Flashy!
The gameplay feels similar to previous installments of the MK series, but also features a more solid combo system; and free 3D movement. Each character has three different martial arts styles, (two open hand, one weapon) and can switch styles on the spot. This creates not only some interesting looking gameplay, but a new twist for fighting games we haven't really seen done very often. The only other game that offers the ability to "draw" a weapon on the spot, is Ninja Masters, a mediocre SNK game... And Midway took that idea much further. The idea is cool and all, but the fighting styles, on the other hand; are something to be desired... Not only do 85% of all the movements look "stiff," the martial arts styles aren't exactly what you'd call accurate... But some are close, at best. The character movelists are also on the short side, especially when compared to the likes of Soul Calibur 2 or Tekken 4.
Overall, the graphics in the game are sharp. Character models are nicely detailed ( Scorpion never looked so badass), and the backgrounds, lighting effects, and reflections are all very well done. The animation is good sometimes, but a handful of character moves are jagged in many cases. There are a handful of cool moves though, that do bring the pain. The camera also plays a part in the "awe" factor of the game, and does a great job in cinematically capturing all the action, as well as showing of some of the cool arenas, which stretch pretty far back. Character's faces also become bruised and bloodied after a match, nice touch... but why only the faces?
Deadly Alliance features an all new mode called Konquest, in which you take a journey learning all of the characters moves, and also earning "koins" in which you use to purchase extras in The Krypt. The Krypt system is nice little addition to the game, and really makes for some excellent replay value if you get into it. Within the Krypt, you open coffins which include sketch art for the game, early screenshots, logos, print adds, behind the scenes shots, and of course more useful things like new characters, stages, character outfits, extra koins, etc... There are 676 coffins to open I believe... Can you say replay value?
Deadly Alliance is no doubt worth trying out, but there are some flaws... To nitpick a little bit, I will say that some of the fatalities (only 1 per character) are kinda lacking on the shock value, and some are just plain stupid and will leave you with a "blank stare." Also, some of the characters are unbalanced as far as moves go, as Midway obviously worked much harder on some characters than others for some reason. In fact, some characters clearly have a lot less moves/special moves than others... So the roster is a bit unbalanced. The newcomers also lack the "flash" that the veteran MK characters had/have, part of the reason being their uninspired move lists. Many classic moves from veteran combatants are simply "gone" as well... And my last complaint, is how the characters "grow" and then "shrink" from power ups... That just looks silly.
Closing Comment : Midway did a decent job at bringing their hit franchise back up to speed, but even though the game has it's flashy moments and packs a handful of extras; the gameplay really doesn't match up with the best 3D fighting games out there (or 2D for that matter). They also could have done a better job developing some of the new characters and fighting styles... Because some are just plain uninspired.
If you're a casual fighting game fan or Mortal Kombat fan, you'll definitely enjoy Deadly Alliance for the cool unlockable extras, Konquest mode, and decent 3D gameplay... But if you're looking for a deep and rewarding fighting game engine, look somewhere else.
