Since the arrival of the first arcade game and console version in the early 90s, the Mortal Kombat name has been almost synonymous with the words "fighting" and "game" – when put together. Almost 15 years later, the series is going deceptively strong with MK: Armageddon due in October. Along with Armageddon, there is a PSP title being developed which is based on the previous console game, Mortal Kombat: Deception.
Mortal Kombat: Unchained is not an all out port, though. I repeat, not a port. While one can argue that the game is basically Deception in a shiny new box, figuratively, this person must have failed to notice that it is on the PSP. While ports are common, fresh franchise games are quite the anomaly on the PSP…for some reason or another. Also, not since the GBA has there been a Mortal Kombat game that you could play anywhere. However, if this is not convincing enough, Midway goes the extra mile for the on-the-go gamer.
This version does indeed feature the Konquest mode. This contains the Single Player game, Puzzle Kombat, and Chess. All of the options tend to be more entertaining, and thus, more rewarding on a portable system.
The gameplay remains generally untouched and because of the way Mortal Kombat's fighting system is set up, the controls are not only easy to pick up, but extremely responsive – and that is something that many PSP fighting games seem to be lacking. Combo-breakers are also in the game, which makes the gameplay much more balanced and genuine. The arenas are multi-tiered and most, if not all, of the characters from Deception will be back…along with a few extras.
It is also very good to hear that Unchained comes with the ability to battle others via the PSP’s wireless fidelity function; making full use of the portable’s options and features. Not only will you be able to beat up players online, but Chess and Puzzle Kombat can be played online as well. Good deal, nothing is worse than playing chess…alone.
Hammertime?
Graphically, the game looks very good, maybe not as good as its home console counterparts, but amazing for portable standards. The animation is as fluid as can be – and should be – considering that all the characters have the same amount of moves and fatalities as was featured in Mortal Kombat: Deception.
While this may not be for the casual video game player, a fan of Mortal Kombat (with a PSP, obviously) should pick this one up. It’s MK – and it’s portable, enough said. You really can't go wrong (unless you’re yelling “combo-breaker!” on the public bus system…) and, hopefully, neither can Midway. Look for this one on the shelves in October and continue to check back here at VGCore.com for news and features on Mortal Kombat: Unchained.
