Mortal Kombat 4 (GB) (Mortal Kombat 4 (GB))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Mortal Kombat 4 (GB)
Date:	16/04/09 (40 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Accurate colouring

Disadvantages: Gameplay

"Mortal Kombat 4" is a video game released for the Gameboy Color console in 1999 by Midway Games. It is based on the long standing fighting series of the same name. In the United States, the game received a rating of "T" which deemed it suitable for ages 13 and above due to its graphic violent content.

It is noteworthy that the original "Mortal Kombat" game was released as a full sized cabinet arcade system. This allowed the developers to make use of a wide range of buttons, functions and other implements to enhance gameplay. Throughout history the progression of this title was ported to numerous consoles which featured a greater numbers of buttons, such as the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis to the Sony Playstation and Nintendo 64. When considering that the Gameboy only has two buttons the gameplay is very much awkward. For example, to execute the "run" function the user must hold both A and B which creates a delay in between running and being able to execute an attack on the opponent. In such a fast, action packed game like Mortal Kombat this does not provide a suitable experience. It is the player's objective in this title to play through a tournament of battles to defeat evil minions and forces. The traditional characters are accessible including Liu Kang and Raiden, and there are also somewhat lesser known names such as Fujin and Quan Chi.

To appeal to the "Teen" rating it was required of Midway to lower the notorious gore content which the game is so widely known for. Any remnants of the former bloodbath that is Mortal Kombat are featured very infrequently during the "Fatality" cut scenes after entering the correct button combination. The graphics are acceptable and I was able to differentiate clearly between the various characters as each sport their regular combat attire. The sound is likewise acceptable and was able to feature the typical voice prompts such as "Fight!" at the beginning of each round.

Overall, the controls in Mortal Kombat 4 are very cumbersome and do not do justice to an otherwise acceptable game. There is a learning curve in mastering the functions but after this has expired could provide some entertainment to a more avid fan of the series.

Summary: Thumbs in the middle