Video Game Review: Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
One holiday pick that could be good for the video gamer in your home is the new video game Mortal Kombat Vs. DC Universe - a game which merges the world of Mortal Kombat - with its characters like Sub Zero and Scorpion - with the DC Universe with its residents such as Superman, Batman, and Darkseid. How does the game stand up? First we have a technical review from Mark Anthony J. Nazal, and then after Mark's review we've got sa review for the not-so-serious gamers by KryptonSite's Craig Byrne.
The game is made for the PlayStation 3 and XBOX 360 consoles; reviews below are specific to the XBOX 360 version.
Here's Mark's review first....
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
Midway Games
XBOX 360/Playstation 3
Review by Mark Anthony J. Nazal
If you’ve played the Mortal Kombat series from its first incarnation, you’d probably agree that there hasn’t really been a good MK game since Mortal Kombat Trilogy. For one, the franchise’s transition into the 3d realm wasn’t exactly seamless as developers faced the challenge of incorporating Mortal Kombat’s high-speed combat and the use of the characters’ signature powers with the intricacies of 3-dimensional, multi-step environments. With each installment since MK4 and, eventually, Deadly Alliance, Midway has repeatedly attempted to find a combat system that would define Mortal Kombat for the new generation. Whereas some critical praise surrounded Deadly Alliance and its following sequels, they all paled in comparison when placed against the more polished 3d fighters such as Namco’s Soul Calibur, Tecmo’s Dead or Alive series, and Sega’s revamped Virtua Fighter 4.
So begs the question, after experiencing a number of setbacks to being granted a satisfying next-generation Mortal Kombat gaming experience, where does a fan go from here? The announcement (along with its early promotional media) of Mortal Kombat VS DC Universe rekindled longtime fans’ hopes for the series amidst Midway’s financial woes. Additionally, the seemingly bizarre match-up incited interest from non-MK fans as well. Fans kept their finger crossed and now that it’s here, it can be gladly said that folks, this is the Mortal Kombat game we’ve been waiting for.
Story and Game Modes:
The game’s unusual premise surprisingly makes way for an interesting story arc for both franchises which the game delivers in traditional comic-book fashion. The game’s story mode itself is perhaps one of its strongest points, delivering a greater depth and a much more rewarding experience than most fighting games. As aforementioned, the story mode plays like going through the pages of a comic book with interacting characters featured in cut scenes that eventually end up in becoming a confrontation.
The game’s story mode prompts you to select a side and fleshes out each side’s version of the story through playing as different characters up until its climax. Basically, you won’t be able to choose who you play as in the story mode – it preselects the characters you’ll be playing for the duration of the game mode. Additionally, in defense of keeping the flow of continuity in the narrative, fatalities and heroic brutalities cannot be performed in story mode. Fear not as the traditional Mortal Kombat-style gameplay is still ever present in the Arcade mode where you’ll be able to pull off your fatalities (for MK character and DC villains only) and heroic brutalities (for DC heroes). Also included are the standard Versus and Practice modes for fair measure.
Lastly is the Online mode which has become a typical expectation for games nowadays. Although it does its job well in terms of delivering matches to players in different living rooms around the world, it really doesn’t do much in creating an experience for players outside of its regular gameplay. It would have benefitted with the inclusion of an integrated voice feature similar to Namco’s Soul Calibur which allowed players to interact via real-time voice chatting.
Gameplay and Controls:
Unlike Deadly Alliance, Deception, and Armageddon, Mortal Kombat VS DC Universe primarily plays more like a 2d game with 3d graphics which works perfectly in delivering the classic action that fans have come to expect. The pacing is fast and furious just as the Mortal Kombat games of old and is extremely fun and, not to mention, quite addicting.
The controls are plain and simple; on the Xbox 360, the d-pad is used for 2-dimensional movement whereas the left stick allows for movement in 3-dimensional space. The punch (high, low) and kick (high, low) action buttons are mapped to the controller’s front ABXY buttons with the new features mapped to the controller’s back buttons and triggers. The left button (LB) is for grabbing and throwing whereas the right button (RB) works for initiating ‘Klose Kombat.’ Klose Kombat is one of MK VS DC Universe’s new gameplay features that allow characters to grab an opponent closer which, in turn, triggers a timed button sequence wherein characters try to determine the initiator’s next move or receive the maximum close up damage. Another implemented feature integral to the story and gameplay is the activation of rage mode (Left + Right Triggers together). Rage mode allows players a temporary state of invulnerability that could prove beneficial in turning the tides of battle.
Other new gameplay features include the multi-tiered environments with freefalling and ‘Test Your Might.’ Similar to Klose Kombat, they also come in the form of timed button sequences. When you fall off a level in a multi-tiered stage, freefalling allows you to do multiple attacks during the duration of your fall which you could end with impressive finishes for maximum damage. Test Your Might, on the other hand, functions in the same manner but horizontally as opposed to vertically allowing you to pummel your opponent through a series of cardboard-like walls.
Graphics and Sound:
Mortal Kombat VS DC Universe uses Epic’s Unreal Engine to power its visuals. The models look good with just the right amount of detail and do their job sufficiently in delivering the experience. However, the graphics overall feel a bit inconsistent with some impressive areas and lackluster details along with it. This is especially true in the game’s stages such as Green Lantern’s base and Themyscira which look like they were up-scaled graphics from a previous-generation game. The animation is quite decent though not exceptional by today’s standards yet it does shine in some of the game’s pivotal moments.
The sound features your standard Mortal Kombat fare with music and voiceovers trademark to the series in high fidelity surround sound. Who’d have thought it’d be auditorily-pleasing to hear Shao Khan’s voice commanding “fight!”
Conclusion:
Mortal Kombat VS DC Universe, despite its shortcomings, is what I’d consider to be the first true 3d MK experience since its 16-bit glory days. It successfully captured the essence of the earlier games in the franchise and presents the first proper step that developer Midway has taken towards its revitalization. It does so by capitalizing on what made it popular in the first place – fun and furious over-the-top combat.
The addition of DC characters to the Mortal Kombat universe are ever so welcome, fitting in perfectly within the context of the story. Rest assured they’ve been given proper treatment with this foray into the realm of fighting games; it utilizes the richness of their comic book histories towards crafting a fantastic experience for gamers.at
Mortal Kombat VS DC Universe would be the perfect addition to any fighting game fan’s Xbox 360 library as an alternative to Dead or Alive and Soul Calibur. It definitely sets itself apart from these titles and stands on its own in delivering a unique gaming experience. It’s also recommended for casual gamers considering it’s easy to simply just pick up and play. It’s fast, fun, and intensely enjoyable. Pick it up today.
Mortal Kombat VS DC Universe is available for the Microsoft XBOX 360 and Sony Playstation 3 consoles.
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Overall Rating: 4/5
And some words from a video game newbie (aka Your Webmaster, Craig)... I admit I'm not the most experienced gamer. My video-game-playing time was the era of 8- and 16-bit games, and the original Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter were right around where I left off. I have played SoulCalibur 2 and SoulCalibur 4 in the time since, but I can't honestly say I'm extremely good at it. |
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Midway Games and surely others were banking on the DC Comics connection to get people to buy the game, and thankfully for them, that worked, because it sure got me interested. It is SO COOL to play as any of the game's playable DC characters - a roster which includes Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Deathstroke, the Joker, Catwoman, Captain Marvel, and more. The "cut scenes" between stages are also very cool to watch and true to the characters.
One thing that would make this game better and more on par with SoulCalibur, to me, would be customizable characters. How cool would it be to trick out Superman to look like Tom Welling's Clark from Smallville? Or to alter Batman's costume so it's Nightwing fighting? If not that... and I understand it takes a long time to create character models... but I really, really wish there had been more of a selection of characters - even if it would be for the "second player" versions, which just come up with lighter or darker characters when both players are using the same character. For instance, what if one person picked the Hal Jordan Green Lantern, and the other was made to look like Guy Gardner or Kyle Rayner? Or if the other Superman was Bizarro? I'm sure there wasn't time or budget to do that much but it sure would have been nice in this advanced time of gaming.
My other comment as an inexperienced player is that special moves are still hard to master and I haven't been able to do a "fatality" just yet. But I keep trying! Either way, this game is highly recommended to buy or rent. Check it out; you won't be disappointed.
Order Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe online and [hopefully] get it before Christmas!
XBOX 360 - Playstation 3
