Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe brings together two iconic fighting franchises in a head-to-head brawler that delivers both accessibility for newcomers and depth for seasoned veterans. Controls have been streamlined compared to traditional Mortal Kombat titles, with dedicated buttons for light, medium and heavy attacks, as well as simple combinations that unleash flashy special moves. The combo system balances risk and reward, allowing you to string together devastating sequences while still leaving room for counterattacks and reversals.

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The roster features a mix of DC heroes and Mortal Kombat warriors, each boasting unique move sets inspired by their lore. You’ll see Superman’s heat vision clashes against Sub-Zero’s ice blast, while Scorpion’s spear matches up against Wonder Woman’s lasso of truth. The game encourages experimentation—mastering each character’s signature Fatality or Brutality feels immensely satisfying, and the inclusion of “Heroic Brutalities” for DC characters adds an extra layer of fan-service excitement.

Beyond one-on-one duels, the Collector’s Edition hints at the broader universe of the game with additional materials that deepen your connection to the action. While the core gameplay remains the focus, the bonus DVD’s making-of feature sheds light on how developers choreographed these epic showdowns, and the included Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe: Beginnings comic offers context for why these fighters have crossed paths—a nice touch for those eager to know what drives their favorite characters into the ring.

Graphics

Graphically, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe stands out as one of the more polished fighters of its generation. Character models are rendered with impressive detail, capturing distinct facial features, costumes and muscle definition under dynamic lighting. It’s especially rewarding to see how each hero and villain’s design carries over from the animated DC universe and classic Mortal Kombat aesthetics, making every battle feel cinematic.

Stages are richly detailed, from Gotham City rooftops bathed in neon to the fiery pits of Outworld. Environmental interactions—such as knocking an opponent through a billboard or against a gargoyle—add strategic variety, as well as visual flair. Special move animations, like The Flash’s lightning-fast punch or Liu Kang’s dragon fire, are integrated seamlessly, ensuring each impact feels weighty and spectacular.

As a Collector’s Edition bonus, the painted cover by acclaimed artist Alex Ross makes an instant impression before you even load the game. Ross’s dynamic illustration wraps the package in a heroic tableau that perfectly captures the essence of both universes—a collectible piece of art that stands alongside the in-game visuals as a testament to the title’s production values.

Story

The narrative premise of Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe pits two worlds on a collision course when Raiden and Superman sense a cosmic disturbance threatening their realms. The storyline unfolds through robust cutscenes that mix traditional Mortal Kombat grit with DC’s superhero ethos. Fans will appreciate seeing iconic characters interact—Batman squaring off against Scorpion in a tense rooftop standoff or Wonder Woman clashing with Kitana in Themyscira’s palace.

While the in-game story mode delivers on spectacle, the real treat for lore enthusiasts is the 16-page comic book Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe: Beginnings. Written by Mortal Kombat co-creative veteran John Vogel and illustrated by original co-creator John Tobias, the comic fills in narrative gaps, explains key motivations and provides character moments you won’t see in the gameplay alone. It deepens your investment in the crossover premise and sets the stage for each chapter of the game.

Even if you approach the title purely as a fighter, the commitment to storytelling shines through. Voice acting is solid across the board, with familiar voices for DC characters and new performances for Mortal Kombat fighters. Boss encounters against Shazam, Darkseid and Shao Kahn carry dramatic weight, ensuring the stakes remain high even as you rack up victories in the tower.

Overall Experience

Playing Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe in its Kollector’s Edition form elevates the experience far beyond a standard fighting game release. The inclusion of a bonus DVD packed with behind-the-scenes footage gives you rare insight into the development process—from motion capture sessions to the art team’s character designs. Watching these segments, you gain an appreciation for the craftsmanship that went into merging two storied franchises.

The Beginnings comic book, penned by John Vogel and illustrated by John Tobias, is a standout collectible. It weaves an engaging prelude that adds narrative depth and emotional resonance to the battles you’re about to undertake. Flipping through its beautifully rendered pages feels like unlocking a secret level of story, enriching every cutscene and sparking new enthusiasm to explore each character’s ending.

Finally, Alex Ross’s painted cover crowns the set with eye-catching art that would look at home in any comic book collection. The vibrant, lifelike renderings of Superman and Raiden poised for combat set a heroic tone before you even press start. Between the game itself and these high-quality extras, the Kollector’s Edition offers tremendous value for fans of fighting games, comic art and crossover storytelling alike.

Retro Replay Score

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