Flawless Victory!

Game: Mortal Kombat

System: Xbox 360, PS3

Release: April 2011


Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter II are the fighting games of my childhood. Sure there are others, but these two series captured the largest share of my attention. Street Fighter has denoted consistent quality over the years, but the same cannot be said for Mortal Kombat.

The ninth tittle in the series returns Mortal Kombat to its roots. Focusing on the lore of the first three games the developers tighten up some of the loose ends, provide entertaining game modes, and a solid overall presentation.

The most engaging segment in Mortal Kombat is the story mode. The segways are all live-action cinematics, which is a welcome change of pace from storyboard method found in BlazBlue. The player experiences an alternate history that covers the first three games.  It all reminded me of a B movie. There is action, cheesy dialogue, and just a touch of drama. Different playable characters are assigned to each chapter--Johnny Cage is Chapter 1, Sonya is Chapter 2, etc.--which helps with the pacing. By the end, players will use many of the characters, and experience a tale that formerly spanned three games.

A plethora of other modes are available for those not interested in plot. The standards of the series are all present: Arcade Mode, Test Your Might, Versus, On-line play, etc. There is also a challenge mode that pits the player against a slew of unique fights and mini-games. One moment you'll be in a tag match with Johnny Cage and his director. The next you'll be fighting off zombies by rapidly performing projectile attacks. It's a nice add-on to your typical fighter. Of course, all of the above are for unlockables that range from concept art and alternate costumes to additional finishing moves.

All of the above is presented in gut wrenching graphics and goosebump producing sound. In the first Mortal Kombat a fatality ripping out the heart was blurry at best. A red circle that came out of someones chest. The most recent addition to the franchise depicts how far graphics have developed. The heart Kano rips out is now beating with detailed segments of the heart. Add to this detailed sound depicting each action, and you have good reason to prevent young children from playing this violent game. Environments all share a great level of detail. Sometimes the background action is just as intense as the main fight, and I often found myself being pleasantly distracted.

Solid presentation, multiple entertaining game modes, and a decent plot. Pinch me people because I think I'm dreaming. Fans of the series will be in bloody heaven, and fighter veterans will enjoy the variety--MK doesn't feel like another Street Fighter clone. Snerts Snazzy Score grants Mortal Kombat the rating On Sale!--upgraded to Full Price for die hard fans.

BlazBlue

Game: BlazBlue

System: PS3, Xbox 360, Arcade

Release: Arcade November 2008, Console June 2009

Blazblue is a 2D fighting game by Arc System Works. Their previous work on the Guilty Gear series gave me high expectations for this new game and I was not disappointed. Blazblue takes the core gameplay of Guilty Gear, and adds new mechanics, new characters, new…well new everything. Players familiar with Guilty Gear will find welcomed similarities between them, but each title is its own beast.

Blazblue offers numerous game modes for both on and offline play. Arcade, Versus, Training, Score Attack, and Online Play are all pretty standard game types that can be found in any fighter. The new Story mode, however, attempts to give players a little more background into each character. The cut scenes have limited animation, and offer the occasional choice that dictates your next destination. The style is reminiscent of old JRPGS. In between all the dialogue is the occasional one round fight. The result of the fight also affects the plot. To complete the entire story for one character players have to win and lose against the entire roster. This doesn’t sound so bad until you’ve watched the same opening for the umpteenth time. Fortunately the traditional game modes are less tedious and more awesome.

Arc has once again produced a well balanced and polished 2D fighting experience. Each round is presented with a solid frame rate and little to no lag for online play. No one fighter dominates the roster, and each character has a unique attack that defines their play style. Carl, for example, has an android that players can control with a press of a button. Rachel can summon powerful gusts of wind that will push or pull her enemies, and Jin can freeze his opponents. These “drive” abilities help distinguish Blazblue from other fighters—including Guilty Gear—and produce intense combat encounters. Adding to the overall presentation are the beautiful 3D levels. I would, however, have liked to seen more player interaction in each stage. One thing I like about Street Fighter IV was the various reactions from the crowd watching the brawl.

Like most fighting games Blazblue is at its best when two humans pick up the sticks. The single player Arcade and Score Attack can be fun, but after so many fights against AI things get predictable. I’ve spent most of my time playing Versus with friends, and Online Play with those creepy talented internet strangers. Even when I’m getting my ass kicked this game is fun. I don’t have the knowledge to give the in-depth nerdy details, but trust me…Blazblue is better then Street Fighter IV. There I said it.

If you haven’t figured it out by now, fighting games is not my forte. I enjoy the action, competition, and even the occasional adrenalin rush. I rarely win against anyone with a smidgen of talent, but I always have fun. Those with “mad skills” can produce an amazing spectacle, and really show the full potential of a game. An example of this is the video below. The grand finals at the Arcade Infinity Blazblue Tournament put Mike Z (Iron Tager) against Goryus (V13). I’ve talked with and played against Mike Z a couple of times. His lightening reflexes, and in depth knowledge of fighting games makes him a dangerous opponent. Can he pull off another victory?

A part of me was sad when Mike Z lost. He is a really nice guy, and was a pleasure to work with on LOTR:Conquest. Another part of me was happy to see him loose. This was the angry bitter side that couldn’t get his health below half when playing against him. Annnnyyyyy whhhooooo Snerts Snazy Score for BlazBlue is a solid 4.8 out of 5. It would have been a perfect if it wasn’t for that dam story mode.