Mortal Kombat (Originally published in JTM Games)

MSRP $59.99

1-4 Players

The Mortal Kombat franchise has been a fighting juggernaut since its inception back in 1992. Innovating with the use of digitized actors and brutal, unapologetic violence, the game went on to become a household name. Fast forward eight sequels later (and the action-brawler sidestories), the Mortal Kombat brand was starting to fatigue, having to attach itself to DC Universe to attract a new audience. With the crossover came muted fatalities, heavily censored violence, and “Heroic Brutalities.” It was starting to look bleak for MK fans all over the world.

But just when everyone thought the franchise was running out of steam, out came MORTAL KOMBAT, a series reboot that brings the gameplay back to basics, with a focus on catering to the hardcore and tournament gamers. This is the Mortal Kombat game that everyone wanted since MK2.

Mortal Kombat’s plot is actually really interesting compared to other games in the genre. It’s begins just at the end of MK: Armageddon, and moves on to become a re-telling of the first three games in the series with certain twists that might surprise a few people. Throughout the story, players take control of a multitude of fighters from the roster and serves as kind of a training ground for basic moves, specials, and fatalities.

Speaking of fatalities, the game does not skimp on the blood and guts, gore is the name of the game here, folks. From Kung Lao’s infamous circular saw fatality to Stryker’s gunshot to the head, Mortal Kombat serves murder in its most extreme. Also, the X-ray special moves are so fascinatingly brutal, that one can’t dare to look away from the beautiful carnage on screen.

The fighting mechanics are easy to learn, yet hard to master. Anyone who’s played a Mortal Kombat game before can pick up the game and have hours upon hours of fun, and hardcore players can definitely bite into the intricacies of juggle combos and tag combos that further deepen the game’s already robust fighting engine.

One of the game’s most touted features is the new Tag Team combat, where up to four players can fight in teams of two. Players can tag in their teammate when the need arises; also, tagging in at certain points during attacks unlocks tag team moves and combos that are truly a sight to behold. One can even say this tag feature rivals that of Marvel vs. Capcom 3.

Then, there’s the Challenge Tower mode in which players are tasked with defeating 300 opponents, with each fight having their own specialized rules or special conditions. Finishing this mode requires time, dedication, and lots of practice. Some of the fights are difficult but the rewards players get make it all worth fighting for.

And what would a fighting game be without online functionality? Mortal Kombat revels in online fighting. I’ve experienced little to no lag since I’ve started playing and have thoroughly enjoyed the multitude of modes available for serious online fighters. Controls are tight and responsive; I’ve only had encountered a few issues of move lag but that was only in online once or twice. Moves are easy to pull off, combos are all about timing and the game really forces players to strategize for each battle.

As a special treat for Sony MK fans, Netherrealm added perhaps one of the most iconic PlayStation characters around in Kratos, the God of War. 

Technical Presentation

Audio – Music and sound effects are mostly throwbacks to old Mortal Kombat games with remixes of old tunes, and catchy lines like Scorpion’s “Get over here.” I do have an issue with some of the story mode’s voiceovers. While some are genuinely good or funny like Johnny Cage, others like Cyrax are quite boring and not as interesting.

Video – MK’s graphics are well done. The characters all look surprisingly good; also, their body parts, when sliced off, blown off, or burned, look realistic to the point that some fatalities are actually quite borderline gruesome to watch. The environments are amazing too, with lots happening in the background as the players fight each other.  Players really feel like they’re not just the only participants in the Mortal Kombat tournaments.

Final Thoughts

As mentioned in the beginning of this review, Mortal Kombat is back to basics, and it works. The game has moved from being just another fighting game, into a definite contender for various game-of-the-year awards. From the mature content, deep fighting mechanics, and solid online modes, Mortal Kombat is the only fighting game that players need to play this generation.

Final grade: 90%