Mortal Kombat: Deception (2004)

I've not played this game in over a decade. I've so many fond memories of me playing this game and actually enjoying it for all what its worth. so, going back to it was a bit rough for me.

This game provides, arguably, the best mode ever created in Mortal Kombat, which is Konquest. you're let loose into the realms of Mortal Kombat from Earthrealm to the Netherrealm to your likeness to explore and progress. it doesn't stop you, unless you clash with the game's invisible walls, you really get to do so much here. You mess around, find people working, going to work, play, train, and so many other things. You get to meet characters that are not in the game by default, too many cameos, and so much more. it feels alive. it feels fascinating. but it has a lot of shortcomings. This isn't the main game anyway, but would've been great game if this was fleshed out. indeed a product that needed more time in the oven.

Puzzle is a pure scam. the game cheats heavily, even when you play by the game's rules.

Chess-Kombat is awesome. and it actually forces you to use so many great strategies to move on throughout the game.

The Krypt is fun.

The main arcade mode itself is, however, cheesable AF. there are two options here when playing this. you either spam different move set strategically in a steady rate and they won't be able to respond, or they spam different move set in a steady rate and you won't be able to respond. it's either or. there isn't in between. the AI is terrible and will exploit the weakness the moment you mis-press for one frame.

The total package is fairly fun, though. the Fatalities were great, the addition of Hara-Kiri is fun, I love this game's character designs, aside from Sub-Zero's Alternative "Please don't look it up". You can still see some of the game's quality of life here, and it is fun to go and pock through it. sadly, the game doesn't entirely hold on by itself. if you're a hardcore Mortal Kombat fan, this is a blast to go through. if you just want to play this game, then, you will find something here but just keep your expectations low. it's not the greatest fighting game out there, but certainly has some quality to it.