Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (Playstation 3, 2008)

Graphics: Good - 6.5/10
Sound: Good - 7/10
Gameplay: Good - 7.5/10
Replay Value: Good – 7.5/10
Overall: Good – 7/10

Graphics: Good 6.5/10
The graphics are clean and crisp, however, they do not take full advantage of the next generation hardware. The models are well down and the movements true to the MK series. The DC characters (especially The Joker) are well done and provide a good visual crossover. The backgrounds are basic, and were an after thought.

Sound: Good – 7/10
It is what you come to expect from a Mortal Kombat fighting game. In depth sound effects and background clashes and music soundtrack are decent.

Gameplay: Good - 7.5/10
Smooth animations, and a great return to the MK series. This is probably the best iteration since Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. This gets back to the basic combat and really looks at making it an enjoyable experience.

The combat can seem a bit slow, but the ease of pulling off moves, combined with the crossover gameplay and online modes, make this a worthy step in the MK Universe of fighting.

Replay Value: Good – 7.5/10
The single player story mode, though interesting, is short, even considering playing both sides. The lack of extras or inclusion of things found in MK games in the past, really take away from the single player experience.

The multiplayer is the real reason to buy this game, and it is the only reason to own this game. The matches are fun, and they keep you coming back.

Overall: Good – 7/10
By no means is this a bad game, but in the Fall release of 2008, with such big titles, it fails to pack a punch. This may have done better as a Spring/Summer release. Please know that I am a MK faithful, and I love it. Looking at this from a non-biased standpoint, it is hard to argue being a true standout.

This Mortal Kombat iteration was geared to appeal to the mass audiences. Taking away much of the violence and brutal fatalities to get a T for Teen rating, takes away a lot what the MK brand was. In the early 90’s, Mortal Kombat pushed the edge, and this version plays it safe to sell copies of games.

With other fighting games such as Virtua Fighter 5, Soul Caliber 4, and the up and coming Street Fighter 4, this fails to deliver graphically and in the gameplay department. Once you get past “Batman is fighting Sub-Zero – awesome” moments, not much is left.

This game is short, so be prepared. The single player experience lacks the extras and unlockables, and lowers the replay value.