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I mean it in the nicest way possible when I say that Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks is to Mortal Kombat as Dead or Alive: Xtreme Beach Volleyball was to Dead or Alive; complete and utter fan service in the most delicious of ways. No, Sub-Zero and the gang aren't parading around in barely existent bikini's, but it must be said that Shaolin Monks is in fact, more Mortal Kombat than Mortal Kombat itself. The ridiculous amounts of blood, signature moves, classic environments and dizzying combos and fatalities are all meshed together to create the experience that MK fans all over have been wishing for since the series took a (massive) dip in quality since going 3D. It's time to finally lay your anger over Mortal Kombat: Mythologies to rest as Shaolin Monks has finally come to relieve us from the pain.
A "buddy, buddy" action game at it's heart, Shaolin Monks tells the tale of Liu Kang and Kung Lao, fresh off Liu's victory in the original Mortal Kombat tournament. Something about Shang Tsung and his realm – whatever. It's all an excuse to bust out the craziest combos since Marvel vs. Capcom 2. Utilizing a fighting system reminiscent of Sony's God of War, Shaolin Monks is as easy to play as it is fast and furious. Each of the two protagonists have all their signature moves including Liu Kang's Bicycle kick and Kung Lao's hat throw.
The scope of the game may be as simple as laying waste to any enemy foolish enough to step into your path, the fighting system and amount of freedom offered to you means that it simply never gets old. Starting a ground combo with Kung Lao, into a launcher, into multiple dive kicks, juggling again with his Spin attack (Which causes the announcer to shout "Toasty!") and finishing it off with a classic Mortal Kombat II fatality sure as Hell beats a bunch of lame puzzles and collect-a-thons any day of the week.
Even if the never ending onslaught of opponents begins to wear thin, Shaolin Monks sports one of the most enjoyable co-op games seen this generation. Take the above example of a combo and stick Liu Kang in there, bouncing the enemy back to Kung-Lao with his fireballs and his classic flying kicks (WATAAAH!) and it's quite simply a beautiful sight to behold. There are also multiple points in the game where alternate, co-op only paths make themselves known so eventually, you'll want to treat a friend to this action.
Making the experience a bit richer is the upgradeable combat system which allows you to use the experience you've gained from destroying opponents and put it to use by purchasing new combos and upgrading special maneuvers. It's simple, easy to get into and is a great example of just how user-friendly and well designed this game is.
Though, the ability to cause fangasms is Shaolin Monks greatest asset. Without spoiling too much, you'll find yourself in many – and I mean many classic Mortal Kombat locations. From Goro's lair, the Pit and the Dark Portal, practically everything around you will seem familiar. The infamous Mortal Kombat announcer is in there as well, claiming your combos to be "Superb!" and laughing maliciously as you launch our foe with uppercuts ("Outstanding!"). Even the way you perform Fatalities, complete with the fighting games music, dark backdrop and logo, oozing blood is present and it all blends perfectly into the experience. It almost causes a small tear of joy to form just thinking about it.
But of course, all things aren't so perfect. A few annoying boss fights hinder the experience a little but not enough to cause Ninja Gaiden-esque fits of panic. It also must be said that there are quite a bit of bugs still running around the code of Shaolin Monks and while none of them are game breaking, having the sound drop out of the game completely for an entire section of a level is quite distracting and a huge oversight.
All things accounted, Shaolin Monks is one of the most surprising, engaging and flat out entertaining titles of the year. If at any point in your life you were a fan of Mortal Kombat, Shaolin Monks practically demands to have a place in your collection. As an added bonus, the classic Mortal Kombat II is also included alongside this fantastic game. And that my friends makes Shaolin Monks your wet dreams realized.
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