Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Midway
  • Release Date: Nov 16, 2002
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 126 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 91 out of 126
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 126
  3. Negative: 4 out of 126
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  1. BryanM.
    Jun 5, 2007
    10
    I really don't care about the fatalitys. this game is the best for the new systems. it has good graphics, sound and controls are great.
  2. ChristianP.
    Apr 12, 2004
    6
    How Do U Even use fatality? how? email me at christianxray@yahoo.com
  3. [Anonymous]
    Dec 31, 2002
    4
    It is great in the beginning then it gets boring then becomes to hard. My brain is not that smart. Come on make it easier!!!!! I'm only 64. Give me a break!!!
  4. osostt2004
    Oct 15, 2013
    7
    Deadly Alliance isn't as great as the first 2 games, but its definitely a salvation if you were let down with Mortal Kombat 3 and HATED MK4 to death. (Like me) MK5 pretty much picks up where MK4 left off; not much happened in between story-wise. This time, Quan Chi has escaped the Netherrealm and has formed an alliance with Shang Tsung to kill warriors little by little then use their soulsDeadly Alliance isn't as great as the first 2 games, but its definitely a salvation if you were let down with Mortal Kombat 3 and HATED MK4 to death. (Like me) MK5 pretty much picks up where MK4 left off; not much happened in between story-wise. This time, Quan Chi has escaped the Netherrealm and has formed an alliance with Shang Tsung to kill warriors little by little then use their souls as an army to conquer Earthrealm and Outworld. So Raiden has gathered together some of his warriors like Sonya and Johnny Cage to stop them. The alliance's first two victims? Shao Kahn and Liu Kang. There's one thing that bugs me; they kill off one of the most awesome characters when you're 3 minutes in: Shao Kahn! I don't think anyone really cares for Liu Kang, but he's the main character! The person the first 4 games revolved around and all of a sudden you just push him away? Not funny. Luckily, we still have a roster of beloved characters, like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Kung Lao. Another thing I don't appreciate is this weird system where you have to enter these 5-10 long button combinations to pull off a combo that the game has assigned and you have to do it exactly like it says. That really bugged me that you no longer have any freedom in creating them. They have also thrown in a few new modes including a story mode, which is really a trainer, really boring, and doesn't further the plot whatsoever. Also, another new addition, each character has 2 unique fighting styles and a weapon. Really, the fighting styles are pointless and really, there's no need for them but the weapons, while pointless, are so cool to fight with I can forgive the game for that tweak. Also, I hated how in MK4 you had to enter a combination to pull out your weapon but now all you have to do is press the left shoulder. I like that. If there is one thing that is truly spectacular, its the Krypt. There are 676 things to unlock here and completionists will appreciate that. Koncept Art, Videos, Biograhpies, New Kostmues and Kharacters. Cooking With Scorpion! XD If I counted right, I've collected 539/676 items. This was a joy and I was thrilled to see it in the future installments. But that aside, there is one more HUGE flaw: The new characters. Dear Lord, they are horrible! (ex. Kenshi) All of them have such cheesy storylines from a drunken teacher to a pointless Motion Capture guy. On a more positive note, I do appreciate the effort as they have cool weapons and costumes and the biographies are enjoyable to read. (Sometimes) So while this is nowhere near the metaphysical perfection of the first 2 games, Its still a step up from MKs 3 & 4. I'd give it a B-… Expand
  5. RowanO.
    Mar 2, 2003
    7
    Just imagine this game without it's MK predecessors and you'd instantly rate it 10. But as we've seen it all before we're quick to downgrade it a little. I'm no different.
  6. HaroldR.
    May 20, 2003
    10
    Mortal Kombat deadly alliance is one of the best mk games that has ever been made, it's fighting system and the new fatality setting rocks, i rate this game 10 out of 10 because i have played and beaten every mk there is and this is by far the best!!!
  7. RyanM.
    Feb 10, 2003
    9
    The game overall is a great fighting game, and the three fighting styles makes it more unique. I think this game has a great character selection, and a great addition to the mortal kombat series.
  8. JonathanM.
    Mar 2, 2003
    10
    How could you not like it! Raiden Rules! The Krypt rules I rule.
  9. JONC.
    Mar 3, 2003
    10
    This game is tight. Although the fatalities could of been much better, like more out of this world killings.Other than that graphics, sound, and characters are good. I wonder if you can find lu kang in the krypt, as a bonus character.
  10. AnonymousMC
    Aug 5, 2003
    10
    Ever since I bought it, I was totally addicted, spending more than just a few hours playing this game. You'll keep coming back for more, buying everything in the Krypt, earning Kurrency, just plain cool! Not to mention the blood is just great! Whether you're a hardcore fan of MK or not, you will find this game very enjoyable!
  11. Parages
    Jan 4, 2003
    7
    Great game but alittle annoyin with the coffins i mean come on. There is way to many of them it was such a pain getting all the charachters.
  12. FranF.
    Jan 9, 2003
    8
    Actually, my score would be more like a 7.8, but since there's no mid points... Anyhow, MK:DA is addictive, with slightly above average graphics for a PS2 fighter. However, it falls short in some respects. Where's the multi-tiered arenas? Where's the "pits" (i.e. knocking opponents off the arena) and why not an actual final boss (as opposed to mid-boss Moloch and then Actually, my score would be more like a 7.8, but since there's no mid points... Anyhow, MK:DA is addictive, with slightly above average graphics for a PS2 fighter. However, it falls short in some respects. Where's the multi-tiered arenas? Where's the "pits" (i.e. knocking opponents off the arena) and why not an actual final boss (as opposed to mid-boss Moloch and then Quan-Chi/Shang Tsung). Those gripes aside, this game is a must buy. Trust me, you'll spend a while unlocking all the Koffins...… Expand
  13. ChrisZ.
    Feb 10, 2003
    10
    The game is off the chain i love mortal kombat i always will love mortal kombat.
  14. CarleenJ.
    Feb 20, 2003
    1
    The game play is too slow. there are hardly any special moves and the fatality are basically the same. very poor compared to some fighting games.
  15. Will
    Mar 12, 2003
    10
    A game made for the quick witted, if you are one minute too slow then there goes your chance and your left on the floor pleading for your life. the skills are great and the game play even better. once you have matered it there is no way you can lose.
  16. DaveR.
    Mar 20, 2003
    10
    This game has to be one of the best fighting games out at the mo. the amazing graphics and ace gameplay makes this one to remember!! bring on sub-zero!!
  17. KargathB.
    Mar 4, 2003
    10
    This is the best fighter-action game ever. The new fighting styles, unlimited combinations and GALONS ... GALONS GALONS of blood made it so awesome. Offcourse, you still have some cocksuckers who disagree with me, but i'm sure that any MKfan shouldn't miss what the Midway team has pulled of for this game. Even his little brother (I just bought it) on the Gameboy Advance is a This is the best fighter-action game ever. The new fighting styles, unlimited combinations and GALONS ... GALONS GALONS of blood made it so awesome. Offcourse, you still have some cocksuckers who disagree with me, but i'm sure that any MKfan shouldn't miss what the Midway team has pulled of for this game. Even his little brother (I just bought it) on the Gameboy Advance is a superb game of the next-gen. .So...what are you waiting for ? tons of stuff to earn, fatalities that make you scream and some brand new fighters asking for a heart-ripper. Some say that the version on the Xbox is the best (becaus of its graphics, but why is Ed Boon in an interview still playing the game on a ps2 ;-) .Mmmmh doesn't matter, ... sub-zero even asks me for a spine removal. Well, you can't do so much better. Just capture this game !!!!!!… Expand
  18. MichaelS.
    Mar 5, 2003
    10
    It is the best fighting game there has ever been.
  19. RossA.
    May 9, 2003
    10
    This is a very good game because it has a good choice of characters and has very good graphics. It is the best Mortal Kombat game yet. I love Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance. It is my favorite game.
  20. JoshuaW.
    Sep 13, 2004
    9
    While it needs work, it is the best MK up to date, and it brings back the cool funny the latest MK's left behind!
  21. BonbonA.
    Aug 7, 2005
    7
    Not bad. But how come a character only have 1 fatality?
  22. MetalInc.
    Nov 22, 2002
    8
    Awesome....it is way hard, extremely gory, and mounds above past versions. Kudos to Midway....a big concern is fatalities....only 1 for each....back to the roots of the game I guess. I persoanlly don't think it deters from the gameplay, or the game...it is still worth every penny I put down on it.
  23. ThomasP.
    Dec 1, 2002
    9
    OK, I'm being nitpicky, but PSM gave MK:DA an 8, not a 6. Granted, your typo doesn't effect the overall score, but a lot of gamers -myself included- trust PSM for it's right on the money (99% of the time) reviews. Someone may look at it and decide that the game's not worth trying out. That'd be a terrible shame. [Ed: Thanks for the correction!]
  24. Yolandaqueen011ld
    Jan 8, 2003
    10
    This game is the best mortal kombat ever and i love it!
  25. Ziggy
    Feb 26, 2003
    10
    Best mortal kombat game ever. the fatalities could have been made better, but no worries it is a top class game. can anyone tell me if you can do brutalities or anamalities.
  26. CasimiroP.
    Mar 25, 2003
    6
    The fatalities needed to be more graphic. They should have made it more realistic... real is better!! Another thing I have to say: whatever happened to the babalities and animalities and all those other special moves that were done at the end of a fight like in Mortal Kombat II... I missed that! Ohh I also want to mention that there should have been more than one fatality for each The fatalities needed to be more graphic. They should have made it more realistic... real is better!! Another thing I have to say: whatever happened to the babalities and animalities and all those other special moves that were done at the end of a fight like in Mortal Kombat II... I missed that! Ohh I also want to mention that there should have been more than one fatality for each fighter. That would be very cool!!!! I have to give them credit though... the girls in the game look very sexy.… Expand
  27. CamronS.
    Mar 25, 2003
    9
    This game is the sh.t! The graphics are unbelieveable. Mavodo's fatality could have been more realistic. It's awesome how far those guys have come since the first one. I can't wait to see what the next one will be like. Keep them comin!
  28. PeterH.
    Apr 16, 2003
    10
    I don't know why you people give it sh!t marks because of the fatalities. I just like the game because of its nice bloody graphics and i think it's a great game and if they ever made a movie of deadly alliance i think that would be great to.
  29. RolfO.
    Apr 24, 2003
    7
    I would have liked to see more different fatalaties ( frost is like old sub-zero fatalatie) and i miss the old bababalties, friendship. Also i was hoping that the game would finaly have anamalities. Does anyone know if there is a cheat to onlock all the fighters without coins?? if so mail me at : rolfottens10@hotmail.com
  30. JustinS.
    Apr 3, 2003
    10
    I myself have played all the mortal kombat games and i have to say this is by far the best of them all.
  31. AxelS.
    Apr 6, 2003
    10
    Best game in the world.
  32. JohnB.
    May 14, 2003
    10
    I have had this game since it came out, I cannot stop playing it. All my other games are being neglected. There are so many fun characters to choose from with different fighting styles. From the powerful veterans to the newbies you?ll find the right warrior for you. Adding weapons was a great addition. I wish there were more than one fatality per fighter and some of the combos get a I have had this game since it came out, I cannot stop playing it. All my other games are being neglected. There are so many fun characters to choose from with different fighting styles. From the powerful veterans to the newbies you?ll find the right warrior for you. Adding weapons was a great addition. I wish there were more than one fatality per fighter and some of the combos get a little ridiculous. … Expand
  33. WillemG.
    Sep 18, 2003
    10
    Great game very coool.
  34. TheMan
    Jul 15, 2004
    10
    This game is totally addictive. there r so many different characers to choose from and it takes a while to finish the game but thats y i like. i bought last years yet im still playing it.
  35. AdamR.
    Jul 20, 2004
    10
    This mk is 1 of da best games iv played on its easy n not 2 hard but u do get a few hard fights un real game is u like fightin games ull love dis.
  36. NathanO.
    Jun 6, 2005
    10
    This game kicks major a**!
  37. TarikT.
    Nov 23, 2002
    10
    Probobaly the best fighter game since street fighter 2. Totally feels like the old games, a must buy. Last night me and my cousins where playing this game from 8 at night till 2 in the morning. MUST BUY!!!!!!!!
  38. DanteSparda
    Dec 2, 2002
    9
    IT'S BEEN LONG TIME ENOUGH SINCE I'VE BEEN THIS HOOKED WITH A GAME. TODAY'S GAMES FOCUS IN TOO MUCH CRAP, AND FORGET THE FUN ASIDE. THIS GAME IS OLD SCHOOL FROM BEGINNING TO END. THE MINIGAMES RULE, AND THE STORY AND COOL AMBIENTATION OF OL' TIMES IS BACK. THIS IS AS SIMPLE AS YOU MAY GET IT: AN EXCELLENT VIDEOGAME. "VIDEOGAME" IS A WORD WHICH MOST DEVELOPERS TEND TOIT'S BEEN LONG TIME ENOUGH SINCE I'VE BEEN THIS HOOKED WITH A GAME. TODAY'S GAMES FOCUS IN TOO MUCH CRAP, AND FORGET THE FUN ASIDE. THIS GAME IS OLD SCHOOL FROM BEGINNING TO END. THE MINIGAMES RULE, AND THE STORY AND COOL AMBIENTATION OF OL' TIMES IS BACK. THIS IS AS SIMPLE AS YOU MAY GET IT: AN EXCELLENT VIDEOGAME. "VIDEOGAME" IS A WORD WHICH MOST DEVELOPERS TEND TO FORGET ITS MEANING. IT DOES'N MEAN "STUPID SIMULATION" OR "BORING CRAP IN SEACH OF REALISM"

    VIDEOGAME MEANS...FUN!

    SIMPLE AS THAT. WAY TO GO MIDWAY, AND WELCOME BACK TO THE NETHEREALM.    … Expand
  39. BenG.
    Apr 18, 2003
    10
    This game has to be the best fighting game up to date. all the new fighting styles is so far ahead of other games out there.
  40. JohnS.
    May 12, 2003
    6
    I think this game is disappointing, although it is actually a very challenging sequel. It lacks fatalities and combos that Mortal Kombat 3 had! The new fatalites are almost rediculous! It's fun for maybe a day but I wouldn't recommend buying it if you're not a skilled gamer because it's a difficult game. Also not allowing you to use half of the characters to start with I think this game is disappointing, although it is actually a very challenging sequel. It lacks fatalities and combos that Mortal Kombat 3 had! The new fatalites are almost rediculous! It's fun for maybe a day but I wouldn't recommend buying it if you're not a skilled gamer because it's a difficult game. Also not allowing you to use half of the characters to start with is plain stupid.… Expand
  41. FlameS.
    Nov 24, 2002
    8
    This gives me the feeling of playing the good old classics, just in 3d. Cool graphics, smooth moves and great handling. I really appreciate that they put those "Test your might/sight" mini games in there again.
  42. Jboy2468
    Nov 23, 2011
    7
    A good fighter with excellent craft. Some characters aren't too useful, but others are AWESOME! The inclusion of the style switching is really cool, and it adds variety to the game. The game feels choppy and stiff to me, but it is definitely a must have for any fan of fighting games!
  43. Kaprawiec
    Jun 23, 2015
    8
    The best three things I remember from MK DA are:
    1) Krypt - absolutely amazing feat.
    2) OMG! Liu Kang is DEAD!!! W T F!!!
    3) Nice story mode. OMG .... Liu is dead..were doomed... ;)
    The worst:
    1) Gameplay in core aspect of the game. It just couldnt compete with Tekken.
    But still I had lots of fun with it.
  44. weskergamer
    Jul 7, 2020
    8
    MKDA is a good game, but if you played it after Deception it fells lack luster, since Deception introduced so many good things to the franchise. Nonetheless this was a really good game.
  45. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Sep 11, 2023
    8
    "Deadly Alliance" was released 10 years after the original "Mortal Kombat". It was the game that revived the series after it suffered a low point in the late 90's. Co-creator Ed Boon and his team at NetherRealm have delivered highly-acclaimed MK titles ever since. DA was also the installment that introduced weapon-based combat to the franchise. At the time of release, it was viewed as the"Deadly Alliance" was released 10 years after the original "Mortal Kombat". It was the game that revived the series after it suffered a low point in the late 90's. Co-creator Ed Boon and his team at NetherRealm have delivered highly-acclaimed MK titles ever since. DA was also the installment that introduced weapon-based combat to the franchise. At the time of release, it was viewed as the best "Mortal Kombat" entry alongside MK II. I would rate this with an 8.3 out of 10… Expand
  46. Noah-
    Mar 19, 2019
    2
    The game did not like very much. The battles are very slow, the combinations are not interesting and the game starts to get bored almost immediately after a couple of battles. I played almost all parts of the Mortal Kombat series, and in my opinion this part is the worst of all.
  47. Nomax
    Apr 22, 2020
    10
    Любимый файтинг той эпохи, в своё время прям был прорыв.
  48. jobber
    Oct 17, 2021
    7
    This game difficulty is crazy compare to mortal kombat now days. The inputs timing is insane and the roster is not that great. But beside those things this game is a lot fun.
  49. The_D4RknesS
    Aug 19, 2023
    8
    This game has only Three problems 1- Each character only has 1 fatality 2- quanchi's fatality is horrible loooool 3- Konkest Mode is pretty dirty
  50. WaraWana
    Jun 2, 2023
    10
    This game was absolutely amazing with friends back in the day. The game blew my friends and I away. None of us were any "good" at fighting games so I cannot comment on how "good" or balanced the fighting was but it was a 10/10 for fun. Thank you for reading. Enjoy Gaming.

Awards & Rankings

52
#52 Best PS2 Game of 2002
10
#10 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2002
26
#26 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Game Revolution
    83
    While the control limitations and simple combos will have you weary of the single-player modes in a couple days, the never-ending blood and neat three stance system will make kicking your friends' asses all the more enjoyable.
    Read full review
  2. GameSpot
    81
    Anyone looking for a wilder ride than the one offered by "Tekken 4"'s or "Virtua Fighter 4"'s comparatively straightforward martial arts battles should definitely check [it] out.
    Read full review
  3. Electric Playground
    80
    This is not the fighting game for the young nor the squeamish, but it is a truly excellent fighting game. Mortal Kombat is back in the ring.
    Read full review
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