Mortal Kombat: Deception

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Midway
  • Release Date: Oct 4, 2004
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 151 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 118 out of 151
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 151
  3. Negative: 4 out of 151
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. mkdeceptionbest
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    OMG!!!!! BEST MK I HAVE EVER PLAYED! ATMOSPHERE,BEST MECHANICS, BEST MAPS, KONQUEST, CHESS, TETRIS, HAVIK
  2. FrancescoV.
    Sep 27, 2005
    10
    This is the best fighting game that I have ever played and the Konquest mode is brilliant.
  3. KendylKlownfish
    May 1, 2011
    7
    If Mortal Kombat: Deception were at any fault, it would be the addition of "hara kiri". Is there a point in killing yourself in a worse manner than your foe probably would? Aside from looking stylish.
  4. Jak3_Hardcore
    Jan 5, 2014
    9
    I could start this game from scratch and it would take me months until I got bored. The fatalities are cool, ingenuitive, and gory. The addition of Hara-Kiri's werent bad either. I love the whole style branching Combos. Konquest can get a little dull when you have to learn every single move of someone every 5 minutes, but other than that its pretty good. There are decent side challenges inI could start this game from scratch and it would take me months until I got bored. The fatalities are cool, ingenuitive, and gory. The addition of Hara-Kiri's werent bad either. I love the whole style branching Combos. Konquest can get a little dull when you have to learn every single move of someone every 5 minutes, but other than that its pretty good. There are decent side challenges in konquest if you fell like it. Even after you beat konquest, there are still Keys to be found, some of which can be ridiculous. Otherwise this is the best mortal kombat there is, over armageddon, and way over the newer Mortal Kombat. I think the different kinds of koins is what made Deception a lot better than Armageddon in my book. Chess Combat was where I spent most of my time after konquest.… Expand
  5. Gamerxavier
    Apr 21, 2015
    10
    Takes what Deadly Alliance did right and none of what it did wrong. The character models are gorgeous and not jarringly different from what you're used to from a Mortal Kombat game. The combat is incredibly methodical and slow unlike the fast paced action one might be used to from Mortal Kombat. The game becomes much more tactical and skill-based rather than twitch-reaction based. The bestTakes what Deadly Alliance did right and none of what it did wrong. The character models are gorgeous and not jarringly different from what you're used to from a Mortal Kombat game. The combat is incredibly methodical and slow unlike the fast paced action one might be used to from Mortal Kombat. The game becomes much more tactical and skill-based rather than twitch-reaction based. The best thing it does however, is take the game's mysterious lore and backstory and expands on it in a way that blew me away. The game features a mode called "Konquest" which is essentially a Mortal Kombat RPG that allows you to explore the universe that previous games in the series helped create. What results is one of the better experiences you can have in video games, period. The free roam combines the mystique and brutality of the universe with the brutal combat of the game itself to create what I view as a masterpiece, through and through. It's just one of those things you have to experience yourself to truly appreciate. It also features two other modes- puzzle combat and chess combat. They're basically exactly what they sound like but nowhere near as gimmicky as one would believe and extraordinarily fun.… Expand
  6. Shujinko
    Feb 13, 2016
    10
    This game has great gameplay, an appealing story, many modes, and a huge amount of content. Oh, and of course gore. I absolutely love this game. The Konquest mode is a free-roaming RPG that expands the universe beyond belief. This is also where you can find some goodies along with the Krypt. Arcade mode is back of course, Practice mode and Versus mode as well. Chess Kombat is pretty much aThis game has great gameplay, an appealing story, many modes, and a huge amount of content. Oh, and of course gore. I absolutely love this game. The Konquest mode is a free-roaming RPG that expands the universe beyond belief. This is also where you can find some goodies along with the Krypt. Arcade mode is back of course, Practice mode and Versus mode as well. Chess Kombat is pretty much a Mortal Kombat strategy game and is original as it adds things you wouldn't expect. Puzzle Kombat is literally Tetris in Versus mode with character-specific abilities. Don't miss this game because it is great. This game still holds tay… Expand
  7. shenkenhigh
    May 17, 2022
    9
    If you were a little man in 2004 just like i was, it was the perfect fighting game for you :D
  8. MkHatersMustDie
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    Damn, I love mk 4, deadly alliance, deception and Armageddon. New mk is ****
  9. Havik_destroyer
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    My favorite MK ever, I love everything in this game and I want remake. Better than mk11
  10. Testical_Fonder
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    I want to see “MORTAL KOMBAT PS2 KOLLECTION” on my ps2, I love mk deception.
  11. HavikSatan
    May 12, 2022
    10
    So i think this game easily is the best part of MK? loved konquest and darkness of deception.
  12. MaxH.
    Oct 8, 2004
    0
    Disappointing
  13. BryanM.
    Jun 5, 2007
    1
    This game is lame. during the conquast you are required to do the dumb training. and that ruins the whole game. get MK Deadly Alliance.
  14. Ben
    Oct 5, 2004
    10
    Awesome feel, awesome legacy, awesome game.
  15. DavidM.
    Oct 1, 2004
    9
    Excellent graphics and buckets of blood,arenas offer the clever/lucky player the chance of a one hit win with death traps, not to mention the fighting system has a frighting amount of depth, all this and loads more to unlock even bonus modes in short a FLAWLESS VICTORY.
  16. RyanL.
    Oct 19, 2004
    7
    I loved the great uprgrade in characters, their looks, the new arcade modes, and the new konquest. But THERE'S NO KITANA. Kitana should replace that freaky Bo' Rai Cho. also the krypt is a big down. but everything is back (including that sexy Mileena, thank god) oh yeah. Why have Lei mei when ya got Mileena. i mean hello?! Mileena fought in mud in the 2nd mortal kombnat movie. I loved the great uprgrade in characters, their looks, the new arcade modes, and the new konquest. But THERE'S NO KITANA. Kitana should replace that freaky Bo' Rai Cho. also the krypt is a big down. but everything is back (including that sexy Mileena, thank god) oh yeah. Why have Lei mei when ya got Mileena. i mean hello?! Mileena fought in mud in the 2nd mortal kombnat movie. MUD. If only she could in this game... I WISH!… Expand
  17. MarkusM.
    Dec 8, 2004
    10
    Superb game! I just love the new features, fatalyties and death traps. But.. They should have added more arenas.
  18. ShokaF.
    Mar 26, 2005
    10
    I give it a 100 because my favorite player jade is on there she is lookin hotter and hotter every game she in.
  19. CloudStrife
    Apr 4, 2005
    7
    Boring. Still the graphics are good and the music. I believe the controls were better on deadly Alliance! Anyway the enviroment might be good but its not that epic as it was the first place (see Mortal kombat Trilogy)!! A good game but rent it first. Personaly i am not gonna buy it!! :)
  20. BonbonA.
    Aug 7, 2005
    8
    Better than "Mortal Combat: Deadly Alliance". They add more fatalities and character, and adding some new features such as harakiri, mini games and conquest mode. Still the game need some improvements.
  21. SteveW.
    Nov 15, 2004
    9
    This game is suprisingly addictive and has tons to unlock and loads of gameplays the fighting is awesome and there is plenty to keep you occupied id recommend this game to anyone.
  22. JohnC.
    Oct 27, 2004
    7
    Bland, boring, tedious.
  23. DavidS.
    Oct 8, 2004
    8
    A nice upgrade from Deadly Alliance. Great graphics and sound. Almost everything I wanted for the sequel. Konquest mode sucks though and that's where you have to unlock all the good stuff. May be too hard for casual gamers.
  24. BobY.
    Jan 23, 2005
    10
    Love scorpion, raiden , sub-zero, kenshi and sonia.
  25. BrianR.
    Jun 12, 2005
    10
    Konquest mode makes this game worth $50!!!! I give it a straight 10!!!
  26. PolisK.
    Jun 16, 2006
    7
    generally,this is a very good game.the characters are better than the ones in tekken.however finding and unlocking a player is extremely difficult.
  27. DavidA.
    Oct 23, 2004
    8
    I would actually give it like an 8.75 but I can't 'cause it doesn't let you. Not the best game in history but a very good remake of "deadly alliance" it has very good fatalyties but it lacks of originality, it's practicly the same thing as the previous games, sure there are new moves and envirements but it still doesn't bring a new concept to the table, now on the I would actually give it like an 8.75 but I can't 'cause it doesn't let you. Not the best game in history but a very good remake of "deadly alliance" it has very good fatalyties but it lacks of originality, it's practicly the same thing as the previous games, sure there are new moves and envirements but it still doesn't bring a new concept to the table, now on the other hand I wouldn't say it sucks like Max H did, it still has what it takes to keep your hands around the controler for a while.… Expand
  28. SkullomaniaW.
    Dec 22, 2004
    7
    Flawful victory! Well, its all right.
  29. Kaprawiec
    Jun 23, 2015
    10
    The best four things I remember from MK D are:
    1) Puzzle Kombat - Best minigame in MK series, oh how do I miss it... IF ONLY DEVS WOULD DO IT AS ARCADE GAME I WOULD BUY IT THIS INSTANT!!!
    2) OMG! Liu Kang is STILL DEAD!!! W T F!!! HES A ZOMBIE!!! 3) Story mode - again very well done 4) Krypt - even better than in DA and A. The worst: 1) Gameplay in core aspect of the game. It just    The best four things I remember from MK D are:
    1) Puzzle Kombat - Best minigame in MK series, oh how do I miss it... IF ONLY DEVS WOULD DO IT AS ARCADE GAME I WOULD BUY IT THIS INSTANT!!!
    2) OMG! Liu Kang is STILL DEAD!!! W T F!!! HES A ZOMBIE!!!
    3) Story mode - again very well done
    4) Krypt - even better than in DA and A.
    The worst:
    1) Gameplay in core aspect of the game. It just couldnt compete with Tekken.

    But still I had even more fun thanks to the amazing puzzle minigame. Please make a remake of it on new systems!!!! Puzzle minigame is 10/10 and thats why im giving the whole game 10.    … Expand
  30. maestro_tim
    Sep 20, 2017
    9
    That's the biggest story mode you have in MK games. And its definetely worth of it. The whole fighting system is a bit uncomfortable comparing to original games and MKX but still you can have a lot of fun! Also has some new modes like Chess and Puzzle.
  31. Soullex
    Nov 30, 2022
    5
    Diğer MK oyunlarına göre çok geride kalıyor ve sadece 10-15 karakter mi ne var abi böyle olmaz.
  32. Msaungg
    Feb 8, 2020
    9
    Went through the game up and down.opened the entire crypt. and I'm ready to do it a few more times.
  33. ChesterField
    May 6, 2020
    7
    Still not a big fan of the saga mortal kombat, i always prefered tekken or soul calibur. But, i remember this one been really good. Brutal moves and a big roster of fighters. Recommended
  34. Denizarasgulle
    Jul 29, 2020
    8
    MK:DA but better. This game is just an improved version of MK:DA with some additional content. Story is ok for a fighting game. Fighting mechanics is still great. Switching between various martial arts while hitting a great combo feels really satisfying. And there is Konquest mode. That mode is like a love letter to MK fans. There are little amount of issues about this game. Sound designMK:DA but better. This game is just an improved version of MK:DA with some additional content. Story is ok for a fighting game. Fighting mechanics is still great. Switching between various martial arts while hitting a great combo feels really satisfying. And there is Konquest mode. That mode is like a love letter to MK fans. There are little amount of issues about this game. Sound design is just awful and some fatalities are not gross at all. Overall, this is the best 6th gen Mortal Kombat experience you can get.… Expand
  35. The_D4RknesS
    Jul 17, 2023
    8
    POSITIVE: beautiful graphics, each character has 2 exclusive fatalities, the first and only PS2 mk to have 2 fatalities per CHARACTER, acceptable amount of characters NEGATIVE: Career mode sucks! It's just based on training moves like an idiot, different from Armageddon that goes through phases as if it were the MK SHAOLIN, The krypita needs several different types of coins which makes itPOSITIVE: beautiful graphics, each character has 2 exclusive fatalities, the first and only PS2 mk to have 2 fatalities per CHARACTER, acceptable amount of characters NEGATIVE: Career mode sucks! It's just based on training moves like an idiot, different from Armageddon that goes through phases as if it were the MK SHAOLIN, The krypita needs several different types of coins which makes it more difficult to be able to open all the coffins in the cemetery, it can only be a specific type of coins… Expand

Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Best PS2 Game of 2004
31
#31 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004
35
#35 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 43
  3. Negative: 0 out of 43
  1. TotalPlayStation
    90
    It may seem odd to praise a fighting game that rests in the three foot end of the Olympic diving pool of fighters, but it's the combination of totally engrossing extra game modes, seemingly endless unlockables, an easily accessible mythology and the kind of passion and geeky pride that just rubs off on you.
    Read full review
  2. GameSpot
    85
    The core one-on-one fighting action--whether you play it offline or online--is easily the best part of the game. Like its predecessor, the fighting in Mortal Kombat: Deception is gory, intense, and quite complex, meaning it captures much of what's made MK an institution among fighting games.
    Read full review
  3. The Sydney Morning Herald
    80
    Considering the extremely fast response times needed for a fighting game, it's amazing how smoothly the online mode plays. It's just as responsive as it would be if you were playing with a pal sitting next to you, which is an astounding achievement.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »