Joystiq [PlayStation]

Are you a fan of the rap/hip-hop movement? Do you like fighting? How about games about one, or both? ...Play the other iterations of Def Jam? How about another question? Anyway, seems the PS3 will be receiving the next Def Jam (not "deaf", because spelling things inkorrectlee is kewl) and it's promising to be awesome to your ears and your fingers. Needless to say, you can expect some of the big names of the field to pop in (Ludacris, Big Boi, T.I...) The game is slated for a March 2007 release (how convenient, just in time for Europe's launch...) for both the PS3 and XBox 360.

The game is developed by EA Chicago (the brains behind Fight Night Round 3) and are intent on using the environments and music as vital points during matches. How this exactly works is still up in the air, but we've a quote from executive producer Kudo Tsunoda: "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." Like a third fighter? Maybe like the Songstress class in FFX-2? Mostly buff your fighter and hinder the opponent? Or, you know, it could be this. Keep your eyes and ears open for any new developments on this title!