5 Videogame Movies That Got Something Right!: #2 – Mortal Kombat

It’s no surprise that movies based off of video games tend to suck pretty hard. However, through all the convoluted and unfaithful adaptations, there were a few films that have managed to do something right. I don’t mean that the films were great by any means, but that they managed to accurately replicate an aspect of the game in one form or another pretty well. It could be anything from the costume design to the mannerisms of the characters, and we’ll be taking a look at a few films that have done a good job in visually translating its source material to the silver screen. Be sure to check in everyday as we count down to the number one movie to see who made the top of our list!

At #2 we take a look at the original “Mortal Kombat” (we shall pretend the other “MK” movie was never made). No matter how much you may hate video game movies, it’s pretty hard to deny how good “Mortal Kombat” actually turned out to be, in terms of staying true to its source. In particular, the fights scenes were some of the best ever produced. The encounter with Johnny Cage (whom I thought was better on film than in the game) and Scorpion was handled extremely well, as I though it showcased some of the character’s signature moves without being to over the top, and still showing off how skilled the fighters really are. You had Scorpions trade mark yell “Get over here…” and the addition of making Scorpion’s harpoon, an animated creature that worked better than one would have expected. They managed to also throw in a little nod to Cage’s Shadow Kick, and I know you couldn’t help but get giddy on the inside when Johnny Cage defeated Scorpion and his autographed photo fell on his remains, just like in the game. This was definitely one of the better examples of adapting a video game to the silver screen and an adaption gamers can agree that worked! [Continue Reading]

Deadly Creatures Review: Down And Dirty

If, as a child, you had an aversion to playing in the dirt, touching slimy things, or taunting little girls with slimy things you found in the dirt, you can stop reading this review right now, “Deadly Creatures” is not for you. However, if you’re a fan of Fear Factor, have never had a problem with Phylum Arthropoda, or if Japanese Bug Fights is your happy place (it soothes me for some reason), then I hope you’ve got a Wii because, boy, have I got a game for you. It’s time to crawl around on the desert floor, and attack some bugs in THQ’s latest Wii title “Deadly Creatures.”

This is not your average Wii game – or your average video game for that matter. In terms of its arachnid inspired subject matter, it’s pretty much in a category all by itself. No other game in recent memory has allowed you to play as a scorpion or a tarantula creeping around on the desert floor, tearing wings off of wasps or going head-to-head with a rattlesnake. It’s a creative take on the 3rd-person action genre, stripping out the guns and swords, and replacing them with pincers and fangs. While it may not be the most original genre to tackle, Rainbow Studio’s take on it has definitely breathed some new life into a stale genre; proving that sometimes it’s a good idea to let studios be creative, instead of forcing them to churn out the same genre over and over. [Continue Reading]

Play Theater: Deadly Creatures Gameplay Footage

Check out an extended play through of “Deadly Creatures”‘ fourth level – The Citadel. In it you play as the scorpion who is actually going back through the first level of the game, that you played as the tarantula. In the almost 20 minutes worth of video you get to check out most of the scorpion’s moves – including some of his finishing moves. Check out the video, and see why “Deadly Creatures” is the creepiest game to come out in a long time.

Hands On With Final Version Of MK vs. DC + New Footage!

Is it safe to say the Mortal Kombat franchise is back to it’s former glory? Well after hands on time with the final build of MK vs. DC i have a feeling it’s just about there. The first thing that stood out to me while playing, was how well the DC and Mk universe meshed together. Now i know there’s alot of haters out there, but guys give it a chance. I doubt you’ll agree that the whole concept is ridiculous or stupid once you’ve played the game. And speaking of play, some of you old school Mk fans will feel right at home with the familiar attacks and moves input, hell even the good old uppercuts have returned.

What’s also cool is the ease of pick up and play. Having been away from the MK games for years, I was able to get in along with a friend (who rarely plays games to begin with) and start brawling with out having to resort to using cheesy moves. Now don’t take this as the game being way to easy. Like all fighting games, Mk vs DC has moves which will require some time to master. Moves like reversals and the use of the analog stick to move on a 3d plane. And no… you didn’t hear wrong, the analog stick is used to move or “side step” your character towards the foreground or away in the background. While playing it’s easy for someone to forget they can move around like that. Having to switch from the digital to the analog control is alittle awkward and may turn off players. Thankfully the Mk gods saw it fit to support the recently released arcade sticks for the ps3 and x360. If they didn’t i think I would’ve had to raised some hell! In my opinion, arcade sticks are the only way to go for fighting games.

Another cool feature worth mentioning is the chat rooms they’ll have setup for players. As quoted to “bring back that arcade feel” of the crowds that would gather round the arcade cabinets watching the fights. The chatrooms will allow players to talk or brag to each other about thier skills before the next match or during a match in session. This is a nice little addition that should be a standard for all fighting games going forward.  All in all Mk vs DC looks to bring the franchise back out of the darkness from which it lurked. Stripping away all the silly bloated content…ahem kombat karts anyone?…ahem and taking players back to it’s bare bones roots of good ‘ol mk fun albiet with a splash of superheroes in the mix. Dare i say it?…ahhh screw it..MOOOOORTAL KOOOOOOMBAT! Damn now i gotta go and listen to that movie soundtrack….

Still won’t take my word for it? check out 2.0’s impressions plus footage explaining what’s new to the series.

Get Over Here! Over 8mins Of New Mk Vs. Dc Footage

Still think the upcoming MK vs. DC fighting game from Midway is gonna suck? Check out this video with over 8 mins of new footage showcasing some cool ass moves, destructible environments/clothing, brutalities,fatalities, and new combo system. Plus an explanation of just how much control you have over your character even while being grabbed or thrown! Midway has stated time and time again about how they’re going back to their roots with this latest iteration of Mk and it’s apparent from this video. Check it out below and peep the scene were old Bats gets burned by fan favorite Scorpion…GET OVER HERE!!!

2.o spent some time with the game at the event as well, check out his impressions.