Def Jam: Fight for NY off to factory

Electronic Arts announced today that Def Jam: Fight for NY, the sequel to last year's Def Jam Vendetta, has gone gold. When it ships on September 20, the fighting game will be available for the Xbox, GameCube, and PlayStation 2 for $49.99. It will also join a very select group--games from EA that have a Mature rating.

Developed by EA Canada, Def Jam: Fight for NY expands on Vendetta. Instead of a mere wrestling game with rappers, the title is a story-driven brawler that incorporates five different fighting styles--kickboxing, street fighting, martial arts, submissions, and wrestling. Players create an original character with customizable appearance and voice.

As the game progresses, players can further trick out their characters with designer clothes, tattoos, and various forms of bling. Of course, to earn the money for such items, they will have to duke it out with Def Jam artists like Busta Rhymes and Ludacris, as well as other celebrities like Carmen Electra and Henry Rolllins.

GameSpot editors recently got to smack the game around for ourselves--read our hands-on for more.