Plot: What’s it about?
Mortal Kombat is an institution in the world of fighting games, one of the most popular and enduring franchises. In this three game collection, a trio of Mortal Kombat’s finest installments have been packaged together. For Playstation 2 gamers, you can’t ask for a much better assortment of fighting games, all three are fun, well crafted releases. So while these might have been out for a while, all three still hold their own and then some. If you’re a fan of fighting games and want to revisit some of Mortal Kombat’s best moments, don’t miss Midway’s Mortal Kombat Kollection.
1. Deception- This is just an excellent game, winner of multiple awards for being the best fighting game in its release year. This game allows for both the traditional arcade style play, which boasts an impressive roster of fighters, and the more open story mode, which is well executed here as well. So all of the classic Mortal Kombat arcade fun, a well crafted story mode, plus a couple of mini-games that add even more value to this release.
2. Shaolin Monks- This installment moves from the arcade style and puts more focus on the story mode, which has been given some cool RPG like elements. You battle through as Mortal Kombat mainstays, using the usual special moves and even fatalities, leveling up as you dispatch your enemies. Even veteran Kombat players will find a challenge here, as the game has difficult stretches, but the excellent combo system helps keep a nice balance. So Shaolin Monks was a step away from the usual Mortal Kombat style, but that move paid off in spades.
3. Armageddon- This is just an awesome game, also the winner of more than one award for that year’s best fighting game, all well deserved. This puts the attention back on the arcade mode, with over sixty Mortal Kombat warriors available for selection, including some that hadn’t been seen for a while. In addition to this massive arcade mode, a story mode is also here, plus character creation, and a very addictive kart racing mini-game. In truth, this is one of the best Mortal Kombat games to come out and the kart racing is simply too much fun to miss out on.
Video: How does it look?
All three games have solid visuals, based on the standards of the PS2, of course. The signature visual style seen throughout is well handled here, with crisp and colorful graphics. The more recent the game, the better the visuals come off, but all three games look more than solid. The colors are bright and bold, which helps bring these unusual characters and exotic backdrops to life, not to mention make sure the blood stands out. None of these can compete with more recent releases on more advanced consoles, but all three look just fine.
Audio: How does it sound?
No complaints in the audio department either, all three games sound solid. The music is lively and never too loud, so the sound effects can come through well also. The voice work is fine also, so all of the taunts and such are in accurate form here. Not much else to discuss really, all the games sound good and that’s all we can ask for, really.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This release includes no bonus materials.
