The most obvious of these new features is the implementation of ground grapples and a tightening of the stagger animations. More specifically, in the original console version only strikes and a few specialty maneuvers could be pulled off while an opponent was on the floor. Now, both the guy on his back and the assailant standing over him can go into full horizontal grappling -- complete with reversals, escapes, and the same old strike maneuvers that were used before.
Speaking of maneuvers, more than 180 of them have been added to the existing moveset along with the aforementioned improvements to the reaction animations. Not only does this mean that fights will have more user-enabled options, but also that the guaranteed three-hit combo knockdowns that made it easy to knuckle your way through the console version has been tweaked. Now, nailing an opponent with multiple strikes doesn't always mean a knockdown -- sometimes it will mean that a foe may stumble back, or take a knee, or possibly not be wobbled at all. This is definitely good news for those that hate pattern fighting.
Another interesting tidbit to remember about the PSP version of Def Jam is that all the features of the console version have been included in the handheld as well. This means that all the fighters, venues, and create-a-character options that players experienced with the Xbox and PS2 editions haven't been affected one bit. What's more, is that developer Aki has even included a number of new additions like two-player ad hoc support, all-new environmental hotspots (with adjustments made to old ones), a completely new storyline, and four brand new venues (the details of which are still being kept a secret). There's even a PSP-exclusive fighter and a number of other little fixes that EA still wants kept a secret.
Needless to say, Def Jam: Fight for NY - The Takeover is looking pretty good so far. Its new ground moves certainly add some depth to the gameplay and the improved animations and closer camera angles (did we mention that? No? Well, they're in there) helps move the game along a much faster pace. To check it out for yourself, just click on our media page below to view the first trailer.
We'll be back with more in the coming weeks.