Review: Mortal Kombat vs. D.C. Universe

Kevin Brock • Jan 24, 2009 • Comments ()

Worlds collide in this eighth installment (if you're counting) of Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe. From Scorpion to Superman and The Joker to Jax, these fighters bring the rage! Ed Boon, creator of the series, successfully combined two completely different genres into one, solid fighting game.

Compared to previous installments, MK vs DC features are minimal by doing away with Mini-Games and The Krypt. On the Menu screen, options are Arcade, Story, Kombo Practice, and Extras. Kombo Practice is useful since kombos are not komplex as they once were as we'll detail further. Extras screen contains basic unlocked video scenes and endings. Arcade Mode is a typical MK horizontal style face-off of kombatants. Now with Story Mode, this version rid previous RPG gameplay and introduced cinematic storytelling with versus battles. A player can choose to explore through the kombatants eyes of Mortal Kombat or DC Universe.

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Playing Story Mode, each character of the selected genre is rotated for the gamer to kontrol in versus matches while the story progress and intertwines against the unchosen genre. The only frustration we experienced in Story Mode is fighting as characters we were less adapted to, especially against certain opposers as difficulty increases. None the less, with luck and button mashing, victory is obtainable. Bravo to developers for maintaining this handicap in mind - not all gamers enjoy handling particular character.

The soundtrack maintains it's Mortal Kombat roots. Although, our ears noticed more of a superhero-like serenity. Voiceovers were well suited per character. No komplaints in the audio kategory.

Graphics are, in a Mortal Kombat voice, "excellent." Klose kombat enhances details of ripped klothes, bruises, and blood. Backgrounds were karefully designed, and wonderfully brought to life in this 3D fighting realm.

Mainting Mortal Kombat tradition, backgrounds are utilized for an additional layer of in-game kombat. "Test Your Might" integrates gameplay by rushing an opponent through multiple walls of a building. Furthermore, an uppercut near a ledge sends the opposer over the edge with you trailing on-top for additional devastation to their health bar. Note with these features, the defense can easily switch to offense through timing and tactics. Speaking of hand and eye koordination, let's talk about the kontrols.

Mortal Kombat's kontrols were slightly altered. Kombos are not intense button combinations, but rather a three to four button kombo. These smaller kombos can be kombined for a longer kombo hit. We never mastered a full kombo, but were successful by utilizing kombos with special moves. The basics of sweep, uppercut, and roundhouse still exist. Executing special moves remain the same on some characters, while others were updated. Thankfully, pausing the game will access a kombo list and special moves, which comes handy during Story Mode.

Fatalities are not as significant as they once were. Don't get us wrong, we crave watching a "Toasty" or "Kiss of Death" fatality, but the original thrill isn't the same as it once was when Mortal Kombat first introduced these controversial endings. But, Mortal Kombat wouldn't be Mortal Kombat without fatalities, so we're happy each MK character possesses two variations. Meanwhile, DC Heroes have Brutalities, while the Villains have their version of fatalities. Friendships and Mercies aren't included, but a new Rage factor is introduced. Utilizing Rage enhances a fighter's ability to cause greater damage to an opponent and become less vulnerable to an offensers attack. It's truly a great feature when one's ass is being handed in an effort to counter the beat-down.

Overall, we loved Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe. Story Mode creatively unites two different genres into one believable plot. Our only gripe is playing as every character in Story Mode, but designers kept this thought in mind and didn't make the challenge too difficult. Controls took time adjusting too, as with every Mortal Kombat series slightly changes kombos and special moves. We always appreciate choice of fatalities, and enjoy the extra layer of kombat within the arena. If you're a fan of Mortal Kombat, chances are you already own this title. If not, what the? If you're a newcomer to the franchise through DC comics, you'll be pleased how well Superman, Batman, The Flash, and even Wonder Woman kick ass.

Genre: Fighting
Developer: Midway Amusement Games
Release Date: November 16, 2008
Pros: Creative story-line, multiple fatalities, interactive backgrounds, fluid character movement
Cons: Playing as each character in Story Mode and controls slightly revised
PS3 Informer Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5