The Best Mortal Kombat EVER??
That's right – the reboot may well breathe new life into the series. The Mortal Kombat franchise has undoubtedly seen far more glorious days, back when MK II and III ruled the fighting game scene. With this new entrant, developer NetherRealm hopes to bring back some of the same magic, not to mention gore, found in the 2D classics.
Needless to say, expectations haven't been this high for an MK ever since the "glory days". After several lackluster sequels over the last decade, many have wondered whether MK was setting itself up for yet another major fall, or if it was the resurgence this franchise desperately needed.
What was the outcome, then? Let’s find out!
Graphics (9):
The graphics are equally great on both the Xbox 360 and PS3. However, the PS3 version does suffer from some significant frame rate issues when while some of the characters are executing their ‘X-ray’ moves. Otherwise, the game is virtually identical on both platforms. Everything ranging from the character designs to the background stages is top notch. The aforementioned ‘X-ray’ moves, during which a character unleashes a massive blow to the opponent’s health bar, look absolutely vicious and can see the result first hand what they have caused their opponent. Attention to detail is also top notch, from the muscular appearances down to their bruised and battered deformed states. The stages sport plenty of personality, with certain ones being re-imagined versions of popular ones from past titles, while others depict completely new areas. Those who aren’t new to the series will instantly recognize and appreciate the returning favorites, such as The Pit or the Acid Pool. There is an incredible amount of gore in this game, but that didn’t stop NetherRealm Studios from making it look all the more ‘over-the-top’. Every hit, from small punches to spears impaling the enemy, results in an unusually high amount of blood splatter.
So much KONTENT
Gameplay (9.5):
The main theme of this installment of Mortal Kombat is "mending the past" and to that end, it has succeeded on virtually every front. The main modes of play in Mortal Kombat are the Arcade Ladder, Story Mode, and the Challenge Tower. Arcade Ladder can be played alone or, for the first time, with another character in a tag team 2v2 mode. Challenge Tower presents players with a 300-tier assortment of special-condition fights, minigames, and other tasks. Story Mode, however, is the main attraction of the single-player experience. The Story Mode seamlessly integrates cut scenes and gameplay, where conversations between characters will transition straight into battles. The story in Mortal Kombat has always been one of the attractive aspects of the franchise, and NetherRealm delivers in spades, giving players the opportunity to experience a reimagining of the original trilogy. Moving away from the gameplay modes, the in-game experience is likewise tightened down. Unlike in the last few series outings, which have ventured into the realm of 3D gameplay, the fights here are firmly rooted in the 2D plane. The button layout is no longer High/Low punches and kicks but limb-assigned to Front and Back buttons. Instead of having "dial-a-combos", which can't be broken down into individual hits, characters have unique move strings, similar to Tekken, that they can freely break to link into other moves. Characters can now dash back and forth, removing the need for a dedicated Run button, allowing for advanced mobility with smarter defense. A major new feature for this game is the Super meter; a three-segmented bar that can power up your fighter in several ways. With one stock, your fighter can execute an enhanced special move that can take on additional properties over the normal version. Two stocks will grant the ability to break out of one combo and three stocks unlock the almighty ‘X-Ray’; a literal bone-shattering attack that does considerable damage while showcasing the internal damage inflicted upon your victim. The brutal X-Ray attacks were the root of this game's notoriety leading up to its release and are both violent and tactical. Moving into the tag mode introduces partner commands (such as calling in assists) that encourage strategic and effective team-ups with characters that can work well together and accentuate strengths. Mortal Kombat has never felt this deep, which is why developer NetherRealm Studios should be applauded for their dedication towards the "hardcore" players when crafting this game. Of course, one of the hallmarks of the series is the violent "Fatality" finishing moves and they are more gruesome than ever. Ever since Mortal Kombat 3, I felt the game's cold-blooded and brutal atmosphere has been lost to spectacle and flashiness but this game has at least returned the harsh brutality to the series.
So many KOMBOS in the KORNER
In previous Mortal Kombat games, I felt the control had been very spotty. Rapidly tapping punch would swing your character's arms back and forth with no semblance of dexterity. In later installments, combos were executed by tapping in pre-scripted series of button commands with no variation possible. In addition, maneuverability felt limited and sluggish (the Run button introduced in the third game was supposed to alleviate this but it merely made the game more rush down heavy). The controls in this game are brisk and smooth. The fighters feel responsive, and it’s relatively easy to chain attacks into combos. Long, player-controlled combos are a large focus of this game and without the fluid controls, they simply wouldn't be possible. This is definitely one of the most significant areas of improvement over previous titles in this series, and a major reason for newcomers to check out this particular game.
Sound/Music (8.5):
The crunch of bones and the tearing of flesh...yes, this is definitely Mortal Kombat. The sound effects in this game are harsh but poetic, profoundly conveying the raw unrestrained fury of battle. The voice acting, while goofy at times, seems natural and is fit for the characters at hand. Similarly, the plot is well-scripted. Netherrealm Studios hired a good batch of actors to fill the personalities behind the cast and it helps with the cinematic storytelling in the Story Mode. On the other hand, the sound track isn’t really as appealing as it could’ve been, but it certainly doesn’t become a hindrance to an otherwise enjoyable experience.
We are MANY, you are but ONE
Conclusion:
Despite the little flaws that keep Mortal Kombat 9 from being perfect, it is still without a doubt the best Mortal Kombat title to date, and has set a new standard that developers of future fighting games should follow. The inclusion of a full-fledged story mode as well as the amount of Kontent on offer is unprecedented. It’s pure fan service at its finest, while also making the game accessible to newcomers. We can now forget the abysmal Mortal Kombat games that plagued the PS2/Xbox era. Mortal Kombat 9 has revived the series, and it’s here to stay!
Overall: 9/10
