Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks TV Commercial for PlayStation 2 - #PS2 - 2005

Release Date: September 16, 2005 (North America); September 30, 2005 (Europe) Manufacturer: Midway Games Developer: Midway Studios - Los Angeles Type: Action-adventure, beat-'em-up Generation: Sixth generation (PlayStation 2, Xbox) Media: DVD Controller: DualShock 2 (PS2), Xbox Controller S Storage: PS2: Memory Card (200 KB); Xbox: Hard Drive (1 MB) Gameplay: Protagonist: Liu Kang (voiced by Matthew Mercer) and Kung Lao (voiced by Will Yun Lee), Shaolin monks. Plot: Set during Mortal Kombat II’s timeline, Shaolin Monks follows Liu Kang and Kung Lao after the first Mortal Kombat tournament. As Shang Tsung’s island collapses, they escape to battle his forces across Outworld and Earthrealm to stop his invasion. The 8–10 hour campaign explores realms like Wu Shi Academy and Netherrealm, facing foes like Baraka and Shao Kahn. The story reimagines MK lore with a focus on cooperative action, earning praise for its fan-service but criticism for loose canon accuracy. Mechanics: Third-person action-adventure with beat-'em-up combat, diverging from Mortal Kombat’s traditional fighting. Use face buttons for attacks (punches, kicks), shoulder buttons for specials (e.g., Liu Kang’s Fireball), and analog sticks for movement. Features combo chains, fatalities, and multalities (multi-enemy finishers). Players control one character (Liu Kang or Kung Lao), with AI or a second player controlling the other. Levels blend combat, platforming, and light puzzles, with upgrades for health and moves via experience points. Hidden secrets (e.g., Survival Mode via barrel-smashing) add depth. Multiplayer supports 2-player local co-op for the campaign and a Versus mode for 1v1 fights. Runs at 480p, 30 FPS, with vibrant, gory visuals but occasional slowdown on PS2. Xbox offers slightly sharper textures. Recent X posts praise its atmosphere, music, and unique place in the MK series. Modes: Story Mode: Single-player or 2-player co-op campaign Versus Mode: 2-player competitive fighting Survival Mode: Hidden mode with wave-based combat (unlocked via secret) No Online: Local multiplayer only Key Features: 10+ playable characters (e.g., Scorpion, Sub-Zero, unlockable via secrets) 5+ realms (e.g., Outworld, Soul Tombs) Soundtrack: Iconic MK themes by Dan Forden Voice cast: Matthew Mercer (Liu Kang), Will Yun Lee (Kung Lao) Collectibles: Experience orbs, secret characters, red koffins Notable Issues**: Repetitive combat, camera issues, minor bugs Related: Spin-off of Mortal Kombat II (1993); no direct sequel, though fans clamor for one Game Length: 8–10 hours (Story); ~27 hours (completionist, unlocks) Marketing: Launch Price: $39.99 Promoted: E3 2005, TV commercials showcasing co-op carnage, fatalities, and MK lore Limited Edition: None; bundled with PS2/Xbox in some regions Add-Ons: No DLC; digital re-release on PSN/Xbox Live Punch through Outworld in Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (2005), Midway’s bloody PS2/Xbox spin-off! As Liu Kang or Kung Lao, unleash combos and fatalities in co-op glory. Its MK atmosphere, secrets like Survival Mode, and fan-service thrill, despite repetitive fights and camera woes. A gory gem!