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Def Jam: Icon
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 17. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Mature brawler set in the world of hip-hop music.
Why We Rated This 
The good stuff
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Educational value:
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Def Jam: Icon was written by Marc Saltzman
Parents need to know that many teens will want to play this fighting game because it features big hip-hop and rap artists, but it's very much an M-rated game. That's why this well-constructed game gets plenty of stars for quality but earns our rare "Off" rating for 17+. Characters punch, kick, and throw each other across the room; onscreen characters bleed after a severe beating. In-game harsh lyrics are common, including "bitches," "N"-words, and "hoes," and lines like "tell yo buddies I f--ked you right, tell 'em how you licked my b--ls."
Families Can Talk About
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- Families can talk about the bad behavior and language. Why is it glorified in some circles as part of hip-hop culture? What does the word "icon" in the game's title have to do with this glorification? Which artists do you see more as icons than musicians? Why do you think so many hip-hop artists use such graphic language?
More on Def Jam: Icon
What’s the Story?
You can playDEF JAM: ICON as or against some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Ludacris, Big Boi, The Game, Method Man, Sean Paul, Paul Wall, and T.I. As with most fighting games, you must discover and exploit the weaknesses of your computer-controlled or human opponents. But this is no "button masher": Gamers who don't take the time to learn how to best punch, kick, grab, throw, and block won't get far in this brawler. Music can also be used as a weapon -- by timing your attacks to match the beat of a song, you can trigger environmental hazards in time with the music, from exploding gas pumps to an electrifying lighting rig at a TV studio.
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Is It Any Good?
This fresh take on the struggling fighting video game genre works -- but its appeal may be limited to hip-hop music fans and its blinged-out superstars. Def Jam: Icon, the latest in this hip-hop fighting game series, offers greater interaction with music, more characters, online play for long-distance brawls, and outstanding graphics. Visually, Def Jam: Icon delivers an interesting blend of photorealistic characters with a surreal effect of buildings and cars that pulsate and crumble to the beat.
Def Jam: Icon is a fun and unique take on the fighting game genre, where music isn't just used in the background but plays a key part in the gameplay. Mature hip-hop fans who love fighting games will find Icon a perfect blend of the two.
ClosePublisher’s Details
Released on 03/07/2007, price $59.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: M (for blood, strong lyrics, violence)
ESRB rating: M (for blood, strong lyrics, violence)
Our Members Say
See all 13 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
I rate this title on for age 16 and give it- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
- Safety isn't an issue
- Easy to play
- I rate this title off for age 2 and give it
Fight to tha Music
Fun fighting game with good(old)songs. The reason why it is rated M is because of strong language.Every Curse word is used and more.Good game with a whole bunch of rappers includin T.I,Lil John, Big Boi, and Fat Joe.There is strippers to but dont take any clothes off.
- I rate this title on for age 17 and give it
- I rate this title off for age 2 and give it
its funny
- I rate this title off for age 2 and give it
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say kids find it easy to play |
| 100% | of parents feel the site is safe |
| 100% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 100% | of parents say it's educational |
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