Midway
Discussed earlier in the video game mashups article, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is what every good gaming mashup should be, pure bliss for fans of all the mashees. As dimensions and universes combine the realms of the Mortal Kombat universe begin to encroach on the DC Universe and vice-versa. Heroes and villains from both sides clash seeing what is not always the truth in a battle to decide the fate of both worlds. A story perfect for the printed page and one that works to near perfection home consoles and here is why.
Game play – Make not mistake, if you’ve played Mortal Kombat on any platform, even the 16-bit generation, the moves, the feel will all be instantly familiar. While the look has gone fo-3D this is still a 2D fighter. The additions of Klose Kombat and Freefall Kombat add fun in-fight mini-games where timing is everything. Each DC character also feels fresh when it would have been easy to just skin MK fighters. Unique moves, looks and stances await for each character and it works, the whole game play package just works.
Graphics – There are some very nice environments here which come across really well. As the ground close in during Freefall Kombat gamers can feel a sense of vertigo. Arenas have multiple levels, smashable areas and some classic arenas.
Sound – Not an album to run out and buy, but the punches and kicks bring home the impacts, the power with cool sci-fi sounding special, super-natural moves. The voice work is also well done, above the campy B-movie traditional in these games, but not by much … which is a good thing as the one liners are a staple of Mortal Kombat.
Design – As mentioned the level design is solid and unique as are the characters. Each MK fighter received a bit of a makeover, minor costume tweaks and in HD they come across crisp. DC costume design is on the mark with Batman (favorite) looking like his Justice League self.
Miscellaneous – The story, penned by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray along with MK vets, is comic crossover perfect. With so many characters to choose from the 22 picked for each side work very well and the story of dimensions coming together where good guys fight good guys is a welcome change from what could have been another ‘invasion’ of earth real, this time DC’s earth realm. Characters become possessed, urging for the fight, see opponents who are not there … cheesy and it’s oh so tasty.
Overall Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is not going to compete as a fighter with Soulcalibur, Tekken or Dead or Alive, but gamers have known that for a while. MK vs. DC is exactly what it seems to be, the traditional Mortal Kombat formula with DC characters making an appearance with the addition to traditional arcade story modes or a unique, intertwining, multi-character story that feels fresh and causes gamers to change characters. It’s this simple, if you like Mortal Kombat, if you like the DC Universe then you need to buy this game. It’s a solid fighting game that offers up major fan-service in the non undy way.
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