Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance for Game Boy Advance brings the iconic fighting franchise to the handheld gaming world, offering a unique and refreshing experience for fans of the series. The game introduces a completely new fighting system, giving each warrior three distinct fighting styles that include hand-to-hand combat and deadly-weapon encounters. This added depth and variety adds a whole new level of strategy to Mortal Kombat battles.
One of the standout features of this game is the inclusion of full 3D movement, which was quite an impressive feat for the Game Boy Advance's capabilities. The realistic fighting effects, such as ripped clothing, bruises, sweat-dripping, and blood, contribute to the game's immersive nature, truly reflecting the visceral nature of the Mortal Kombat franchise. For the first time on next-generation systems, players are treated to brutal Fatalities that are displayed with gruesome and bloody detail, adding to the game's mature and edgy appeal.
Fans of the series will be delighted to find their favorite characters returning, including Johnny Cage, Kung Lao, Raiden, Sonya, and the ever-popular Scorpion. However, the game also introduces some new characters, such as Female Sub-Zero, Moloch, and Mavado, ensuring that there is something fresh for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
While Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance for Game Boy Advance certainly has its merits, it does suffer from some shortcomings. The game's graphics, while impressive for a handheld system, do not stand up to the standards of the next-generation consoles. The limited hardware of the Game Boy Advance unfortunately restricts the game's potential in terms of visuals and overall presentation.
Additionally, the controls can be a bit finicky at times, which can lead to frustration during intense fights. It would have been beneficial for the developers to optimize the controls further to enhance the overall gameplay experience.
Despite its flaws, Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance for Game Boy Advance remains a solid addition to the franchise's catalog. It successfully captures the essence of the Mortal Kombat series, complete with its trademark brutality and iconic characters. For retro gaming enthusiasts looking for a dose of nostalgia or younger players keen to experience the origins of the franchise, this game is worth checking out. Just be prepared for some technical limitations due to the hardware constraints of the handheld system.
