Reviews// Mortal Kombat

Mortal Kombat (MK) brings the best of the original trilogy and a host of new additions for gamers old and new. But, are the variety and depth in gameplay enough to propel it back to the emperor’s throne?

New Blood
Mortal Kombat is both a reboot to the franchise and the story, focusing on both the events and characters of the original trilogy. It comes with a new lick of paint in the form of Unreal Engine 3 (first used for MK v DC Universe) and now tied to the traditional 2D plane. The roster is over 25 ‘kombatants’ strong – with each character including aesthetic, move-set and story revamps whilst being presented with an Action Man-like sheen.

The game also includes 20 arenas featuring interactive elements and dynamic backdrops, many of which will be familiar to older players.

The most significant change to the gameplay is the inclusion of a Super Meter in the bottom corners of the screen for each fighter.

The gauge fills at various rates based on player attacks or damage taken and includes three marked thresholds which are depleted at different rates, dependant on the way it is used. The first option allows the player to perform an enhanced version of a special move, taking away one section of the gauge; the second gives the player the opportunity to break out of an opponent ‘kombo’ and finally, in filling the gauge to its maximum, the player can perform an X-Ray move at the cost of depleting the full bar.

Once activated, the X-Ray move is a slow motion depiction of the fighter brutally punishing the opponent in a stomach-churning manner, taking away a large chunk of their health. It features an internal view of each character’s bone and organ structure being smashed, stabbed and ruptured along with equally disturbing sound effects, the only disappointment being the exclusion of controller rumble for the key impacts. It is almost as original and defining to the reboot of the franchise as a fatality was in the originals.

Button Basher?
MK does an excellent job of giving a “pick up and play” feel to the game. Character limbs are mapped to the four face buttons on the controller, movement is on the left stick or d-pad, the right trigger blocks and both triggers together enable an X-ray move. It’s as simple as that.

Each character has a variety of moves separated into various categories which can be checked by pausing the game. Single strikes, basic combinations, grabs, signature moves and even fatalities are nicely balanced, fluid and specific to each character.

The game can no longer be classed as a button basher - a major criticism in the past. Button bashing players will only be rewarded with the most basic of attacks, and those who spend a little bit more time with the game will really appreciate its depth.

Numerous moves can be performed at any time. For instance: Kung Lao can teleport whilst standing, jumping in the air or at any point whilst the opponent is not damaging him.

Another aspect that offers both depth and personal influence is chaining combos together. This gives players the opportunity to mix and match various combos in a very precise and devastating manner (mainly via juggling) and can only be countered by initially blocking the first hit or by using the breaker in the Super Meter, as mentioned earlier.

The final addition to gameplay is a tag mode, adding more depth for players choosing two characters to switch in and out of battle along with specific signature tag moves and combos for each. A tutorial mode is also at hand to give novices and experimentalists a taste of performing various combinations or attempting to perform fatalities in a less demanding environment.

All of this gives a tremendous amount of variety - with no one character fighting in the same way - whilst keeping the game well balanced.