Introduction

It ain't easy livin' the life of a Def Jam thug. Between keeping up with the latest fashions and throwing on more platinum bling, you'll have to defend your rep by stepping into the fighting arena and proving that you're no low-rung chump. Unfortunately, the flood of challenges won't stop rushing until you've reached the top of this dog-eat-dog world.

Welcome to the harsh reality of Def Jam FIGHT for NY. Beneath the rough exterior of these gritty combatants lies a challenging and surprisingly deep combat system that's just begging to be opened. Chances are, it's this very combat system that's tearing you to pieces right now. If you want to up your fighting technique, check out our guide to Def Jam FIGHT for NY, complete with:

• Basics: Learn the basics of Def Jam's fighting engine, including grappling, defensive, and offensive techniques.
  
  
• Advanced Systems: Full details on how to KO your opponent no matter which fighting style you choose, and the specifics on dizzies and stunning your opponents.
  
  
• Fighting Styles: Strategies and tactics on all five fighting styles—learn which styles are the best, and learn how to use them effectively.
  
  
• Arenas: Before you step onto new battlegrounds, learn their intricacies to best your opponents. Being unprepared is not an option in this deadly turf war.
  
  
• Story Mode: All the tips and strategies you need to blast through FIGHT for NY's in-depth story mode. Learn how to use your skill development points wisely, and how to get the crowd fighting for you.

The flashy life of a Def Jam thug is most definitely appealing, but not quite the life for me. So when I had to design a character with which to take over the Story Mode underworld, I was without inspiration...until I remember IGN Guides intern Colin Moriarty. That boy is so naturally thugged out that I couldn't resist mocking his bad-taste mohawk and signature sagging jeans. To be honest, seeing Moriarty's face being pounded made losing fights much, much easier. Guide by: Mark Ryan Sallee

On to Basics...