Name | Mortal Kombat Advance |
---|---|
Publisher | Virtucraft |
Category | Fighting |
Version | 1.0 |
Size | 5.61 MB |
Console | Game Boy Advance |
Language | English |
Mortal Kombat Advance is a dramatic one-on-one fighting game developed by Virtucraft and published by Midway Games for the Game Boy Advance in December 2001. A handheld version of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, the game recreates the best aspects of the first three games in the Mortal Kombat series, providing a classic fighting experience but with the flexibility of a handheld device.
Experience fierce fighting on the Game Boy Advance
Mortal Kombat Advance allows players to take on the role of familiar characters from the popular series and engage in exciting one-on-one matches. Players can compete against computer-controlled opponents or engage in PvP matches with friends. Each character has a unique set of skills and combos, allowing players to show off their signature moves and diverse fighting styles.
However, the highlight of the game is the Fatality moves – brutal and epic finishing moves performed after defeating an opponent. It is the moment when the player can unleash the most powerful moves, creating drama and sublimation in each match.
Adjustments for handheld platforms
Since the Game Boy Advance has fewer buttons than the arcade game consoles that Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 originally appeared on, the game had to be adjusted to fit this limited control system. Despite the change in the way combos and skills are performed, Mortal Kombat Advance still retains the appeal of the series, providing an engaging fighting experience for fans of this legendary game series.
Reception from the gaming community
Despite the reputation of the Mortal Kombat brand, when it was released, Mortal Kombat Advance did not receive high praise from critics and players. The game’s biggest weakness is its unoptimized controls, along with the computer’s artificial intelligence, which is said to be ineffective. This makes many matches unreasonably difficult, reducing the game’s appeal.
Metacritic rated the game 33/100, stating that the game had “generally unfavorable reviews”. The game was also ranked “Worst Game of 2002” by GameSpot and called “one of the worst games of all time” by GamesRadar+.
Gameplay and Combat
Mortal Kombat Advance retains the classic fighting spirit of the series, in which the player must deplete the opponent’s health bar to win. Attacks and combos are performed through simple button combinations, however, with the Game Boy Advance’s limited control system, many players had difficulty performing complex skills.
In addition, the Fatality mechanic – a signature element of the Mortal Kombat series – remains intact. After defeating an opponent twice, the player will be prompted to finish off the opponent with the infamous Fatality move, bringing a sense of satisfaction but no less brutal.
Conclusion
Although not meeting the expectations of other versions in the Mortal Kombat series, Mortal Kombat Advance is still a game worth trying for those who are passionate about the classic fighting genre. With fast-paced gameplay, diverse combos and eye-catching finishing moves, the game brings a dramatic fighting experience right on the handheld device.
Despite some limitations in terms of control and artificial intelligence, Mortal Kombat Advance still retains the soul of the legendary series and deserves to be in the collection of any Mortal Kombat fan.