Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Midway
  • Release Date: Sep 16, 2005
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 41 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 210 Ratings

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  • Summary: Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks is an Action/Adventure title driven by both intense single and multi-player action. Similar to "Mortal Kombat: Deception," background interactions (i.e., acid pits, living trees, spiked ceilings, etc.), multiple new fatalities, and action-based puzzles also playMortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks is an Action/Adventure title driven by both intense single and multi-player action. Similar to "Mortal Kombat: Deception," background interactions (i.e., acid pits, living trees, spiked ceilings, etc.), multiple new fatalities, and action-based puzzles also play an important role in the player's quest for an "outstanding" victory. Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks features an impressive line-up of Mortal Kombat characters, as well, that make frequent appearances as enemies, in boss battles and during several additional in-game interactions. For the first time ever, Mortal Kombat fanatics can explore all the mythos and rumors of the Mortal Kombat universe from an entirely new perspective. Action/Adventure fans will be blown away by the intuitive kombat system, puzzle solving and epic storyline that can be experienced in either the single player mode or through co-op play. [Midway]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 41
  3. Negative: 0 out of 41
  1. AceGamez
    90
    A shining triumph of beat 'em up glory, spinning off from the traditional MK one-on-one gameplay and showing us all just how excellent the old-school beat 'em up can be in this current generation of gaming.
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  2. Game Informer
    85
    I haven't had this much fun with a co-op game in quite some time. [Oct 2005, p.122]
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  3. Worth Playing
    82
    The combat system is easy to learn but has enough depth that it will take time to master.
  4. PSM Magazine
    80
    It's a game that gets back to the basics and is chock-full of Mortal Kombat goodness, especially for two players simultaneously. [Dec 2005, p.84]
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  5. Computer and Video Games
    80
    The mighty "God of War" is a little more deserving of your action cash if you've only got the funds to buy one game where you run around killing stuff. But Shaolin Monks is a very close second-best in the heaving action sector, thanks to its good looks, decent play and a gory, blood-soaked style that's well in keeping with the Mortal Kombat legacy of pain. [PSW]
  6. Gaming Age
    75
    The story is weak, boss fights are hard, but the action is extremely enjoyable and in a game where the main focus is the action, which is all that counts.
  7. games(TM)
    50
    It’s a non-offensive way to while away a few hours digging up the past, but the core gameplay doesn’t hold a candle to the title it’s so fondly remembering. [Nov 2005, p.108]
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See all 41 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 52
  3. Negative: 3 out of 52
  1. CastleGhost666
    Apr 24, 2011
    10
    A enjoyable co-op or single player adventure game! Mortal Kombat fans and casual gamers will love this,any other who says this is not goodA enjoyable co-op or single player adventure game! Mortal Kombat fans and casual gamers will love this,any other who says this is not good must be really,really a big die hard street fighter fan!… Expand
  2. DpChihuahua
    Jul 21, 2020
    10
    Best mk game ever... Amazing story, amazing versus mode and amazing everything! We need a sequel now
  4. FurqanF.
    Sep 29, 2005
    10
    Looking at the last two installments in the m.k. games by midway...it appears as if developers are taking an asian/oriental-focused turn Looking at the last two installments in the m.k. games by midway...it appears as if developers are taking an asian/oriental-focused turn which is nothing less than an excellent decision. The old man Shujinko from the previous installment in my opinion has been the coolest guy ever featured in a fighting game, he had such a deep personality that was further garnished by a complete game mode done for him alone ("Konquest" that is). The whole mystic feel surrounding him gave waves of honour and dignity that you find largely incorporated by and from the philosophies of the two awesome diciplines of Chinese Kung-Fu-Buddhist traditions that are "Wudang" and "Shaolin"(Good study midway!). And within days (not weeks) of the launch of the last installment the anouncement of the next m.k. project was done and it was named "Mortal Kombat : Shaolin Monks"...WOW, the name alone stirred the m.k. fans because they were already starting to understand the authenticity, the m.k. brand had started to deliver since the start of this generation of gaming. Knowing the Shujinko/Chinese-Hero emphasized characterization in the last m.k. game and listening to the name of the next m.k. game being focused upon Shaolin Monks, it was already cleared that we are in for an excellent Kung-Fu movie ride that is nothing less than absolute fun. Now we have the game in our hands and it has tuned out to be one of the best m.k. games ever. With the unique art style of the midway's m.k. team and great talent incorporated from the paradox team, this game truly stands up to the expectations of the huge fan-base m.k. brand has gather over more than a decade. While this installment stays true to the fighting elements known accordingly throughout the history of the product(blood, weapons, projectiles, combos, fatalities and miscelleneous other -alities), it has succeeded in delivering the true charisma of the oriental folklore, myth and philosophy that games like(although very, very authentic content wise)Jade Empire and Dynasty Warriors fail to provide. Since the tale of the Mortal Kombat has always been quite keenly developed and deeply inter-linked, it grows quite complex to be apprehended by a new-comer to the series (a perfect candidate story for an RPG game,...maybe someday midway takes that step too) but the beauty of the whole scenerio is that if you take some time to understand it, you won't find any holes in there. It is very much mastered. M.K.:Shaolin Monks is the adventure remake of the original m.k. 2 that came out in 1993, and this time midway actually hired a storyline expert who can track the whole of the story with all its events intact, an effort not to be seen in development of any other fighting game titles... On the technical side, this game has the newly developed , first of its kind "Multi-Directional" fighting engine, more fatalities than in any other m.k. game ever, a long 16 hours gameplay and the unique, gracious soundtrack partially remade from the original m.k. 2 samples and partially fresh, wierd and catchy. If you are looking for some art-enriched and mystic interactive experience people, go grab a copy today, this one R.O.C.K.S. !… Expand
  5. Bazifate50
    Apr 20, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 1 of the best co-op adventure fighting beatem up action games! You play the story of mk2 in deep detail.Multalities, fatalities etc. Awesome gameplay mechanicss in action,fighting and acrobatics. Awesome set pieces,game pace and duration. ED BOON! I WANT A REMASTER OF THIS GAME PLEASE! ED BOON IF YOU READ THIS, PLEASE MAKE AGAIN THIS AWESOME GAME! I cant bother to review the game further. Its 10 and i liked everythinng on it. Despite the fact final bossess are very hard.… Expand
  6. MaganY.
    Nov 26, 2005
    9
    I'll what this game is: brilliant A master class in old-school beat 'em up The game itself: fantastic fun.
  7. MorteCaldo
    Jan 7, 2020
    9
    Лучший спин-офф в серии и моя самая любимая игра. Заслуживает второго шанса в виде сиквела/ремейка/ребута или идейного продолжателя.Лучший спин-офф в серии и моя самая любимая игра. Заслуживает второго шанса в виде сиквела/ремейка/ребута или идейного продолжателя.
  8. AlexN-M.
    Jan 17, 2007
    0
    This game is poor! You think that you will be good and make a "Fatality by pushing two buttons in the same time? Your wrong! My note is 0! No This game is poor! You think that you will be good and make a "Fatality by pushing two buttons in the same time? Your wrong! My note is 0! No more comments about this POOR game!… Expand

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Awards & Rankings

61
#61 Best PS2 Game of 2005
17
#17 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2005
10
#10 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2005