"At best it is overrated."

Whenever I look back at the hype that surrounded the Mortal Kombat series I think to myself did it really deserve all that popularity? To answer my own question no it didn't deserve it and I think it was unfair that this crap series got people off of Street Fighter(That would change thankfully). In the sequel Midway added some new ways to finish off you opponent including Friendships and Babyalities. While yeah it was neat to turn your fallen opponent into a baby but if you ask me Midway only focused on these aspects for the sequel and almost nothing else. If you want to know more then read on.

Graphics
The graphics here look a little better then the ones in the first MK. The fighters now look a little more real and their standing animations are done great. I wish I can say that for the rest of the fighter animation because everything beyond standing still looks very stiff. Whether it is walking,jumping,or performing a special move you can see for yourself that it only takes about two frames of animation at maximum. While yes the graphics are better this time they are still not that great.

Gameplay
For the most part the AI here is even worse then it was in the first one. At one point I just ducked down and kept doing low punches and the CPU kept walking into them like a moron. You can just use the same old patterns to defeat the majority of your foes and at times your opponent doesn't do a thing. The two player match ups are a little more fun then the bland one player mode but it is still not that good.

Sound
The music is a little better unlike the horrendous tunes that were in the first game(I actually liked the Pit2's music somewhat). The voices don't sound muffled anymore but are still very annoying(Especially Liu Kang's). The repeated screams and howls really got on my nerves. The music is all right but the irritating voices make you wish there was a mute button on the cabinet.

Control
The controls are the same as they were before so in other words they still suck. Special moves still require you to do tap tap motions and there is still a separate block button. If you didn't like the controls before then you still won't like them here.

Replay
After around five minutes of playing time you will just realize that this game is not that fun and if you are like me then you will go to the nearest Street Fighter or KOF machine. So the replay value here is next to nothing.

Final Word
Like I said before in my review for the first game do your absolute best to avoid this and go find a better game to go play that is more entertaining. If you want a good laugh then go ahead and try it because in my opinion this game is nothing but a big joke.

Reviewer's Score: 3/10, Originally Posted: 03/29/01, Updated 03/29/01