Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks

 Xbox
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Xbox Evolved
    70
    The nostalgia packed in the game is amazing, and better yet, you can unlock "Mortal Kombat II." Still, you can't help but feel the creators made this only as a 'thank you' for the hardcore rather than for everyone else to play.
  2. GameSpy
    70
    The Xbox's advantage is, of course, graphics. Here the character models don't look as flat and the textures feature slightly more intricate detail. The world is still pretty blocky, but with a decent framerate and solid effects, we can accept that.
  3. Computer Games Magazine
    70
    The generous slathering of nostalgia for the locations and characters of the old arcade games is a treat. [Dec p.93]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Games Radar
    70
    If you love all things MK, you'll see Shaolin Monks as a special milestone in the franchise and a reward for your loyalty. Otherwise, it's just a fun brawling diversion with lots of gloopy blood and two unlockable characters. Either way, it's good stuff.
  6. Gamestyle
    70
    It's certainly not a 'Klassic' by any stretch of the imagination - and it may not feature the cutting-edge style of other titles - but its furious fighting and mostly wonderful boss encounters provided many hours of enjoyment.
  7. Game Revolution
    67
    A fairly impressive beast. It might not be smart, polished or new, but it's wonderfully violent, varied and bloody. Plus, it's proof that two heads are better than one.
  8. G4 TV
    60
    Shaolin Monks' replay value could use a jump-start or two from Raiden's fingertips. Despite an arcade port of Mortal Kombat II and a two-player versus mode, there's simply not enough "kontent" to justify a purchase for most.
  9. 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]
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

61
#61 Best Xbox Game of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 29
  3. Negative: 6 out of 29
  1. MichaelB.
    Nov 21, 2005
    9
    Based on how I thought this was going to turn out, I'm very impressed. The gameplay is similar to Ninja Gaiden, but not half as Based on how I thought this was going to turn out, I'm very impressed. The gameplay is similar to Ninja Gaiden, but not half as difficult. There's plenty of secrets to unlock and plenty of reasons to play through this one several times. Graphics and sound are great. Controls are tight. And all of your favorite MK characters are there...what more do you need?… Full Review »
  2. DaveP.
    Oct 13, 2005
    9
    Adventure vs old school mk... mksm is cool allowing the gamer travel through the past 6 mortal kombat levels and an unlockable mk2 Adventure vs old school mk... mksm is cool allowing the gamer travel through the past 6 mortal kombat levels and an unlockable mk2 game.......yum.....… Full Review »
  3. Untitled94
    Jul 15, 2021
    7
    This one is different, but it's still fun. I very much prefer regular MK, but I like playing this one time to time. I just wish some of theThis one is different, but it's still fun. I very much prefer regular MK, but I like playing this one time to time. I just wish some of the levels wouldn't drag out as much and I did get stuck in some areas, but I enjoy it.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »