Mortal Kombat Mythologies
Reviewed by Andrew Pagan
Sub Zero is unique in that it's the first game in the Mortal Kombat franchise
developed exclusively for the home systems. In addition, the game marks
the first time a different genre has been explored with the bloody fighting
series. With Mythologies, the development team has tried to blend the
fighting style that made Mortal Kombat famous with a side-scrolling 2D
engine and has even thrown in some token RPG elements for good measure.
Mythologies focuses on the adventures of Sub-Zero, one of the most popular
characters in the fighting franchise. The storyline is a simple one: Sub Zero,
a feared Lin Kuei warrior, is contracted by the sorcerer, Shao, to retrieve
the hidden map of elements. On his quest Sub-Zero encounters Scorpion,
who is guarding the artifact. A fight breaks out and, once defeated, Sub-Zero
learns of ulterior motives, lies and the rest of his journeys. And so you have
it. It's not much of a story, but those of us who have seen the horrible
movies knew that, didn't we?
Graphics 4 out of 10
Utilizing an ugly 2D engine, dithered backgrounds, and indifferent
rotation/scaling effects, the game is visually unimpressive. Polygonal
foregrounds have been implemented simply for added looks as they do
nothing for gameplay. A fixed camera generally captures the action from
a zoomed-out view, but occasionally zooms in as Sub-Zero goes from
place to place. On a brighter side, the lighting effects in the game are
up to par, illuminating characters as they come closer to lit objects
and so on. The Playstation version of Mortal Kombat Mythologies, however,
is identical to the Nintendo 64 version graphically and it has FMV
cut-scenes instead of screen-shots and text torture-scenes. Way to
take advantage of that power. In all honesty, if we were told that
Midway had slipped a Sega Genesis emulator into the cart to run
this game we wouldn't be the least bit surprised.
Luckily, MORTAL KOMBAT Mythologies retains all the cheesy violence
that made the franchise great. Pillars crush Sub-Zero into a gory
mess, finishing moves can be performed and blood flows with each
punch and kick. It's not very realistic, but it doesn't matter -- it's
classic Mortal Kombat.
Music and Sound 5 out of 10
The music and sound effects in Mythologies are well-rounded. Wind
whines in the background when Sub-Zero is on ledges and ambient
music plays throughout most of the stages and cut-scenes, highlighting
the action. Unfortunately, the sound level is calibrated at an annoyingly
low level and must be turned up all the way just to be heard clearly.
Game Challenge 4 out of 10
It's back, your old Mario game. This game is just like Mario (the old Mario)
only it adds RPG and a little more violence. And Sub-Zero's freeze spells
are like fire balls. The game isn't that hard, just kill every one you see,
and jump when you have to. You'd say it was a Final Fight (no offense)
and a Mario game mixed in one pile of crap.
Game Play-Fun 3 out of 10
What Mythologies lacks in graphic prowess it lacks even more in the
gameplay department. Sub Zero jumps, kicks, punches and snaps multiple
hit combos as he progresses through the game. Jumping is performed
via the analog stick or the control pad. Midway opted not to go with
jump button as it might have made the game playable. Even worse,
turning around is performed via the B button. Wouldn't it have been
more practical to of used one of the buttons for jumping and instead
made turning around available through the control pad or analog stick?
Players are expected to ignore instinct (which constantly suggests
pressing left or right to turn around) and instead press a button to
perform the task. When engaged in a battle, especially when multiple
enemies are on-screen, this becomes more than just a nuisance. It's
unintuitive control at its very best.
Level design is equally bad. The entire game is based around "die and
re-try" stages. In other words, players often come to a certain point
in a level where they are immediately killed and then must re-continue,
now aware of the hidden obstacle. The first stage being a prime example,
Sub-Zero runs through the hall-ways and is crushed by a stone pillar
hiding in the ceiling. Other times players must take leaps of faith, praying
that something solid will be close by to catch their fall. It's just bad
game design.
In trying to add more diversity to the game the development team has
also included some RPG elements. Players can access Sub-Zero's menu
screen via the Z trigger where items are gathered, including herbs and
keys, that help Sub-Zero along his journeys. Keys must be used in certain
areas to unlock doors or open portals and can only be accessed via the
menu screen. Sub-Zero, as he performs more combos, gathers special
features as well. A freeze spell and a slide-attack, which can both be
obtained quickly and easy, help to beat the bosses at the end.
Frustration
Yes, you will get frustrated, totally. Frustrated by getting nowhere,
frustrated by the boredom, and frustrated by doing nothing in the
whole freaking game. You will lose hair playing this game. Stress will
kill you. Frustration will anialate you.
Replayability 1 out of 10
Why would anyone want to replay this game? All it is is hit, punch, walk,
jump, hang, and run (along will freezing).The only reason I can think of to
play this game over is to watch blood flow, but that's why we have games
such as Killer Instinct. no way, not a game to play again.
Game Value 2 out of 10
No, not at all. Like I said before, probably the only reason to actually buy
this game would be to watch blood galore. Add extreme amount of blood
to game: #163rd way to get people to buy a game.
Overall 3 out of 10
BORING!!! Mortal Kombak Mythologies: Sub Zero is a perfect example of what
can happen when you sacrifice gameplay for license. Everything seems to
be thrown together in a big pile of mindless re-hash, digitized graphics
and horrible level design, all topped off with some blood and the Mortal
Kombat name. The sad part is that the game will probably sell like
hot-cakes anyway. Unless you're Mortal Kombat crazy, don't appreciate
good video games or are looking to punish your kids this holiday season,
we recommend avoiding this atrocity.