The Game Boy Advance, one of the greatest handheld consoles of all time, was home to three fantastic Mortal Kombat games: Mortal Kombat: Advance, Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, and Mortal Kombat: Tournament Edition. Let’s dive into the world of these classic games and take a closer look at what they have to offer.
Mortal Kombat Advance: A Mixed Bag
Mortal Kombat Advance, the first Mortal Kombat game released for Game Boy Advance, closely resembles the graphics of the SNES port of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. While the game introduces new playable characters like Motaro, Shao Kahn, Rain, and Noob Saibot, it unfortunately suffers from some gameplay flaws. Recovery frames are missing after certain special moves, and canceling moves with other special moves is all too easy. Surprisingly, air kicks instantly knock opponents to the ground, while certain attacks cause knockdowns. The game features altered fatalities and even some new ones, but blood is scarce except for a few brief moments. Numerous glitches and infinite combos plague the game, making the experience less enjoyable. Despite its drawbacks, Mortal Kombat Advance remains a noteworthy addition to the series.
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance – A Step Forward
The second Mortal Kombat game to grace the Game Boy Advance, Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, took things up a notch. With a roster of seven playable characters and a mix of old and new faces, the game delivered a fresh experience. It embraced 3D-style gameplay using 2D sprites, and featured several game modes such as Arcade, Survival, and even a revamped version of The Krypt. Each fighter possessed two fighting styles, allowing for versatile combat strategies. The return of Shang Tsung’s morphing abilities added an extra layer of excitement. While not without its flaws, Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance provided a solid experience for handheld gamers.
Mortal Kombat: Tournament Edition – The Ultimate Portable Mortal Kombat
The culmination of the Game Boy Advance Mortal Kombat trilogy, Mortal Kombat: Tournament Edition, built upon the success of its predecessor. Boasting improved controls and responsiveness, the game corrected many of the issues found in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance. With ten playable characters and a range of new modes, such as Tag Team and Tournament, the Tournament Edition added depth to the game. It even allowed for multiplayer battles via link cable, enabling players to compete for coveted Gold Coins. While still not perfect, this edition showcased the best that Mortal Kombat had to offer on the Game Boy Advance.
Capturing Fantasy: The Legacy Lives On
Mortal Kombat on the Game Boy Advance captured the essence of the beloved franchise, providing players with epic battles and fierce fatalities on a handheld platform. Although these games had their flaws, they made a lasting impact on the Mortal Kombat legacy.
So, grab your Game Boy Advance, choose your fighter, and immerse yourself in the world of Mortal Kombat. Prepare for heart-pounding combat and unforgettable fatalities that will keep you coming back for more. Remember, the legacy of Capturing Fantasy lives on!
