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| PLATFORM: PLAYSTATION 2 |
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 little action game known as Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero sucked the life out of this fighting franchise with the brutal efficiency of one of its trademark Fatalities. Shortly after this cataclysmic release, another action game titled Mortal Kombat: Special Forces was met with a reception that included running, screaming, and boards being nailed over doors and windows. Given just how poorly this franchise has fared in this genre, and how devastating of an effect both of these miserable releases has had on the MK name, you’d think that Midway would try its hand at a Mortal Kombat kart racer or a dancing game before bringing it back into the action fold.
As it turns out, some ideas are just too good to pass up. What could have been three strikes and you’re out actually turned out to be the third time’s the charm for Midway. With series creator Ed Boon personally overseeing the development process, Mortal Kombat has successfully made the jump to the action genre in a way that will please the most loyal of fans and turn the heads of people who may not have enjoyed the fighting games.
At first glance, Shaolin Monks seems similar in design to a typical brawler like Double Dragon or the more recent The Lord of the Rings titles. Although you do spend most of your time beating the pulp out of every enemy that dares challenge you, this isn’t your typical button-mashing brawler. Keeping its fighting heritage close to its heart, Shaolin Monks features an expansive combat system that embraces complex combo strings, aerial juggling, and even cooperative strikes. For instance, Liu Kang’s famous bicycle kick can transition to a flurry of punches that ends in a mighty uppercut. While the enemy is twirling overhead, Liu can leap into the air and toss his opponent across the battleground. If Kung Lao is positioned correctly, he will catch the enemy and toss him into an environmental hazard like a wall of spikes. The movements are not clunky like those within a typical fighting game. The ease of combat is truly remarkable and something that I’m sure Midway spent most of the development cycle perfecting. Once you understand how the game works, annihilating foes with 50-hit combos seems as second nature as swinging a sword in The Return of the King.
Finesse isn’t everything, however. This really wouldn’t be a Mortal Kombat game if a body wasn’t torn in two approximately every 20 seconds. Each character can tap into 10 different Fatalities that are just as creative and bloody as they are in the fighting games. You’ll also be introduced to Multalities, which function like your typical finisher, but against multiple foes. If you can power up your Fatality meter to the third level, you’ll unleash a Brutality, which is basically a state of rage that allows you to pummel every enemy that you meet for a set amount of time. Jeremy and I actually put our pride aside to die in each environment and against each boss, as you are usually treated to a different death sequence or boss Fatality.
While the graphics are as grisly as a face that has made the acquaintance of Scorpion’s spear, each environment will bring a smile to the faces of the MK faithful. From the Living Forest to the Dead Pool, almost every locale that you enter is a 3D recreation of an arena from MK 1 or 2, but you’ll now see where the doors lead and what lies beyond. All of the classic secrets are still in place, such as Santa Claus flying across the moon, but there are now plenty more to find. Amazingly, each area has at least one secret to unearth. Test Your Might is also used in a number of clever ways throughout the course of the game. Its usage in the Scorpion fight is particularly impressive.
When I first heard about this game, I questioned Boon’s sanity, but once again, he’s made me a believer. I haven’t had this much fun with a co-op game in quite some time. The inner fanboy in me also got a big kick out of the classic-inspired content. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
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8.5 |
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The Mortal Kombat franchise has finally produced a spinoff that shouldn’t be used to line the bottom of your cat box. Although it’s a fairly simple game at its core, Shaolin Monks has a great combat engine that makes you feel like a total bad- ass, and the fun is further multiplied with two players. Knocking a guy into the air, jumping up, throwing him to your friend and having him thrown back is simply something everyone must try. I also really got a kick out of the way Shaolin delves into the mythology of the series and explains how and why things developed over its evolution, like how Sub-Zero got his facial scar. I don’t know that I’ll feel compelled to go back and find every one of Shaolin’s numerous secrets and unlockables, but it’s definitely one of the most enjoyable co-op action titles I’ve played in a long time. If there’s any justice, this will be the Mortal Kombat spinoff that finally is a hit with the fans. |
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8.5 |
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| CONCEPT: |
| A fast-paced yet highly technical brawler that takes place directly after the final blow is delivered in Mortal Kombat 1 |
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| GRAPHICS: |
| Comparable to early PS2 and Xbox games. The texturing is decent, but the character models are way too blocky |
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| SOUND: |
| ely with the spirited action, but outside of Johnny Cage, the voice acting is pretty terrible |
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| PLAYABILITY: |
| All about mutilating foes in the most impressive of ways. The controls are incredibly responsive and the moves that you can pull off look incredible |
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| ENTERTAINMENT: |
| Loaded with secrets and reasons to go through the game again and again |
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| Copyright
1991 -
2009
:: Game Informer Magazine
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