Mortal Kombat: Deception

 GameCube
  • Publisher: Midway
  • Release Date: Feb 28, 2005
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
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  1. Game Chronicles
    96
    More exceptional and more stylish than any other game in the series, Deception will provide an endless amount of entertainment.
  2. IGN
    85
    A great diversion from the usual fighting template. So while it may not be as complex or responsive as a number of other 3D (or even 2D) fighters out there, it's a hell of a lot of fun (whether you stink at it or not).
  3. Game Informer
    85
    Offers a ton of bloody entertainment, even when going online isn't an option. [Apr 2005, p.131]
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  5. GameSpot
    83
    The core one-on-one fighting action is easily the best part of the game. It's gory, intense, and quite complex, meaning it captures much of what has made MK an institution among fighting games.
  6. My Gamer
    82
    Creativity and the will to venture into new territory has done good things for Mortal Kombat.
  7. Cheat Code Central
    80
    The good news is that Mortal Kombat: Deception is still a great without the online modes. It's intense, frenetic, strategic, violent and bloody.
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  8. N-Insanity
    80
    Not even a masochist would venture through Konquest Mode more than once, and the Puzzle Kombat and Chess Kombat will only take you so far.
  9. GamePro
    80
    Thanks to the GameCube's unfriendly button layout, performing the new demanding dial-a-combos is harder than ever. Patient players, however, will uncover an almost overwhelming array of play modes and hidden features.
  10. Nintendo Power
    76
    The map-navigating controls are touchy in the Konquest, but as an additional mode, it's quite impressive. [May 2005, p.91]
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  11. 1UP
    75
    If you're looking at the game for continuing the fun, campy Mortal Kombat legacy, you'll find a lot to like here. If you're looking for highly technical fighting matches or evolved modern game storytelling, you'll do better looking elsewhere.
  12. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    67
    Deception can be mindless fun, but I can't help but feel that the developers are just trying to do too much with this game. [May 2005, p.138]
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  13. Worth Playing
    65
    Deception on the Gamecube is Deception minus online play, plus two characters everybody wishes were in the first runs of the game.
  14. VGPub
    64
    It's not the worst game in the series, but perhaps the most disappointing because of the developer's inability to deliver on the majority of its several cool ideas.
  15. GameSpy
    40
    The game's fighting mechanic was a little thin to begin with, and without an online version to lend it some legs, it gets old real fast. Playing with the GameCube controller isn't too hot, either.

Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Best GameCube Game of 2005
34
#34 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2005
16
#16 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 28
  3. Negative: 4 out of 28
  1. AJCk19
    Jul 16, 2023
    7
    A fun MK 3d Fighting game, especially if you have the gamecube version, which is graphically the best. However, time hasn't been kind to it,A fun MK 3d Fighting game, especially if you have the gamecube version, which is graphically the best. However, time hasn't been kind to it, comparing it to MK9, it makes you think why are you playing this one?

    It also answers why netherealms hasn't gone back to making 3d fighters because they are way better at 2d, and don't have to face competition from franchises like virtua fighter, soul calibur, and tekken.    … Full Review »
  2. jobber
    Oct 17, 2021
    0
    Mortal kombat deception for the GameCube is a near flawless victory. but the konquest mode is not very good and the roster is ok withMortal kombat deception for the GameCube is a near flawless victory. but the konquest mode is not very good and the roster is ok with characters like Bo rai Cho, Darrius, Dairou, Kobra, kira and shujinko holding back this roster from being great.… Full Review »
  3. GlebanBC
    Aug 2, 2020
    4
    This game is impossible hard! Final boss kill you for some punches! Puzzle Kombat very long. Only Chess Kombat good in this game.
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