So. This is my first MK game. I was just wondering if the characters could be split up into any archetypes? Fast / slow, long range / short range, or based on a certain base tactic?

Nope, they all tend to be rather rounded out. In the past the characters all seemed to have decent capabilities on having some ranged stuff & close range attacks worth something. Might also look at the storyline's on the MK games on the site as they do tend to at least explain some of the key people. Some of the people would be a little quicker but have lower damage though this tends to be slight depending on which MK game, MK for me has always been more about playing the people you want to play versus something like Darkstalkers/Street Fighter where they do have an archetypical feel about each fighter in terms of speed or range.

Also look at the TNT on MK 2 & 3. Many of the characters in this MK are also in that to get familliar with them on how they play.

http://www.giantbomb.com/profile/x19/tnt-archive/30-72532/

GLHB!

I like playing round with them all too :) It's just nice to know "if i don't like ____, I should try ____". Don't know how long I can keep the girlfriend interested otherwise with Portal 2 being out as well. I'll check out those videos fox, thanks a lot :)

I think you meant Kharacter Klassification.

Robots, ninjas, and other

Like fox said, they're all pretty well rounded; about the only archetype you can assign if fast/slow. MK fighters have always been defined by their specials, at least to me.

" Robots, ninjas, and other "

" @kingzetta said:

" Robots, ninjas, and other "

You're failing to take into account the fact that the robots more often than not tend to also be ninjas. "

and elder god ninjas

" Robots, ninjas, and other "

" @xhavoc86

@Hailinel said:

" @kingzetta said:

" Robots, ninjas, and other "

You're failing to take into account the fact that the robots more often than not tend to also be ninjas. "

Don't forget the Undead Ninjas, Clone Ninjas, and Slut Ninjas!!! 

Demon Slut Ninjas too. "

Yeah, just choose who you enjoy the most. The good side of not having obvious classifications is that it encourages you to experiment with most of them. 

" I think you meant Kharacter Klassification. "

" @jorojoserojas said:

" I think you meant Kharacter Klassification. "

LOL "

Deadly Alliance and Deception had difficulty ratings for each characters, depending on how difficult it was to pull off special moves and chain combos together. However, this wasn't the case in Armageddon or DC. I always thought Scorpion was a good starting point for anyone new to the series. His special moves are pretty straight forward and easy to pull off.

" @xhavoc86

@Hailinel said:

" @kingzetta said:

" Robots, ninjas, and other "

You're failing to take into account the fact that the robots more often than not tend to also be ninjas. "

Don't forget the Undead Ninjas, Clone Ninjas, and Slut Ninjas!!! 

Demon Slut Ninjas too. "