Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe brings together two of gaming’s most brutal universes, and for the most part, it delivers. The 2008 fighting game pits the grim warriors of Mortal Kombat against the heroes and villains of DC Comics, and the result is a spectacle that fans of either franchise can enjoy, even if they’re not necessarily fans of both.
The premise is simple: a tear in reality has brought the two worlds together, and their champions clash across a series of arenas. It’s a bold idea, and the game mostly commits to it. The roster is split evenly between the two sides, with each character getting their own arena, their own special moves, and their own Fatalities. The Fatalities, naturally, are where the game earns its rating.
Trailer, via kungloa34.
The Arenas
The arenas are the star of Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. Each fighter gets a stage that reflects their personality and their world, and the game uses the arenas to tell a small story with every fight. The Flash’s stage is a race against time, with the screen flashing and the action speeding up. Batman’s stage is a dark alley, with neon signs and rain, and it feels like stepping into a Gotham movie. The game also includes a story mode that sends the characters through these arenas in a linear campaign, letting players see the stages in context rather than just as background for fights.
The arenas aren’t just dressing, though. They often affect the fight itself, with hazards, traps, and objects that can be used as weapons. A brick wall might collapse on a fighter, or a car might explode behind them. These effects aren’t always deep, but they add a layer of chaos that separates this from a standard fighting game.
The Fighting System
The fighting system is a mix of Mortal Kombat’s brutality and DC’s more fluid style. It’s a hybrid approach that works better than it has any right to. Players can execute combos, counters, and special attacks, and the controls are tight enough that skilled players can find openings in almost any matchup. The game also introduces a “critical finishing move” system that rewards players who land a combo just before the final blow, adding a layer of strategy beyond simply hitting buttons.
The Fatalities are present, of course, and they’re graphic in the way Mortal Kombat is known for. A fighter might rip out an opponent’s spine, or tear off their head, or crush them under a falling rock. These are the moments that will draw the ire of parents and the praise of fans, and they’re a large part of why the game carries its mature rating.
“A tear in reality has brought the two worlds together.”
The Roster
The roster is where the game stumbles slightly. There are a lot of characters, and some of them feel like they’re there just to fill space. The game tries to balance representation between the two franchises, but the quality dips when you get to the bottom of the list. Some fighters feel underdeveloped, with moves that don’t quite fit their established personalities. That said, the top-tier characters are excellent, and the best matchups in the game are genuinely exciting.
Here’s a quick look at some of the standout characters:
- Batman: A solid, grounded fighter with a strong ground game.
- Superman: Fast and powerful, but vulnerable in the air.
- Scorpion: Still a great fighter, with his signature spear attacks.
- Darkseid: A tanky powerhouse who can dominate slower players.
- Wonder Woman: A fast, agile fighter with a unique weapon.
The Story Mode
The story mode is a mixed bag. It’s a linear adventure where players fight through a series of battles to progress the plot, and it does a decent job of explaining why the two worlds collided. However, the pacing is uneven, and some fights feel like filler rather than meaningful set pieces. The dialogue is occasionally hammy, but it’s delivered with the kind of theatrical flair that suits the material.
The story also attempts to tie the two universes together in a way that respects both, which is a tall order. It doesn’t always succeed, but it’s a noble attempt, and it gives players a reason to see the arenas in context rather than just in the main menu.
The Presentation
The presentation is where Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe really shines. The graphics are sharp, with detailed character models and expressive animations. The arenas are rendered with care, and the lighting is often used to create a moody atmosphere. The sound design is also strong, with a score that shifts between tense and bombastic depending on the situation.
The game runs at a smooth frame rate on both the PS3 and Xbox 360, which is notable given the ambition of the visuals. Loading times are short, and the menus are easy to navigate. It’s a technically competent package, even if it’s not revolutionary.
The Multiplayer
The multiplayer is where Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is at its best. Online play is available, and the game supports ranked matches and tournaments. The netcode holds up well, and the game rarely stutters during online matches. Local play is also solid, with support for up to four players on one console.
The game also includes a spectator mode, which allows friends to watch matches without interrupting them. This is a small touch, but it shows attention to detail in the design.
Final Word
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe isn’t perfect, but it’s a solid fighting game that successfully blends two distinct franchises. The arenas are the highlight, and the Fatalities are a reminder of what made Mortal Kombat great in the first place. The roster is uneven, and the story mode is a bit weak, but the core fighting is strong enough to justify picking it up.
For fans of either franchise, this is a must-play. For casual players, it’s still worth checking out, especially if they’re interested in the fighting genre. It’s not the best fighting game ever made, but it’s a fun, stylish, and occasionally brilliant one.
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