"Definately a must have..."

Well, I've finally gotten the fifth installment of the Mortal Kombat series. I've been a fan of the series since game one. So, naturally, I was literally sweating with anticipation when I was told to wait a few weeks for this game. Now I have it, and it was damn well worth the wait. You know those games that are hugely successful, then drop the ball with their later installments? This is not one of those games. It's got returning warriors like Sub-Zero, Kung Lao, Scorpion, and Johnny ''$500 Sunglasses'' Cage. Along with new warriors like Mavado, Frost, and Kenshi, the fighters are well-rounded and kick ass, each in their own way. Of course, the fatalities are back...and very impressive. Now, using the X Box's power, Mortal Kombat has never looked as sweet. This game picks right up where Mortal Kombat 4 ''fumbled''. In my opinion, this is the ultimate fighting game. Ed Boon should be patting himself on the back for a job well done. Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance is a must have.

Gameplay: Totally amazing. Each character has three fighting styles, including one with a weapon. Now, this can lead to many options. You can test your knowledge of the basic controls by beating person after person with your fighting styles, or you can simply beak out the foreign objects and bludgeon them to hell for the win. Each style has their own combo moves, but why should we stop there? Some combos go beyond one style and allows you to tie in all three of them, including some good weapon slashing for the last few hits. The controls are easy to learn, but difficult to master. Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance will have you on the edge of your seat with it's awesome smoothness of each style. There are really no words to describe the awesomeness of the gameplay.

Gameplay Rating: 10/10

Graphics: Remember those games that used to have actors play their characters, and had that gray-looking blood? Well...let's just say that they've been upgraded. Now the characters are amazingly detailed, and the backgrounds are stunning. As the match progresses, the characters' faces get roughed up, and it shows. Blood flows down the character models, and stains the ground of the arena you're fighting in. The graphics are smooth, and look great. The moves run together amazingly. This is everything a gamer could ask for. Tekken, eat your heart out...

Graphics Rating: 10/10

Sound: Well, it's nothing memorable like the now-infamous ''Techno Syndrome'' theme, but ''Immortal'' (by Adema) isn't too bad. Raiden narrarates the entrance and endings. It's nothing too great, but it's not annoying like the music in some games. However, the grunts and groans of a bleeding opponent are enough to satisfy me.

Sound Rating: 8/10

Story: Quan Chi and Shang Tsung have formed an alliance in their quests for immortality and power. They eliminate their two biggest threats, and force Raiden and his band of warriors to join together and fight the forces of the Deadly Alliance. It's pretty damn cool if you ask me. Each character has their own reason to be there, and most of them are utterly sweet. This is a big part of Mortal Kombat games, and always has been. I give it two thumbs up...great job on the developers' parts.

Story Rating: 10/10

Replay ability: This is where Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance truly shines. As you kick ass and take names, you win different types of koins. These are used to purchase the 676 coffins in the Krypt. In these coffins, they have things like art, videos, and different costumes. Occasionally, you'll run across something that's simply kickass, like a character or a classic outfit for Kung Lao and Sub-Zero. If you have any friends, then it's even better. To me, there's nothing like giving a friend a fatality, then laughing in their face. Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance is a game that you won't sit down for a while.

Replay ability Rating: 10/10

Buy it or Rent it first? Sure, renting is more safe...but if you're an avid fighting game fanatic, BUY THIS GAME! You won't be sorry, and you'll have a kickass game to show for it.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10 | Originally Posted: 12/27/02, Updated 12/27/02

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