Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Mortal Kombat: Kollection delivers a trio of distinctive experiences across its three titles, each showcasing unique approaches to the classic fighting formula. Mortal Kombat: Deception brings a deep single-player mode with Konquest challenges, Chess Kombat puzzles, and Survival towers that test timing and adaptability. The core one-on-one fights remain satisfying, with a smooth balance between speedy combos and devastating Fatalities.

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Shaolin Monks shifts gears entirely, presenting a co-operative beat ’em up adventure. You and a friend can tackle hordes of enemies in side-scrolling stages, utilize character-specific special moves, and unlock hidden areas. The combat is punchy and responsive, with a gratifying emphasis on juggling foes and chaining Mortal Kombat’s signature over-the-top violence into combo-driven carnage.

Armageddon rounds out the set with the largest roster in series history. Its Kreate-A-Fighter mode lets players design custom combatants, tweak move sets, and build tournaments for friends. While the one-on-one matches stick to the franchise’s roots, the inclusion of Kreate-A-Move and Kreate-A-Stance tools adds endless experimentation, letting you craft fighters that can rival series veterans.

The control schemes across all three games are well-implemented for the PlayStation 2 controller, though Armageddon’s deeper customization can feel overwhelming to newcomers. Overall, Kollection strikes an effective balance between classic Mortal Kombat duels, cooperative beat-’em-up fun, and robust creation tools.

Graphics

Visually, Mortal Kombat: Kollection is a time capsule of the PS2 era. Character models retain their polygonal charm, with expressive facial animations and fluid motion captured from Midway’s motion-capture sessions. Deception’s arenas are richly detailed, featuring interactive elements and layered backgrounds that enhance the atmosphere of each fight.

Shaolin Monks introduces colorful, vibrant locales that range from sprawling courtyards to dark temples. Character sprites are slightly bulkier here, fitting the side-scrolling style, and fast-paced camera shifts keep the action dynamic. Occasional texture pop-ins are forgivable when the sense of spectacle and combo impact remains strong.

Armageddon pushes the PS2 hardware with its massive character roster and cluttered stages packed with breakable objects. While the framerate dips during large Kreate-A-Fighter clashes or crowded battle royales, the novelty of seeing every Mortal Kombat fighter on screen is an appealing highlight. The menus and customization screens are intuitive, though some UI elements feel a bit dated by modern standards.

Across the collection, lighting effects—especially in Deception’s nighttime arenas—lend a dramatic flair. Blood splatter, fiery Fatalities, and environmental hazards are rendered with satisfying detail, reminding players of the franchise’s visceral roots.

Story

Mortal Kombat: Deception expands the lore through its Konquest mode, which weaves player-driven missions into the larger Netherrealm conflict. While the main arcade ladder offers classic “Save Earthrealm” hallmarks, Konquest’s RPG-lite progression and unlockable secrets enrich the narrative for completionists.

Shaolin Monks takes on a more linear storyline, retelling events from Mortal Kombat II and 3 with an emphasis on the bond between Liu Kang and Kung Lao. Cutscenes are cinematic and entertaining, offering fresh dialogue and character interactions that flesh out the heroes’ motivations. Boss encounters often tie directly into the overarching plot, giving each battle story weight.

Armageddon presents a “final battle” scenario where every fighter converges for ultimate supremacy. Its Cinematic Ladder delivers cutscenes that underscore each character’s reason for entering the fray, though the plot is inherently more episodic to accommodate the sprawling roster. The included DVD-style chapters make it easy to revisit favorite arcs and move straight to key battles.

While none of the three games feature the narrative ambition of modern titles, they collectively chronicle a pivotal era in Mortal Kombat history. For fans eager to experience mid-2000s storytelling and dramatic intros, Kollection offers a satisfying trip through the franchise’s darker chapters.

Overall Experience

Mortal Kombat: Kollection is an impressive compilation for series veterans and newcomers alike. The variety—spanning one-on-one fighters, cooperative beat-’em-up stages, and robust character creation—ensures there’s something for every kind of Mortal Kombat fan. It’s a compact way to explore Midway’s last PS2 trilogy without tracking down individual discs.

Replayability is a strong suit here. Deception’s Survival and Chess modes, Shaolin Monks’ hidden paths, and Armageddon’s customization tools all encourage repeated playthroughs. Versus mode remains a blast with friends, and the ability to swap discs on the fly means marathon sessions are easy to organize.

Minor technical hiccups—like occasional frame rate drops in Armageddon and dated UI elements—don’t significantly detract from the overall enjoyment. For anyone curious about the evolution of Mortal Kombat’s gameplay mechanics and presentation, Kollection provides a comprehensive showcase.

In the end, Mortal Kombat: Kollection stands as a near-essential purchase for collectors, series aficionados, and players seeking a diverse fighting game package. It captures the essence of an era when Mortal Kombat was redefining itself, offering hours of memorable combat and a generous helping of Fatalities.

Retro Replay Score

null/10