Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks reinvents the classic beat-’em-up formula with deep combat mechanics drawn directly from the fighting series. Players guide Liu Kang or Kung Lao through interconnected 3D arenas, seamlessly blending platforming challenges with brawling encounters. Combat flows smoothly, whether you’re striking down foot soldiers or engaging boss-level enemies from Outworld and the Netherrealm.

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The title’s signature Multi-Directional Kombat System allows attacks from all angles, enabling cinematic combos that chain light, heavy, and special moves. Keen fans will appreciate the inclusion of Fatalities, Brutalities, and the series-first Multalities—each designed to dispatch multiple foes in a single, glorious finisher. Between fights, you earn experience points to upgrade new abilities, encouraging experimentation with varied fighting styles.

Co-op play elevates the experience dramatically: two players can join forces as Liu Kang and Kung Lao, executing synchronized team attacks and combo extensions that turn ordinary skirmishes into spectacular showdowns. The balancing keeps solo and cooperative modes equally challenging, and hidden paths and secret bosses reward thorough exploration with alternate routes and unlockable characters.

Beyond simple button-mashing, Shaolin Monks integrates light puzzle elements and platforming segments that break up the beat-’em-up routine. You’ll leap across collapsing walkways, dodge swinging pendulums, and manipulate stage hazards—such as spiked pits or flame traps—to tip the odds in your favor. This dynamic interplay between combat and environment keeps the gameplay fresh from start to finish.

Graphics

On its original release platform, Shaolin Monks boasted some of the most detailed character models seen in a Mortal Kombat title outside the mainline fighters. The protagonists’ flowing robes and the jagged armor of Deadites come alive under dynamic lighting, while each move triggers satisfying particle effects—sparks from weapons, bursts of energy, and trails of blood in the wake of Brutalities.

The game’s stages draw heavily from iconic Mortal Kombat and MK II arenas, yet feel lived-in and reactive. A precarious Stilt Village in Outworld rocks beneath your feet, while the Living Forest in Earthrealm hides shifting walls and lurking vines. Environmental hazards don’t just decorate the backdrops; you can activate them mid-fight to impale or burn incoming enemies, adding a strategic layer to the visuals.

Smooth camera transitions follow the action closely without disorienting the player, zooming in on devastating Fatalities or pulling back for sweeping platform jumps. Occasional frame drops can occur during intense sequences with multiple on-screen effects, but these rarely detract from the visceral thrill of combat.

The artistic direction embraces Mortal Kombat’s trademark gore and grit, striking a balance between fantastical realms and gritty martial arts drama. Cutscenes are rendered in-engine, featuring expressive facial animations and voice work that convey urgency and character motivation without resorting to clumsy exposition.

Story

Set immediately after the first Mortal Kombat tournament, Shaolin Monks weaves a narrative thread that enriches the series’ mythos. Liu Kang and Kung Lao discover Shang Tsung’s plot to invade Earthrealm via portals scattered across various realms. As the Shaolin Monks pursue this threat, players gain fresh insight into Shang Tsung’s machinations and the true stakes of the Mortal Kombat saga.

Story progression unfolds through a mix of in-engine cutscenes and gameplay events, creating a seamless flow that rarely feels like a break in the action. The plot visits familiar characters—Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Goro among them—each challenging the Monks to prove their worth. Boss encounters are well-paced, with rising difficulty and cinematic flair that highlight each adversary’s unique abilities.

Dialogue is crisp and purposeful, avoiding needless filler while still offering character moments that matter. You glimpse the respect between Liu Kang and Kung Lao as they trade banter, and side missions unlock hidden lore about Quan Chi and the Netherrealm. Although the core story can be completed in a few hours, replaying stages to uncover secret chambers and alternate boss encounters rewards dedicated players with extra narrative tidbits.

Overall, Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks fills in gaps left by the original tournaments, giving fans a richer context for later entries in the franchise. It balances fan service with accessible storytelling, ensuring newcomers can follow along without prior MK knowledge while longtime fans appreciate the deeper connections.

Overall Experience

Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks stands out as one of the best genre crossovers, blending beat-’em-up action with platforming and RPG-style progression. Its accessible yet deep combat system keeps players invested, whether you’re pulling off a devastating Brutality combo or experimenting with unlockable secret characters. The replay value is high, thanks to branching routes and numerous hidden challenges.

The co-op mode is where this title truly shines: teaming up with a friend amplifies the fun, courtesy of special team attacks and cooperative puzzle solving. Both solo players and duos can expect a satisfying difficulty curve that rewards skillful play without punishing newcomers too harshly. Longevity is further boosted by unlockable artwork, alternate trailers, and challenge arenas.

On the flip side, some repetition can set in after multiple runs through the same environments, and the occasional camera angle can obscure incoming foes in tight quarters. However, these minor quirks are easily overshadowed by the sheer spectacle and variety on offer.

For Mortal Kombat devotees and beat-’em-up fans alike, Shaolin Monks delivers an unforgettable journey through Earthrealm, Netherrealm, and Outworld. Its polished combat, striking visuals, and engaging story make it a must-play for anyone seeking a robust, action-packed adventure in the MK universe.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10