“Mortal Kombat II” is the best Mortal Kombat game ever made. “Mortal Kombat 3” and “Mortal Kombat 4” were good efforts but bad games; the last two 3-D titles were fun, but nothing will ever compare to MK2.
“Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks,” the newest addition to the MK series, and the only non-fighting game in the Mortal Kombat series worth touching, is an action-packed beat-’em-up game that is set just before MK2. It uses MK2’s characters, moves, environments and mythology, and right from the start it’s a button-mashing good time. In “Shaolin Monks” players take control of Liu Kang and Kung Lao as they beat their way through 3-D versions of classic Mortal Kombat locales.
One of the greatest features of the game is its well-developed cooperative mode. Often times co-op modes seem unfinished or tacked on, but “Shaolin Monks” favors co-op play.
The combat system is easy to learn and not too difficult to master. The game helps players target and is very forgiving when it comes to combinations. It’s not hard to pull off a thirty-hit combo within the first few minutes of the game.
Special moves are easy to perform and add a bit of variety to the game. Kung Lao and Liu Kang have distinct fighting styles; players can buy new combos and upgrades with the experience they get while playing the game. Like every other Mortal Kombat game, there are over-the-top fatalities.
The game is also packed full of unlockable features, including a full version of the aforementioned “Mortal Kombat II.” “Shaolin Monks” is a must for fans of the series, and is likely to entertain anyone yearning for a decent co-op game. Rent it.

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