Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe

To those who doubted the concept of MKvsDC, doubt no more because Mortal Kombat is back with a vengeance.

From the sharp graphics to the rock solid gameplay, this is a well-implemented game.

In conclusion, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is a very impressive fighting game that melds two great franchises into one.

MK vs DC Universe offers a lot of fun! Characters and story are very good developed and new ideas are implemented in the game. It’s a pity that only two characters can be unlocked.

For what it offers, the game deserves a good look but its lack of MK flavour might turn off some people, especially the die hard MK fans. Still this game is awesome and deserves attention. Shedding some dollars will not be a waste for the entertainment gained in return.

The good news is that it's very playable on a level that the Mortal Kombat series rarely manages to reach, and has solid enough net code that you can play online with virtually no lag.

The game offers two different story modes that each last a couple hours, but aside from a thin combo challenge there isn’t much to do here other than test your might online. Still, fans of both universes are sure to squeeze hours of entertainment out of this package.

Not since the heyday of the Mortal Kombat series has the core game mechanics shined so well.

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe was really enjoyable and one of the better fighters I've played this year. Even if the concept seems ridiculous, it's worth picking it up if you enjoyed the previous Mortal Kombat games from the '90s.

The combat is solid, the story mode is substantial and if you are a fan of either universe there is something here to enjoy. The lackluster finishing moves and lack of extras really hurt the overall experience, but if you are indeed looking for a game that pits two franchises full of beloved characters there is a lot to love here.

I'm happy to say that this round of Mortal Kombat, while unconventional in concept, may be the best one we've had in over a decade. Don't let the DC Universe mash-up fool you, because at the core of this game is the very essence that made Mortal Kombat 3 so great over a decade ago.

MK vs. DC isn't the best Mortal Kombat game, not by a country mile, but for the first time in years this series feels relevant and energized.

The addition of Free Fall Combat (where you pummel someone as you fall towards the next platform) and Close Combat (where the camera zooms in as you pound someone) are terrific, as are the building-smashing Test Your Might segments.

Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe has failures and highlights. Its short value is a very serious problem, and you will surely ask for more. But the attractiveness of its proposal, the new gameplay add-ons, and the strong -although conventional- multiplayer are reasons enough to pay attention to this game.

A solid update of the classic MK series, made relevant by the introduction of a DC roster, spot-on fighters and accessible gameplay. Not original, but tremendous fun.

It may be a bit light on the gore and ultraviolence, but from a gameplay standpoint, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is easily the best game in the series since "MK3".

It’s not the top fighting game out there, but it’s certainly the best Mortal Kombat game in some time, and the use of DC characters only adds to the fun, even if the whole thing is absurd.

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe offers plenty of MK fun, tons of combos to learn, and yes, a bundle of not-so-graphic finishing moves if you're up to mastering the dozen long combo chains. [Jan 2009, p.76]

The guest-star novelty takes time to wear off thanks to a well thought-out fighting system. [Christmas 2008, p.76]

The game is not a failure by any means, but you will find yourself asking for more or wanting to play other more fleshed out fighting games. The visuals were also a big letdown, especially the backgrounds, mainly because we've been spoiled by other visually appealing fighting games.

Casual players will punch through the storyline before burning out after getting stumped by one or two Kombo Challenges, while Mortal Kombat fans will have trouble accepting the toned down Fatalities and somewhat slower gameplay. In short, this game's fun, but its legs probably can't carry it beyond the whole "Wow, Batman's fighting Superman" first impression.

The MK and DC crowds are a surprisingly good combo, but questionable roster balancing keeps this enjoyable fighter from achieving greatness.

We've had a blast playing MK vs. DC Universe, despite its uninspired storyline.

Decent, if lightweight and gleefully comic fan-pleasing brawler. [Christmas 2008, p.68]

MK vs. DC brings two of the largest franchises to do battle, but after a few hours of playing, you’ll realize that this game could have been so much bigger.

A respectable roster, goofy but generally fun fighting, and the bridging of two universes with an actual coherent story line makes MK vs DC appealing for casual players. But if you're looking for a true Mortal Kombat sequel or the next super-balanced tournament fighter, this watered-down, crossed-over spin-off isn't your game.

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is a decent arcade fighting game, but has its flaws. The limited content and fighter line-up adds up to the absence of gore and violence, which is really a shame. The game still retains the Mortal Kombat-feel though, and the cast of DC-heroes is a nice bonus. The one-on-one multiplayer-rounds are fun enough for fans to consider purchasing Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe.

It's a great-looking HD debut for the series, and although the Story mode is cheesy, it's a good vehicle for players to test out their favorite combatants.

It contains its fair share of flaws, not the least of which are some gameplay unbalances and curious lack of interesting unlockable content. But if you’re looking for silly, lighthearted fun to kill a few hours with friends over a few laughs, you could certainly do a lot worse than Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe.

We had a blast playing the game here in the office, with almost everyone gathering to watch. But it is an inferior fighting game, no matter how oddly compelling it is to see two sets of fictional characters clash in such improbable circumstances.

While it won't satisfy technical fight-fiends, it's definitely a sterling lounge room fixture for a crowded night in of mashing each other into opposing franchise paste. [Summer 2009, p.68]

It's not going to be winning any Game of the Year awards, but it is good fun and a good sign that the Mortal Kombat series might finally be on its way back to figuring out what made it so great to start with… just with less blood this time, but hey, there's always the next game right?

The problem is, it's all a tiny bit unbalanced. [Christmas 2008, p.102]

It’s good to see that new life, by means of bizarre franchise combination, can be breathed into a nearly dead game series.

This game won’t take you hours to complete but you will come back for more. It’s a game that’s worthy of renting at least once, but if pounding high and mighty superheroes into the ground appeals to you, then this is one for your collection.

Typical Midway, in as far as there’s a few hours of absolute bliss here, before the taste goes completely and you’re left chewing cud. Rent with our blessing, but purchase only if you’re immune to buyer’s remorse.

Technical glitches aside, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is a fun diversion in this dream-match crossover.

I just wish the game's signature (and somewhat watered-down -- go Teen rating!) Fatalities ("Heroic Brutalities" for the politically correct DC heroes) appeared in each character's move lists, as I'd rather not look up a button combination every time I want to shoot my opponent in the face or drop a Mortal Kombat arcade cabinet on his head. You know, the important stuff.

The game has some refreshing ideas, and if you can look past these issues, you may find some fun in Midway's latest romp.

It’s good facile fun, but we feel, with a little more depth and tweaking of movesets, something greater could have been achieved. [Christmas 2008, p.122]

Unless you are a MK fanboy (and I mean so die hard that you don't care if the game is the same old song and dance) or a DC fanboy who wants to see where the writers take their beloved superheroes, then this game is a rental at best. Hell I'm a fan of both, although not die hard for either brand, and I still couldn't find myself very interested in the final result.

The biggest problem for Mortal Kombat vs. the DC Universe is that it’s just meh (Yes, it's now a word, so I get to use it). You will neither love it nor hate it. Instead you will find yourself in a fighting game limbo where you feel kompelled to keep playing because you love one of the respective franchises, or you’ll just play for a while until a sense of disappointment and betrayal sets in.