Loved this all around. Finally a love letter to The Def Jam series and the interview with David Banner. I could see how much he was holding back the tears! Well done all around!

[@alkebulanshujaaogun5152]

One of the best Xplay videos!

[@gweebara]

It's really good to see TBH nerdin out. I would love to see more of the hosts nerd out about their favorite old games as well as possibly even guest reviewers and host reviewing games that were probably missed buy some. I never played any of the Def Jam fighting games and may have to go back and try and catch some

[@mercury0855]

One of the best fighting games ever with a great story mode. I wish y’all did a sequel and based it in the Atl so everyone could be in

[@bballrich91]

Everything about this video is amazing. Thanks to g4 for shining a light of the Def Jam games again. And wow, great interview between TBH and David Banner. It was genuine and insightful, and if thats the type of high quality content we're going to get, I'm all here for it!

[@MARKRebels]

Thank you guys for doing this video seriously. This franchise NEEDS to come back.

[@UTxJGTheDon]

One of the best interviews you all have done. Shoutout to David Banner for taking the time to sit down with my homie TBH

[@HitnRunTony]

The Def Jam games were some of my favorite wrestling games over. It showed us what could have been after WWF No Mercy.

[@bbocel89]

Damn. This video hits. Love the games, really love them. The interview was amazing. Just hearing an OG's thoughts and stories. Yeah, this video was great amazing job to everyone involved

[@1000djsouthside]

I’m a blind player who grew up with this game, I used to search for the trailers on the Internet in elementary school. Warms my heart to see the community still interacting and putting energy into it this way

[@kzed.]

I still don't know why Henry Rollins was in FFNY but it was awesome seeing him for the first time. I honestly think the models used in that game are better than some games today.

[@Jetlife33]

I asked the same question about Danny Trejo, but I'm glad they were in the game. Henry Rollins was such a all around fighter I found myself using him more than I thought I would

[@Eudemon0013]

Fight for NY was such a banger... Sean Paul's Rocksteady was a go-to for my build. Miss this game. And enjoyed that interview with Banner. Such great interviews lately. Love it.

[@blacksharkchery]

Seriously ... Thank you Guys. this gave me nostalgia and happiness about this great Era Shoutout to my hero TBH and the G4 team for this that interview was 💥 David Banner been a gamer give me confer

[@XxTheGoOfYxX]

Played it all the time as a kid. Bring it back! I grew up with all that music.

[@bigdawghoss9871]

This is an absolutely incredible interview. Thanks to all who worked on this. Great stuff!

[@daydream.glitch]

David Banner character was a beast like I felt like I was fighting Jinn's dad from Tekken had to retry so many times was true challenged fun. The next game they do they need a documentry too. Glad TBH had a chance to do this too. Customization was my fav part changing your outfits and fighting styles

[@handsomehippy731]

Awesome episode. Well done. Overload of nostalgia. Also appreciate the Banner interview and the dialog between the two, on a personal level. Keep dreaming brothers ✊🏾

[@keenenwilliams9687]

Love this video. Playing these games for a long time and still to this day. Happy to see David Banner too, one of my fav rappers especially from my home of Mississippi, plus he is a tough one to fight in FFNY too

[@megavolnutt4629]

Man I LOVED this episode guys! Good to see Def Jam Vendetta and Fight for NY getting the love they deserve and Icon getting the scorn it deserves. Educational, insightful and refreshing to get a perspective that is not seen or heard nearly enough in gaming. That interview was a dope way to wrap it up too. You guys killed it again on this one!

[@BkStunna217]

This was beautiful. Kinda like an ode to 1 of my favorite series ever...(minus Icon 🤬). And that interview 2 close...💎

[@Jebbtube]

Fight for NY was a game I never thought I'd like, but was one of my favs of the time, and something of an introduction to the rap/hip hop culture. Most of the rappers I'd either never heard of before, or knew next to nothing about. The character creator was also one of the best I've seen in any game, despite its simplicity.

[@sunshinethor420]

Man this video brought me back to 2006, 6th grade playing these games on gamecube at my friend michaels house.

[@mikeystewart1446]

This game totally needs to come back!

[@Johnny-up3yh]

DefJam Fight for NY was indeed one of the best games of our life time....all these artists would collaborate with EA for a sequel.

[@BluesElwoo2]

HOLY CRAP! Def Jam Vendetta and Fight for NY were some amazing games! I've never been a huge listener of Hip Hop or Rap, but I had heard about Vendetta being made with the same engine as WWF No Mercy and that it had pretty positive reception. Going on that, I picked it up, and dang, did that game get a lot of play! My brother and other friends played the sht out of it!~ You could feel the AKI wrestling engine underneath it all, but it moved way faster, and matches were designed to be over with faster. Then Fight for NY came out! Day one pick up! It was better than Vendetta in pretty much every way! I remember the story being enjoyable enough, that when your friend wanted to play through it so he could design his own character, it was still fun to watch! And the fact that you built your character by playing through story mode that by the end, he ended up being what he was because you made certain choices during the story. So super cool! And those super moves.... They never got old no matter how many times you saw them! Talk about excited for Def Jam Icon! What the hell were they thinking? This game was nothing like the last 2 games. The characters moved around all slow. The fighting mechanics were clunky and really shallow. I couldn't believe they did this! The graphics were pretty awesome for the time, but it was no fun to play. We tried to like it.... And just didn't play it very much. I ended up selling it back to some place like Gamestop. I think I barely got any money for it. It felt like a total waste of money, but I wanted it out of my collection, and took the cash... I would love a new Def Jam game if it continued what the first 2 did!! Awesome vid by the way G4! Probably my favorite Xplay video yet!

[@nFbDynox]

I loved Fight for NY so much I still own it despit not owning an original XBOX anymore. It was my favorite game to play while I was in college.

[@TheAustinDelgado]

I randomly got Vendetta as a birthday gift and it was a ton of fun. It wasn’t perfect , especially compared to Smackdown v Raw but I loved playing as DMX

[@SubjectiveCuriosities]

I didnt read the video description before watching so an interview with David Banner was an awesome surprise!

[@tonyharris2586]

As much as I would love to see a remastered version the music rights would be a nightmare so we need Sakurai on this

[@dmappzoom6778]

Right

[@SGVSOUTHSIDE]

Yea majority of these guys no longer work at def jam

[@KouD3Graw]

There's a lot of people going to check to see how much a copy of Def Jam cost and get their minds blown at the market. You should be able to find one depending on where you live at some pawn shops, thrifts, and game stores if you're lucky. It's one of those games I would I bought and kept close to me cause it's so damn good.

[@masonrock]

I would love to see HOV as the "Boss". I want to see Uzi with the diamond in his head, he can use that as a part of his special. I want Nardwar as a special character or NPC.

[@Strideer1989]

Glad you ask about the Mississippi bit, it was so memorable.

[@Jay-xq2bz]

X-Play seems to have a habit these days of making some pretty good videos about games/genres I'm not usually into. Surprisingly I'm hooked on the short development histories of the games they've featured.

[@stonecolda.p.]

I would love to see Denzel Curry in a new Def Jam game. So Glad David Banner had the time to enlighten the Xplay audience!

[@jashardwallington]

He knows taekwondo an muay Thai he would be great

[@Alkamist4Games]

This was masterfully put together, I love letter genuinely so.

[@WonderBreadSpecial]

I still to this day, go out of my way to listen to the sound track of Fight for NY. It's so good

[@Guitar201000]

“Where you goin’…you don’t need to breathe my boy.” Cold-blooded 🥶

[@jacobrichardson1952]

OOOOH yo when I turn 22, I'm planning on getting Def Jam Vendetta and Fight For NY! Childhood memories indeed!!

[@YoDzOnHalo]

Weird this game is so popular again out of no where. It’s a fun game for sure but no one was talking about this game up until it seemed last year when people noticed the prices for used copies of it

[@mironricardo]

I remember I got the game in a Bargain Bin at Walmart. I didn't even realize til now how fun the game actually was and how I really got into it.

[@chinoloco51]

There are local small tourneys held in NYC. An old game sometimes gets long legs to stand on due to the community and their efforts.

[@NoirOtaku]

Loved this segment!! Great job!

[@Chasetopher33]

The rumor was Yuke's may be going back that direction for the new AEW game. So far the gameplay looks similar to the old No Mercy so let's see if it keeps it going or the Yuke it up...

[@chrisherzog1367]

YOO getting David Banner on was dope. Playing Fight for NY at my friend's house was kinda my introduction to hip hop, holds a special place in my heart

[@byronhines8315]

I still play fight for ny even today definitely need a remaster

[@maskon1764]

Bro I can’t believe I’m watching an Xplay video in 2022. What a time to be alive

[@Rahzarusfilms]

Love this for TBH bruh, end of the interview almost had me all misty eyed too lmao

[@KILLDILLGaming]

This was great just a true love letter to all the def jam fans! And TBH I know you were a socom fan can we get a video like this with socom 1-2 I’ve been kinda spamming this hope y’all see this !! Thanks I’m in so fucking happy g4/xplay are back!!! The inside interviews and creative skits are fresh while capturing the old spirit of xplay keep up the great work!!

[@Niceshoes120]

This is awesome! Great video and even better interview. This is one for the culture. Hats off to everyone involved.

[@stephenishola6205]

Fight For NY was a game changer .. from the roster, to the story mode, how you were able to customize your characters fighting style with an elite selection of clothing snd sneakers/timberlands.. Man just imagine they remake this for the PS5 I’ll lose my mind!

[@Mr_Tsukuyomi]

As soon as you said David Banner, first thing that came to mind was “ IM FROM THE M…I-Crooked Letter-Crooked Letter-I-Crooked Letter-Crooked Letter-I-Humpback-Humpback-I ! MAKE YOU WANNA D*E” 🥲 Man I Loved this game!

[@atticusfinch8192]

This is definitely the best video/interview you all have done so far. Keep it up!

[@dreadedninja7058]

I wasn't born during the first iteration of Xplay but I can tell this version is far better

[@Panhead3409173092]

Watching this has now prompted me to grab Def Jam Fight for NY on the PS2 Emulator. I never played them just cause rap and that whole scene was not my thing. Always heard good things though, looking forward to experiencing it for the first time

[@andre83miller]

Amazing review and interview!!! Thank you so much for showcasing this amazing franchise.

[@KamenWeaver]

Great video. Makes me want to go and boot up my copy of Vendetta right now.

[@midwestdepressed]

Xplay is getting better and better!

[@eastsidezack]

we need more reviews like this

[@JTBacchanalist]

Great job as always xplay!