October 18, 2006
EA ANNOUNCES
DEF JAM: ICON
FOR PLAYSTATION 3 AND XBOX 360
EA Chicago, the Creator of the
Acclaimed EA SPORTS Fight Night Franchise, Partners with Def Jam Interactive
to Redefine Hip-hop, Music and Fighting Games
Electronic Arts, in partnership
with Def Jam Interactive, announced today that DEF JAM: ICON™ will be
released for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360™
video game and entertainment system in March 2007 in North America and Europe.
Infusing hip-hop music, culture and lifestyle into the gameplay, EA Chicago
and urban lifestyle powerhouse Def Jam Interactive, continue to push the
boundaries of game development bringing unique and innovative content to the
next generation of gaming.
“Music is the cornerstone of
hip-hop culture so we wanted to incorporate music and rhythm into the actual
gameplay mechanics,” said Kudo Tsunoda, executive producer and General Manager
of EA Chicago. “In 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.”
EA Chicago is delivering
star-stunning action and bone breaking beats as players live out the life of a
hip hop mogul, going from rags to riches. Incorporating hip-hop culture into
every aspect of the game,
DEF JAM: ICON
will deliver the intensity of a no-holds-barred street fight but with style
and rhythm. Music will effect how players fight in each venue and
environmental interactions and hazards will become a key strategy to staying
alive.
EA Chicago’s unique fighting
gameplay controls introduce a new way for gamers to fight as they
assume the role of top
celebrity characters such as Ludacris, T.I. and Big Boi.
Innovative controls give
better feedback to players so they feel like they’re actually throwing the
combat moves. Gamers can
now fight with the style and flash of the superstar personalities.
“The Def Jam Interactive – EA relationship
has expanded into a new frontier with EA Chicago’s breakthrough technology. We
have worked very closely with the team to ensure that authentic hip-hop
culture and lifestyle permeates through every part of the product. DEF JAM:
ICON will guarantee the ultimate combination of a real hip-hop experience
and revolutionary fighting gameplay,” said Lauren Wirtzer, VP Marketing, Def
Jam Enterprises.
DEF JAM: ICON
is scheduled to ship in March 2007 for the PLAYSTATION®3 system and Xbox 360.
DEF JAM: ICON
has not yet been rated by
the ESRB.
