Well, I finally got my hands on Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe. I’ve played it for a few days, and I have to say that right now, gameplay-wise, I consider it the best game since Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance. The fighting engine feels more like Mortal Kombat II than anything else, and not dealing with only dial-a-combos makes a nice change. I’m also liking the story mode; it’s not as flexible/non-linear as the Konquest modes from Mortal Kombat: Deception and Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, but on the other hand the story is better (and does a decent job of explaining why the worlds are merging), and the voice acting is far better. (There’s also nothing as ridiculous as in Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, where Baraka impales a monk through the chest and head, and tosses him to Liu Kang and Kung Lao, where Liu asks him if he’s all right.) I haven’t played much online, though, but I’ve been consistently getting my ass kicked. Obviously I need more practice. If I had one major gripe about the game, it’s the fact that in Freefall Kombat, if you build up the damage meter enough to do a super attack, if your opponent counters they have access to that full damage bar instead of starting over. It’s annoying. Now we just need for some DLC to come out for it…
Also, Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix (wow, that’s a mouthful) was released this week on Xbox Live Arcade and Playstation Network. I’ve already downloaded it and installed it. The game looks and sounds GREAT, and the controls seem to be good. I just don’t recall ever being this bloody BAD at the game. Even on the easy difficulty in single player, I started getting my ass beat after the third opponent or so. Maybe I’m just out of practice, but I don’t recall doing so poorly at this game. Either that or I just need a more appropriate controller. Ah, well… I’ll keep plugging away and practicing. I haven’t even tried to play online, nor will I unless I play someone I know. :-)
I’ve also been playing some LEGO Batman. I have to admit, it’s a pretty cute game. I haven’t gotten to the point where I can unlock the villain chapters of the game, but I’ve been having fun so far. There’s just something innately quirky about playing as Batman and Robin in the form of LEGO characters… it’s got some definite comedy moments, but more of as a previously mentioned cute feel, and not the deadpan absurdity of the 1960’s TV series. I’m going to keep on with this, but so far I like it. :-)
Finally, I leave you with something Maxim posted. I’ve met Hernan Sanchez at E3 before. If you don’t know who he is, you’ve probably heard him. He’s been the announcer for every Mortal Kombat fighting game since Mortal Kombat 4. Well, Maxim got him to come by and do some more announcer-type phrases, but not the kind you would normally hear in a Mortal Kombat game… :-)