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Mortal Kombat: Deception
Score: 94%
ESRB: Mature
Publisher: Midway
Developer: Midway
Media: DVD/1
Players: 1 - 2 (2 Online)
Genre: Arcade/ Fighting/ Online

Graphics & Sound:
One word: Unbelievable! The graphics in Midway’s newest installment in the series, Mortal Kombat: Deception, are outstanding. Character models look very clean, and help bring to 3D the digitized humans they were based from. But where MKD’s visuals really shine are in the environments. The rich detail, destructible areas, and death traps truly help bring the pain home.

When it comes to audio, MKD presents itself with great clarity. Using today’s qualities, the title builds upon yesterday’s sounds. Still present are the quick and to the point voiceovers that made MK a staple for fighting games. Every name called and Fatality granted comes through your TV speakers crystal-clear, and the background music is pure nostalgia.


Gameplay:
If you haven’t heard, Mortal Kombat is a fighter! Likewise, you’ll have to learn to fight to survive. Each fighter has three styles to choose from at the click of a button; two are hand-to-hand, and the third is using their weapon of choice. The addition of this switch-on-the-fly fighting technique adds a whole new dimension to an already great series of fighting games. It is now possible to string together near limitless combination attacks, defeating your foe with punishing blows. And if you happen to be getting the crap kicked out of you, it is also an option to perform hara kiris, and end your own life before your opponent does.

Similar to the original, Deception has a ladder-style single-player mode called Kombat. It is your goal to work your way up the mountain of Kombatants in your quest to win this tournament. It is here that fighters can practice or take on the computer, learning more and more moves as you work your way to the top. It is possible to choose from a total of 12 characters from the start (more are unlockable), including oldies like Sub-Zero and Scorpion, as well as recent additions like Sindel and Kabal.

A new feature to the series lies within Konquest mode. Here you take your character to the streets in a free-roaming adventure mode. Within the Konquest, you’ll have guidance into various fighting techniques, which will eventually help you against computer and human opponents alike. You’ll also be able to pick up items that will allow you to unlock secrets and Karacters from the Krypt... and believe me when I say that there are a Krapload of secrets to unlock!

In addition to the two modes above, you and a friend can take to some multiplayer mayhem either from the Komfort of your Kouch, or from across the Kountry via the Internet. Of course you’ll be able to take it to your friend in Kombat mode, but Mortal Kombat: Deception also incorporates two unlikely modes as well (which can also be played single-player). In an effort to reach the masses, MKD has invited you to play a game of Chess Kombat, which is a variation of the popular board game. The difference is that in order to take over a square in which your opponent occupies, you’ll have to defeat him or her in a Kombat battle. Also included is the most bizarre relationship I can think of, crossing Tetris with fighting. The result is a little game called Puzzle Kombat. Here you and your opponent play a drop-down puzzle game that determines the results of the mini-characters fighting below.


Difficulty:
Okay, take this with a grain of salt, because I am not very good at fighting games in general. But I’ve experienced a mixed reaction to the Kombat in MKD. On one hand, anyone can jump into the game and do well at first, simply by button-mashing. With a little luck, battles can be won... for a while that is. But when the difficulty jumps up, and when playing skilled friends, performing Kombos is the only way to truly master the different fighting styles. Thankfully, you can access a move list at any time by simply pausing the game. And in Konquest mode, you’ll be able to learn how to perform these deadly combos and improve your skills greatly. But even this learning mode can be very frustrating for many unskilled players like myself.

Game Mechanics:
Mortal Kombat: Deception controls very well, considering most users will be using standard PS2 Kontrollers. However, fighting games were originally conceived for the arcade experience. Because of this, MKD is lacking the full experience that is possible unless you have arcade joysticks sitting in front of you. Even still, users have their choice of using the D-pad or the Analog stick to Kontrol their Karacters, and can even Kustomize their Kontroller Konfiguation.

Mortal Kombat: Deception is an outstanding game, and any fan of fighters owes it to him/herself to pick this one up. There are so many unlockables that will keep your interest, making the overall single-player experience much greater than before. Kombine that with the replay value involved in the multiplayer experience, and you’re left with an incredible game. It should be noted that my online experience kept getting cut short, as I was unable to finish a single match in my many attempts. This may be an issue with my Internet connection however, as some users already have hundreds of games played.


-Woody, GameVortex Communications
AKA Shane Wodele

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