Mortal Kombat: Deception

"The Moth"

In late 2004 Nintendo Gamecube owners might have felt a bit shafted when Mortal Kombat Deception was released on the Playstation 2 and Xbox, with an obvious absence of a version for their beloved system. After all, the previous installment, Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance, was released on all three platforms and found great success. Well after Deception become a blockbuster hit (One of the best games of 2004) any remaining fears of the Gamecube not seeing this game were put to rest. In 2005, this was confirmed with the game's release on the platform. Midway attempted to ensure the Gamecube version was up to par with its PS2 and Xbox counterparts, and they did this with fantastic results. Mortal Kombat Deception brings its best to the table for the Gamecube, and fans of the series as well as owners of the system should not be disappointed.

Not too drastically changed from Deadly Alliance, which is not a surprise since that was accepted by most. For those that aren't familiar with Deadly Alliance, the game plays fluently. Movement is not restricted to one plane like early games in the series. Each Kombatant (or ' character ' if you will) has three authentic fighting styles; two hand-to-hand and one weapon stance. Each of these give a striking balance to all players and add a new layer of depth to the game. With each fighting style comes many different combinations to master against other foes. These Kombos can be learned from personal experience, training and even various portions of Konquest mode. Anyway you can, learn these moves, as they will only help you succeed in Kombat.

Character selection is as strong in this game as its been in the past. Many old favorites from the Mortal Kombat franchise make a return, as well as many newer faces. There will be characters to unlock, just like in Deadly Alliance. One of the highlights in this version is the inclusion of two playable characters, Goro and Shao Kahn. They were included to off-set the minor imbalance between the first two versions, as most Gamecube owners know by now, their console cannot play online - which was a prolific feature for this game when it first came out. Unlike some characters included in games just for the sake of being there, Goro and Shao Kahn are actually fun to use. So their addition was not in vain. A trademark feature that returns in Deception are the infamous Fatality moves. Players can tap into two gruesome fatalities each, and finishing your opponent in a horrific manner has never been more enjoyable.

As if Deception wasn't already stuffed to the gills with Kontent, Midway tossed in even more. Returning from Deadly Alliance is the Krypt, the ever popular " shop " as some considered it which allowed you to use Koins (A form of currency gained by completing or doing various tasks) to unlock hidden characters as well as alternative costumes, art, movies, et cetera. Also a highlight in Deception are the mini-games that, like the rest of the package, are gory, downright bizarre at times, but very enjoyable nonetheless. Puzzle and Chess Kombat are new features that work out very well. Not only are they severely addicting but incentive is given to play them (Koins are rewarded, also unlockable arenas and different Kombatants are available for use). Konquest mode also makes a return but is not as painfully linear as it was in Deadly Alliance. In Konquest mode, the story of Shujikno is told, rather than having to read boring text for different characters. It still retains it tutorial element but its just not as bleak as it was in Deadly Alliance. Again, you can find available material to unlock by completing the vast Konquest mode, as well as learn more back story. Arcade mode is largely unchanged. Its not exactly innovative but its not dull either. You can still push through the various enemies with little trouble but if your unprepared the last boss could present some trouble (Not likely though, just that it happens sometimes). The controls seem perfectly mapped to the Gamecube controller. Once you learn which buttons serve what purpose you won't have ny trouble performing special and finishing moves.

Mortal Kombat Deception picks up right after where Deadly Alliance ended. Unfortunately, Earth Realm's best warriors were, for the first time, unable to prevent the forces of evil. Shang Tsung and Quan Chi's combined efforts defeated each Kombatant one by one, leaving Raiden to challenge the duo. Raiden had fought memorable against the two sorcerers but ultimately could not defeat them, and fell like the rest. With the victory in hand Tsung and Chi went on to the matter of reviving the mummified remains of the Dragon King's army. Greed soon consumed them and they turned on each other. Without the Amulet Quan Chi possessed, Shang Tsung was overwhelmed. Before Quan Chi could stake his claim to the realms the Dragon King himself returned, shocking Quan chi into disbelief as to what was happening. He soon discovered his own power would not be enough and was joined by Shang Tsung and even Raiden in an attempt to vanquish the foe. Even with their combined might the Dragon King was not faltering. Raiden soon decided it would be best to sacrifice himself (as well as the other two in turn) rather than letting the Dragon King live. Unfortunately, this was in vain. The blast did next to nothing to the Dragon King and he easily obtained the Amulet. Now Onaga (the Dragon King) has everything he needs to dominate all realms and unless he is stopped, all realms, not just Earth, are doomed to a wasteful existence. This is the story behind Deception, more back story is given in Konquest mode and character endings in Arcade mode. However, until the next Mortal Kombat in the series is released, only speculation can be given as to how events turn out. All in all, the story is very well done and its interesting to see how events transpire.

The visual and audio quality in Mortal Kombat: Deception is very...well, exceptional. The graphics are past par for the Gamecube and in most cases, surpass its Playstation 2 counterpart. Character models have detail in complexion, muscle tone and even the blood that drips from freshly cut wounds is depicted decently. Fatality gore looks impressive, whenever you dice your opponent into ribbons you will see the gorgeous graphics on display. They do not differ dramatically from Deadly Alliance but the improved detail is obvious. The stages you fight in all hold surprises and look appealing to the eye. Sound, like the other aspects is executed fairly well. Mortal Kombat tunes are present as always and give the appropriate impression, either getting your blood pumping as you smash your foe through the floor or the infamous Fatality music when the screen turns dark (Followed by a gruesome death). The overall soundtrack is one of the best in any Mortal Kombat game and each track has a distinctive purpose for being included, there is nothing that doesn't belong.

Without any doubt, Mortal Kombat: Deception is good not only for extended periods of play but also something quick. Arcade mode is fairly brief as usual, but thats to be expected. Konquest mode can drag out for almost hundreds of hours, and of course Chess and Puzzle Kombat will have you finding yourself playing at odd hours of the day for unorthodox periods of time. After you have unlocked everything there is still purpose in popping it in from time to time. However, unless you have someone handy to play with you could find it boring. This is one of the few areas the game falters on, as many would rather have the chance to play against a vast pool of opponents rather than have two additional Kombatants. However, debasing a game based off the hardware its on is not logical, and should not affect playing Deception the least bit.

Mortal Kombat: Deception is a must-buy if you have other games in the series and are interested in playing this one. If you have multiple systems and cannot make your mind up as to which you'd rather have this game for just consider what interests in you best. If you have a Gamecube and want to add another fighting game into your collective library then look no further. Mortal Kombat: Deception is a high quality game all around, and one can only speculate what awaits the series next.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/27/06, Updated 05/16/08

Game Release: Mortal Kombat: Deception (US, 03/01/05)