Fans of fighting games all have their own thoughts on which series is the best. However, when it comes to which series had the most influence and set the standard one series come to my mind, Mortal Kombat. Let’s face it, the game has set so many records it deserves to be mentioned as one of the best all around in the genre. Sure, the last game had a few disappointing things and lacked those great fatalities. Yet, Co-Creator ED Boone set out to make the needed changes to make Deception the way it was meant to be. Ed has a passion for video games. You can watch or read any interview he has given and tell that. At times I think he actually thinks the world of Mortal Kombat is real rather than a game. No matter what your favorite fighting series is no other series has generated as much money or controversy in its history. At one time the game was even banned from certain stores. Times have changed and the newest game shows some changes without ruining the long time history of the game. Let the review begin and let’s hope it’s flawless. “Come on you knew it was going to be said somewhere”.

Gameplay

Mortal Kombat Deception has a lot more than the fighting mode added this time around. While this is the main reason to play the game, there are a few other modes that are really neat. They added a new updated version of Mortal Kombat Chess that makes up for the first one, which was awful, and to many a slap in the face. They also added a puzzle mode that will remind many of the Puzzle Fighter II game from Capcom. Both play very well offline and on. I will say that setting up the chess game takes a bit too long, yet plays very well and they really added new things to make it worth playing. Players will get treated to a great intro that sets up not only the fighting elements in the game, but it also sets up some key info for the reason to play the Konquest mode.

I wish I could say it was more interesting this time around. I love the series and the way they added to it. However, anyone who wants to unlock every player and other things tucked away is forced to play the Konquest mode. At times it is interesting and even has cameos from fighters who are dead as far as the series’ storyline is concerned, or have moved on. Yet, it still has that “go here and fetch that” element that makes it at times tedious to really enjoy. The trouble is this mode has some interesting story elements yet; many will skip finishing it due to the very long time it takes to finish. Of course with 12+ fighters already unlocked, most fans will want to start the fighting and that is what Mortal Kombat is really all about.

The game has some great new things added and each level has some new surprises as well. You now can pull off a fatality by simply throwing your opponent in a certain area for an instant death. Along with the new multi-tier levels, the fact you can smash through certain parts, and cause damage to the other fighters makes the game a little harder and more interesting. They also kept in the option to change fighting styles and, yes, each fighter still has three styles including weapons. For fans that want to know more about the history of the series, you can unlock movies, interviews and other special things.

Again, you will need to finish the Konquest mode to unlock everything. Ed and his crew really took time on this game and it shows. The game has a few troubling spots, more on that in the control section. Overall, the game is far better than the last and really fits into the original series. It plays well although learning to execute the moves and the right combos can be difficult.

Control / Playability

As great as the game is, there are a few problems and really every fan of the MK series will know what I am talking about here. The controls have always been set-up for a fight-stick or a six-button controller. While the game plays decently with the Xbox controller, the joystick was never created for the certain angles needed to pull off the moves smoothly. It’s not impossible to pull off the moves or combos, however, it will take some practice and at times cause even the veteran players of the series to get frustrated. I would say the learning curve would take anyone about 30+ minutes and those new to the Xbox or fighting games about an hour.

The funny thing is, if you play the Konquest mode through the early stages, you will get to learn the right moves easier. Again, the controls are good. It is just a fact the controller was not designed for the angles and extra time is needed to execute them. Now the only problem with that is while you’re playing and trying to pull off a combo, the AI will take that time to kick your butt. So just be prepared for some added time learning the more difficult moves. I was hoping they would adjust the controls a bit more for the Xbox controller and they did to a point. It just is not perfectly nailed.

Xbox Live

Midway made it easy to find any type of game or to create your own game online. It may not be as slick or fancy as some other lobbies, yet they did make it easy to find friends and to get invites etc. They also threw in a meter to show the hosts connection and it plays very smoothly. In fact, with all the background animations and details in each level, the game plays very well. You may experience some lag or delay in the fighting mode and if you do simply finish the fight and find someone with a better connection. The chess and puzzle modes lag is never an issue. Of course they are not as complicated graphically or need to sync as long. Overall, the online play is good and adds a new way of enjoying the game.

Graphics / Presentation

Ed and the rest of the crew at Midway went out of their way to make the look of the game to fit the series. You will notice new changes to a few familiar characters. While the changes are minor, the graphics look great and really capture the look of the series overall. The new multi-tier levels are at times stunning to just look at. When you find a secret fatality or a breakaway area, it shows how much effort went into the overall production of the game. The only area that needed a few tweaks has to be in the Konquest mode. At times its very hard to see through the shadow effects, especially during the nighttime hours. Overall though, the graphics look updated without ruining what fans have grown to expect from the world of MK.

Mortal Kombat Deception Screenshot Mortal Kombat Deception Screenshot Mortal Kombat Deception Screenshot

Mortal Kombat Deception Screenshot

View all Mortal Kombat Deception Screenshots in the XBS Gallery

Audio

As I stated above, time was spent to work on the small details and the sound effects and voices are no exception. The voice-over actors do a great job and each little hit or noise can be heard well. It all seems to fit and helps place you in the world of Mortal Kombat. Even the weapons have their own unique sound. In other fighting games the weapons tend to sound the same and sort of takes away from the overall effect. I have to say that it shows that Midway wanted to bring out a decent product to the fans. I hate to pick on the Konquest mode again but since I have already I will one more time. They could have tweaked some of the voices and effects in this mode. At times it does not seem to match the rest of the game in the quality of the effects and voice-overs, although it does get better as you progress through this mode.

Replay Value

If you have Xbox Live, of course the replay will be higher. Yet, throw in all the unlockable fighters and bios as well as the movies and interviews and the game has a ton of replay value. Also the added Chess and Puzzle modes really add more to the game. It’s nice to be able to take a break from doing battle or the Konquest mode and play a game of chess or play the puzzle mode. All in all the game really is loaded and certainly worth the price of the game.

Overall Score

Overall Score: 8.4/10 [not an average]

Additional Comments

Despite the flaws in the controls, fans will like this one a lot more than Deadly Alliance. It is more what fans wanted and includes some great fatalities, new levels and different game modes. While the Konquest mode was more of a chore to me, some others may really get into it easier than I did. It certainly is the best one yet and offers plenty of history and special movies that fans would never see anywhere else. While the die-hard fan will probably get more out of the bonuses, the game has something for every fan no matter what his or her experience level is.

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