Successfully Re-establishes and Redefines a Masterpiece.
I can't believe that in 2011, I was this excited about a new Mortal Kombat game. 2008's massively disappointing Mortal Kombat Vs. DC Universe left many fans upset after the T rating controversy, and while that game was actually pretty decent, nothing could prepare me for the onslaught of awesome that is Mortal Kombat. Mortal Kombat is actually the ninth game in this series, and thus it unfolds in quite a grand fashion. Firstly, while it's easy to say this game has the best story mode of any fighting game ever, because frankly, every story mode in every fighting game has kinda sucked, that's easy. However that also undersells just how good of a story is at work here. With excellent voice acting and beautiful cutscenes that dive right into the fights, MK's story mode will keep you busy for several hours alone. MK also revamps tag-team matches, and unlike Marvel VS. Capcom, I actually like how MK's streamlined tag team matches work. They work considerably better then any other tag team fighting game I've played.
But what is it that everyone really wanted? The return of classic, five button fatalities. Sure, the PS2 era games pushed in crappy "Kreate a Fatality" modes, but back to the basics make fatalities not only easy to pull off, but ultimately satisfying. Amongst the best are Noob and Kung Lao's secondary fatality. Each fighter has two fatality's, plus a stage fatality, and babalities are also back, however friendships seem to have been thrown to the wayside.
In fact, MK's well-rounded roster of fighters really doesn't leave me upset that anyone was left out. Pretty much every character you would want from this series is represented in some form or fashion. The only character whose upgrade is a complete joke to me would be reptile, who has gone under transformation from badass ninja to hideous looking lizard man. When he looks like the lizard from Soul Caliber but with armor, pretty crappy. However you will see fan favorites like Raiden, Sub-Zero, Scorpioin, Ermac, Stryker, Sindel, Sonya Blade, Johnny Cage, and even Goro (although he isn't playable).
However MK goes much deeper then just a quick story mode. You have basic arcade modes, a challenge tower filled with 300 level's of various challenges, all of which are pretty fun (there are a few absurd ones though). The krypt returns, bringing over 300 different unlockables which include various artwork, new fatalities, bonus costumes, and much more. Not everything you unlock in the krypt is gold, but that's too be expected. There is also an area in which you can look at each character, check stats, all the artwork and so forth.
Then we have online play, which as of right now only works partially. I've had it work some days seamlessly, and other days the servers seem to be overloaded. It is nice to see that ranked matches are truly for the hardcore this time around, and a true-rank skill is awarded for those matches. There is also a pretty cool "king of the hill" mode that allows several other players to watch one vs. one and tag matches, and then vote for "respect points" on each match. It's a cool addition, and it works well.
In fact, the only downfall I can say about MK is that some of the achievements are rather absurd. Gaining the mastery of every fighter in the game takes a calculated 672 hours, more then anyone will probably every play of one fighting game, leaving that achievement truly for the hardcore.
I also have to say although this review is of the 360 version, I have played both versions. The inclusion of Kratos in the ps3 version of the game is a wonderful addition, however Kratos, as expected, is extremely over-powered. It's also cool to note that there is a level from the God of War series in the PS3 version as well that has a pretty awesome stage fatality. I will also say I noticed the graphics are just a tad bit sharper on that version. But these are small gripes.
All in all, Mortal Kombat blew my mind with not only a return to form, but the fact that this game is just flat out awesome. Will definitely be in my top 5 of 2011, and it is one of the best games of this year as well. A fighting game masterpiece.
