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Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe

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Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
Developer(s)Midway Amusement Games, Warner Bros.
Publisher(s)Midway Games
SeriesMortal Kombat
EngineUnreal Engine 3
Platform(s)PlayStation 3, Xbox 360[1]
Genre(s)Fighting, Adventure, Crossover
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (also known as MK vs. DCU or MK vs. DC) is a crossover fighting game from Midway Games and Warner Bros. in the Mortal Kombat series, which was released on November 16, Template:Vgy. The game contains characters from both the Mortal Kombat franchise and the DC Universe. The game's story was written by comic writers Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray.

The game was developed using Epic Games' Unreal Engine 3 and is available for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms. It is the second Mortal Kombat title for the seventh generation consoles.

Gameplay

The game features a story mode, playable from two different perspectives, one from the "DC Universe" side, and one from the Mortal Kombat side. Depending on which side players choose, they will see the characters from the opposite universe as the invaders of their own. Ed Boon has confirmed that the player will have to play as all the characters at different points in the game, which is split into chapters.[3]

Intertwined within the fights are new gameplay modes, such as "Free-fall Kombat," which is activated automatically after throwing the opponent to a lower level in the arena. The players can fight in the air during the fall in a quasi-mini-game, with a player having to hit certain buttons to be on top and deal out the damage when the fall ends. "Klose Kombat" is a mode you can enter during a fight, causing the characters to lock with each other and the perspective to change to a close-up shot of the two, to make for an interval of close-quarters fighting.[3] A "test your might" mini-game is also worked into the gameplay. While fighting in certain areas, the player can smash the opponent through a series of walls. The player on the offense mashes buttons to increase damage, while the player on the defense mashes buttons to decrease damage taken. A mode called "Rage Mode" is also introduced, which causes the attacks of the player using it to break the opponents guard after a three hit combo. This mode also prevents the player using it from experiencing hit stun, unless the opponent uses a three hit combo. Rage mode increases the damage of an attacker's moves by 50%.

During fights, characters show permanent signs of visual damage, such as bruises, scrapes, bleeding, and broken or torn clothing. All of the characters except Darkseid, Shao Kahn, and Dark Kahn have finishing moves; the Mortal Kombat characters and the DC villains will execute fatalities, while the DC heroes will execute moves called "heroic brutalities," which function in the same manner, but stays in tone with the heroes who have an established reputation of not killing their enemies. These finishing moves are only available in arcade mode and versus mode. [4]

Plot

Superman battles Kano in Free-Fall Kombat.

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe does not follow chronologically with the other games in the Mortal Kombat series, and is considered an "ultimate-Elseworlds" for DC Universe continuity by story co-writer Jimmy Palmiotti.[5]

After Shao Kahn's invasion of Earthrealm is defeated by Raiden's forces of light, Raiden destroys Kahn by blasting him through a portal. At the same time on Earth, Superman is seen stopping Darkseid's Apokoliptian invasion by blasting the Apokoliptian with his heat vision as he enters a Boom tube. These acts do not destroy either of them, but merges them into Dark Kahn, and causes the DC Universe and Mortal Kombat universes to merge.[6]

As the worlds merge, the characters' abilities fluctuate, causing violent "rage" outbreaks that are actually the feelings of Dark Kahn being fused into the characters from afar. Because of this, certain characters either gain strength or vulnerability (allowing a character like Superman the possibility of being defeated due to his vulnerability to magic, and a character like the Joker the ability to fight Raiden). With each world thinking that the other is responsible for the merger (or a potential invasion), they fight each other in Mortal Kombat until only two remain: Raiden and Superman. In the final battle, Raiden and Superman fight while Dark Kahn feeds on their rage. Both realizing that the other isn't working with Dark Kahn, they overcome their rage for each other and defeat their fused enemy, restoring the two worlds to their normal separation. While everyone else has been sent to their original universe, Darkseid and Shao Kahn have been switched and are both rendered powerless. In the end they both face eternal imprisonment in the other's universe; Darkseid is restrained in the Netherrealm, while Shao Kahn is trapped in the Phantom Zone.[7]

Characters

According to interviews, the characters were chosen for their popularity, and for parallels between characters from both universes.[3] Ed Boon has said that some of the characters' abilities, especially on the DC side, have been toned down to make them balanced within the game. Boon specifically mentioned that Superman will have some vulnerabilities because of magic, otherwise the game would be sorely unbalanced.[8]. Ed Boon later revealed via Twitter (June 23rd, 2009) that two new characters were developed for DLC, Quan Chi from Mortal Kombat and Harley Quinn from DC Universe. Boon also stated that these characters' future is uncertain due to issues surrounding Midway's bankruptcy.[9]

Playable Characters[10][11][12][13]
Mortal Kombat DC Universe
Baraka Batman
Jax Captain Marvel
Kano Catwoman
Kitana Darkseid
Liu Kang Deathstroke
Raiden The Flash
Scorpion Green Lantern
Shang Tsung The Joker
Shao Kahn Lex Luthor
Sonya Blade Superman
Sub-Zero Wonder Woman

Development

In February 2007 they revealed they were planning a new game in the franchise, inspired by having seen a showcase of Gears of War. This eighth Mortal Kombat game was supposed to be "dark, gritty, serious" and a "back to basics reboot" to the series.[14]

Eventually, at some time during planning, a deal with DC Comics was settled and this project was dropped, thus leading to the development of the game we know today.[15] In April 2008, an announcement was made, finally confirming the game as a crossover, and a trailer was released.[16] From the original project, the only notorious aspect that prevailed was the use of the Unreal Engine 3, the one used in Gears of War.

The use of a DC Comics license in the game implied some restrictions be made to the characteristic violence in Mortal Kombat games. Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe thus got restricted to a "Teen" rating. In order to keep that rating, two of the game's Fatalities were heavily censored in North America. Both the Joker and Deathstroke's first Fatality feature both of them finishing their opponent with a gunshot to the head. The UK version of the game is shown uncut with each respective shot shown from a distance. However, the North American version has the camera quickly pan toward the victor before the shot is fired, thereby cutting the victim out of the shot completely.

Cast

Voices

  • Ron Banks ... Quan Chi (voice)
  • Dana Lyn Baron ... Sonya Blade (voice)
  • Perry Brown ... Darkseid / Dark Kahn (voice)
  • Tom Choi ... Liu Kang (voice)
  • Kevin Delaney ... Captain Marvel (voice)
  • Richard Epcar ... Raiden / The Joker (voice)
  • David Gazzana ... Batman (voice) (as Dave Gazzana)
  • Taliesin Jaffe ... The Flash / Security Guard (voice) (as T. Axelrod)
  • James Kyson Lee ... Shang Tsung (voice) (as James Lee)
  • P.J. Mattson ... Catwoman (voice)
  • Michael McConnohie ... Kano / Ganthet / Newscaster (voice)
  • Jim Miller ... Sub-Zero (voice)
  • Josh Phillips ... Green Lantern (voice)
  • Tara Platt ... Wonder Woman (voice)
  • Herman Sanchez ... Announcer (voice)
  • Patrick Seitz ... Scorpion / Deathstroke / Shao Kahn / Dark Kahn (voice)
  • Christopher Corey Smith ... Superman / Guardian #3 / Batcave Computer (voice) (as Chris Smith)
  • Joe Thomas ... Lex Luthor / Shazam / Guardian #1 (voice)
  • Dan Washington ... Jax / Baraka (voice)
  • S.G. Willie ... Kitana / Sonya Blade (voice)

Motion-capture actors

  • Brenda Barrie as Catwoman and Wonder Woman
  • Chris Bashen as Flash and Shang Tsung
  • Sorin Brouwers as Green Lantern, Scorpion and Kano
  • Jorden Brown as Sub-Zero and Shao Khun
  • Lorissa Julianus as Sonya and Kitanna
  • Lawrence Kern as Liu Kang
  • Chris Matthews as Batman, Deathstroke , Dark Khun, and Darkseid(uncredited)
  • Sean Okerberg as Jax, Raiden and Baraka
  • Christopher Sean Piereman as Lex Luthor and Quan Chi
  • Circus Szalewski as The Joker
  • Stephan Scalabrino as Superman and Captain Marvel

Reception

File:MK DCU KE.jpg
The Kollector's Edition cover by Alex Ross.

The game was released to generally positive reviews from critics. The majority of its ratings range from 7.5/10 to 8.5/10. Most reviewers agreed that the game is entertaining and makes good use of its DCU license; however, a lack of unlockable features as opposed to past installments and toned down finishers garnered some criticism.

Adam Sessler of X-Play gave the game a 3 out of 5, in which he said: "Whether it’s a decade-late answer to the Marvel/Capcom team up games or an off-the-cuff boardroom joke gone wildly too far, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is destined to make just about anyone's shortlist of bizarre video game team-ups. Still, sometimes two disparate things can merge to create a unique synergy that makes the melding work, however unlikely it may have seemed at the outset."[22]

Downloadable content has been confirmed in an Xbox 360 podcast interview with Major Nelson.[23] Creator Ed Boon has stated that they will be updating the game periodically with new content all the way up to the release of the next installment of the Mortal Kombat series. Although unclear of what specifics would be included, Boon has stated that there will be downloadable content. Other hinted ideas through interviews have suggested alternate costumes, and added chapters to story mode. Ed Boon stated "I'd like to have [DLC] as soon as possible. I think that might be a great Christmas gift to reinvigorate the game".[24] He also hinted at Kung Lao and Doomsday being downloadable characters.[25] Despite Boon's comments, no downloadable content has been released thus far.

As for sales, Midway Games announced that as of January 26, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe had shipped 1.8 million copies since its release in mid November 2008.[26] These numbers do not include the Kollector's Edition of the game. The Kollector's Edition seems to have done well though, as noted by the COO of GameStop where he stated that the Kollector's Edition of the game made up 55% of Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe total sales at GameStop locations in its first week.[27] In their 10-K filing, Midway Games revealed the title had sold over 1.9 million units, making it one of the companies most successful titles since 2002.[28]

References

  1. ^ Miller, Greg (2008-06-25). "Comic-Con panel on Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe". IGN. Retrieved 2008-12-06.
  2. ^ "Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe Page". GamePro. Retrieved 2008-04-21.
  3. ^ a b c "GameSpot Video: Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe Video Interview 1". Gamespot. Retrieved 2008-12-09.
  4. ^ "Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe Q&A - Xbox 360 News at GameSpot". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-12-09.
  5. ^ Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe Kollector's Edition DVD featurette, "Worlds Collide"
  6. ^ Vogel, John (w). Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe: Beginnings, vol. 1, no. 1 (November 2008). DC Comics.
  7. ^ Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe story mode
  8. ^ McCarron, Patrick (8002-4-18). "MGD 08: Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe Interview with Ed Boon". www.trmk.org. Retrieved 2008-12-09. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ^ http://twitter.com/Noobde
  10. ^ McWhertor, Micheal (8002-7-25). "Comic-con 08: Green Lantern, Joker Join MK Vs. DC Universe Line Up". Kotaku. Retrieved 2008-12-09. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. ^ McWhertor, Micheal (8002-8-20). "Games Convention 08: Wonder Woman, Raiden Two Of Four New Kombatants". Kotaku. Retrieved 2008-12-09. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  12. ^ Purchse, Rob (8002-9-12). "Midway reveals MK vs. DC character List - Eurogamer". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2008-12-09. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  13. ^ "Midway Releases Full Roster for Mortal Kombat VS DC Universe". www.mortalkombatonline.com. Retrieved 2008-12-09.
  14. ^ "Mortal Kombat 8 inspired by Gears of War, using Unreal Engine 3". Joystiq.
  15. ^ "Ed Boon: We Scrapped Mortal Kombat 8". Kotaku.
  16. ^ "Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe gets confirmation, trailer". Joystiq.
  17. ^ Reeves, Ben (2008). "Earthrealm Elseworld". Game Informer. Retrieved 2008-12-06.
  18. ^ Shuman, Sid (2008-11-17). "Review: Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe". GamePro. Retrieved 2008-12-06.
  19. ^ "Gametrailers.com - Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe - Review". Gametrailers. 2008-11-17. Retrieved 2008-12-06.
  20. ^ Osborn, Chuck (2008-11-19). "Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe". Official Xbox Magazine. Retrieved 2008-11-19.
  21. ^ Gerstmann, Jeff (2008-11-17). "Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe review". Giant Bomb. Retrieved 2008-12-06.
  22. ^ a b Keil, Matt (2008-11-17). "Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe". X-Play. Retrieved 2008-12-19.
  23. ^ Nelson, Major (2009-01-28). "Show #305 : The Maw and Ed Boon". Retrieved 2008-12-09. Ed Boon: Our goal right now is to provide at least one character from each side of the universes as a new character to play as
  24. ^ Walk, Gary Eng (2008-11-17). "Interview: Ed Boon on The Ups and Downs of the Mortal Kombat Franchise". GameDaily. Retrieved 2008-12-09.
  25. ^ "X-Play Goes Hands On With 'Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe' - G4tv.com". G4TV. Retrieved 2008-12-09.
  26. ^ "MK vs. DC ships 1.8 million, follow-up incoming". Retrieved 2009-01-26.
  27. ^ "DICE 09: GameStop's Raines Talks 'Bullish' Retail Forecast". Retrieved 2009-02-20.
  28. ^ "Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe sells over 2 million". Retrieved 2009-04-06.
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