|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
           
|
GRAPHICS: A (9.5) Mortal Kombat Trilogy on the PlayStation is the best of the bunch (having come out on the Sega Saturn and Nintendo 64 systems as well). The Saturn and PlayStation version are indefinitely better than the N64 version. This of course, has everything to do with the fact that N64 is cartridge based, a definite disadvantage when trying to fit the vast number of characters, moves, music, and other details that make the CD-based versions stand out. Due to Point Of View (the Saturn version's developer)'s inexperience with the Saturn hardware. The Saturn version was diminished of some detail, making it slightly less appealing in the graphics department. This game contains the largest selection of characters currently in a fighting game. It contains 32 unique fighters, all with their own moves, special moves, fatalities, etc. There are also 4 hidden classic characters to find (alright, they're revealed by hitting Select while highlighting Kano, Jax, Raiden, and Kung Lao), which expand even farther into the roster. All 4 bosses (Goro, Motaro, Kintaro, and Shao Kahn) are also instantly selectable, a very good decision by Midway, I might add. Of all these fighters, there are only about 2 that are badly designed or irritating to use. To get right down to it, the graphics in the PlayStation version are practically arcade-perfect, except the characters are a bit smaller (in order to fit more in the CD). To the best of my knowledge, all the stages in MK 2 and 3 are in, but unfortunately, only about 3 stages from the first MK could be included. Being the ex-MK fan I am, I was quite sad about this when the game was released. I don't think there's one background in which the guys at Midway made a half-baked job at. They are all dark, moody, and fit the theme superbly (especially the MK 3 ones). You won't be let down by the graphics if you're a follower of the series, or digitized backgrounds/characters are your slice of pie.
MUSIC/SOUND: C+ (7.75) Don't let me jump to conclusions about the music first, because the sound has some serious issues. With the exception of the announcer, Shao Kahn, and Scorpion's highly catchy phrase "Get over here!", most, if not all the voices (such as the various grunts/groans and things that characters blurt out in the middle of a move) are extremely retarded and obnoxious. With that aside, the music isn't what I'd call exceptional, but it is more or less fitting, and isn't annoying in the slightest definition of the word. Some of it is actually quite good, especially the MK2 themes, but I just wished they hadn't been remixed (only the MK2 ones, don't worry). The sound effects are also done well, but nothing sounds really accurate, and definitely, nothing stands out. The sad truth is that nothing here makes the music/sound fall over the average mark. GAMEPLAY: B+ (8.75) This is the deal with Mortal Kombat's gameplay; either you love it or you despise it. I, for one, happen to fall in the first conclusion. To me, the gameplay is innovative and fast-paced meaning fun. If you disagree with me (which I'm sure a lot of you do), why not write your own review and share your opinion? I think the button tapping "dial-a-combos" are where it's at, I'm not quite sure why, but they seem more aggressive and realistic (as in other games you have to try to keep the opponent in the air while hitting them, which seems kind of unrealistic if you ask me). This game contains lots of gameplay too, with all those characters with different moves, all those backgrounds (interactive in some cases), and the extreme difficulty, how can you deny it? Unfortunately, due to the huge amount of things to access in virtually every menu/element in the game, loading time is horrible. This seriously cuts you off the gameplay. However, I think it was a wise decision in Midway/William's part to make a Trilogy and include all the characters and backgrounds from previous MKs, it makes a far more varied and challenging game than most other fighters currently available. Sorry to disagree with so many MK-haters out there, but hey, isn't that what reviews are all about after all? FUN AND REPLAY VALUE: A (9.75) Well, this is up for arguement as well, but no one can deny that MK has a lot of gameplay and variety to attract the average gamer into another round. However you see it, Mortal Kombat Trilogy is a huge game that will take you months to complete with every character/difficulty, and lets not even comment on finding out every secret, finishing move, Kombat Kode, or anything else this massive game has in store for you to fiddle with. It's really sad that this is the last and ultimate Mortal Kombat game in the 2D form, as now even the MK developers were pulled into the claw of the 3D gaming world. Mortal Kombat 4 was only a decent first attempt in the 3D MK realm, but it has pulled many MK-dislikers back in the rave, not a bad sign of what's to come though, if you ask me.
WORTH BUYING: PERHAPS For those of you who will never be able to let go of good old fashioned 2D gameplay, this is the zenith of 2D fighters, and is definitely for you. There are however as I already get tired of mentioning, a massive crowd of Mortal Kombat trashers which must still learn to believe in Mortal Kombat's ways, but this isn't a good start. How about giving Mortal Kombat 4 a try instead? If you're a fan of the series or new to it, I recommend you give MK Trilogy a shot, and at its Greatest Hits label's price of $19.95, what have you to lose other than a couple of weeks' allowance or a small fraction of a paycheck? OVERALL: B (8.5) MK Trilogy is a compilation of the series up to the point when it was made 3-dimensional (also excluding MK Mythologies, not part of the fighting series). It is approved by this gamer, and is a worthy addition to your fighting game roster, if you ask him. To order Mortal Kombat 4, click on the button
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
