Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance

Hey, this game might even make up for MK: Annihilation!

After Mortal Kombat 4, some disappointed gamers swore they'd never visit Outworld again. Now, thanks to a totally revamped fighting engine, stunning visuals, and (gasp!) martial arts authenticity, Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance could be the game to win its fanbase back.

Deadly Pair
In the current incarnation of MK, baddies Shang Tsung and Quan Chi have formed the titular team-up, and together they managed to kill Shao Khan and Liu Kang. Several other series veterans return to battle the devious duo?including Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Kung Lao, Kano, and Kitana?but the deceased left some room on the 21-fighter roster for newbies like blind badass Kenshi and Sub-Zero's female prot?g?, Frost.

Each character fights in three disciplines, which the player can swap between at will. Styles including hapkido, jeet kune do, kenpo, and tai chi are joined by weapon-based attacks as well as character-specific moves like Scorpion's trademark spear. Skilled players will soon learn to string together assaults that span multiple disciplines for stunning, technically challenging combos. Konquest mode teaches each fighter's moves and rewards progress with Koins, which unlock over 600 goodies like secret characters, new outfits, and making-of bonus material. Some of it's lame, some of it's great, but it's fun building up to something bigger than just the next fight.

Kombat Con Queso
The graphical overhaul is flat-out gorgeous. Not only are the expansive fighting arenas filled with details and environmental effects, but the fluid, detailed character animation is simply breathtaking. And yes, the blood is still here, splattering like so many gloopy blobs of ketchup. The honed controls offer satisfaction for technicians and mashers alike (maybe favoring mashers too much), but the game relies very heavily on air-juggle combos, and the A.I. is still sufficiently better than humans (that is to say, cheesy); you'll want to hurl controllers across the room often.

Life After Death
Even with its A.I. problems, Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance will restore gamers' faith in the pioneering fight series with its amped-up gameplay and delicious visuals?no small feat. The result is a highly enjoyable, very playable 10th anniversary rebirth for the series.

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