Genesis

Mortal Kombat II

What makes MKII such a smashing sequel isn't just the extra gore. Every aspect has been revamped and overhauled, from the genuinely creepy backgrounds to a whole mess of new characters and moves --- it plays more like a horror movie than a video game and it reads like a shopping list: fatalities, babailities, friendships, hidden characters --- look out, the cool meter has gone off the dial!

The second edition of this gory fighting game is a major improvement, starting with the fact that you get twelve fighters instead of seven. The graphics and sound are noticeably better, and the backgrounds are more detailed and some are even interactive. Thankfully, you don't need a code to activate the blood in this game. The gameplay is slightly improved, with more responsive control and support for the 6-button Genesis controller. This is nearly identical the SNES version, but the graphics and sound are a step down. This was the peak of the Mortal Kombat series. Beginning with MK3, it began to go downhill.

Okay, it's hard to know where to put the blame for this game's incompleteness: on the limitations of the Genesis system itself, or on Probe, the game's developer. Both are probably to blame. Compared with the SNES, this cart isn't one to buy. On it's own merits, though, MK II is a good coin-op translation and arcade fans probably won't regret their investment.

Even though this may seem a step down from the arcade and SNES versions, Mortal Kombat II on the Genesis is still a blast to play even today. It's just fun to beat up and slay anyone in your quest for the top, and it gets better when two players go head-to-head. The secret characters also add a bit of replayability, as does the different endings. This game blows away the first one in the series, and holds up quite well against other Genesis fighting games. The bottom line is this is the Mortal Kombat game to own. It's easy to see why fans consider this the peak of the series.

Despite the obvious color and sound limitations of the Genesis, Mortal Kombat II comes off in an excellent way because it has the strongest factor going for it: play control. The great control really helps to offset the lack of voices and the strange sound effect choices. Overall, this version will no doubt keep Genesis owners happy. But sorry guys, now you aren't the only ones to get the blood and guts action like before.

It's kind of difficult to finish this game because of how tough the last two bosses are, but after a little practice you'll find out the boss' patterns and be able to beat them easily. Each character has his or her strengths and weaknesses; some fighters may be very strong but slow, or very fast but weak. But most likely you'll use everyone just to see all of his or her violent fatalities! It may take a long time but chances are you'll play this game until you've seen every secret there is to see in it so definitely give this one a try if you like fighting games or just plain violence.

If you own a Genesis and are going to be buying a game this year, Mortal Kombat II is the one to get. You won't be able to get enough of it. You'll even try to get your dorky friends who aren't into video games to play; it's that good.