By this time next week, gamers will be able to sample EA Sports Big's latest achievement, the sequel to the wrestling favorite Def Jam Vendetta. However, don't go thinking that this is just a ramped-up follow-up that focuses on wrestling antics. Oh, no. Def Jam Fight for NY is a lot nastier in its fighting style, but its gameplay remains just as freshly addictive as the first game.

The theme is definitely mature here, as the violence level in the game has been ramped up. Along with being able to pummel enemies with power moves, punch/kick combos, and defensive maneuvers, you'll also be able to ram enemies into objects and environmental surroundings. One stage involves you taking on a bad guy in a blazing building, and you find yourself literally surrounded by a ring of fire as you take him on. You can work this to your advantage by flinging him into the fire, causing harm and temporary distortion to land a big move. However, it can also work against you, and your enemy knows this. Another stage takes place around a group of guys cheering on your match, and, if you get too close, you'll find yourself kicked back into play and losing a little energy. There are other features, like columns that you can bash (or be bashed) through and weapons you can pick up and use on your foes. The difficulty has been ramped up a bit, though, so don't take your sweet time trying to grasp a weapon.

The game looks a lot more detailed than the first, and Vendetta really had a lot of good looks going for it. The animation is a bit more refined this time around, so the moves look much better when executed and player details really stand out, like the wardrobe folding on your movements or your facial expressions showing your true emotions. The environments look fantastic, especially the fire that glows around you in that one particular section. And the presentation looks to be full-on New York, all the way. The soundtrack has great attitude to it, and the voicework by the likes of many rappers (including Snoop Dogg as the main villain-izzle) sounds good thus far.

Gameplay remains basically the same as in the first game, but there are a few defensive moves to learn, and the weapons/projectiles come heavily into play. You've got a slew of wrestling/power moves at your disposal to tear your enemy's energy to shreds, and soon you'll build up a power meter, through taunting and moves, that you can use to execute some kind of super move that should put them away. The way the super move unfolds is pretty sweet, even stopping for a few seconds and adding to the drama of the final blow.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. After dabbling a bit with the Story mode (which involves you trying to save your girl and tackling New York's best brawlers) and the fun Battle Mode (up to four players!), there are others to check out as well. But we'll save those for a review, which should be coming along shortly. Get ready for the fight of your life.