As a fighting game fan I must say this, I was never a big MK Fan. I liked MK 2 & 3 (REMEMBER THE RUN BUTTON...LOL), but after that it just got really stale. The series was given life by Shaolin Monks, not even a fighting game, but then taken back by the PG-13 MK vs. DC. But enough about the back story of MK, lets focus on this gem of a game.
For starters let’s talk about the overall look and presentation overhaul. The visuals in this game are absolutely stunning, from level design to character models. During fights your character actually receives progressive body damage...from cuts, gashes, chunks of flesh missing, etc.
The biggest presentation change is how they bring the story across. First off, don't think about traditional fighting game storylines that really serve no purpose to the game. This story is a lengthy, well thought out dive into the world of MK. The way the story is told, new to the franchise players will love it, and old MK vets (such as myself) will be well pleased, you may even have an "Oh $#!^" moment...I know I did..lol.! All throughout the story mode the game transitions from cutscene to fight and back so seamlessly..a touch I love when games get right, *Casltevania*.
Speaking of fighting let me touch on that a bit. The fighting engine seems to be a mix of classic MK and trends from new age fighters. Of course they have all the traditional MK basics...sweep, uppercut, and classic special moves, but now they have added the ability 2 do custom combos. You can now juggle & bounce your opponent all over the stage... a la the Tekken series. Plus they now have the option of EX-ing all of the characters special moves, a la Street Fighter. And the last new addition to the fighting engine is the addition of Special Super -Type move that show the Deep Impact of the attack. Some of these are pretty Bad @$$.
As far as the replay value for this game, it's extremely high. There is so much stuff 2 unlock...yes folks, the krypt is back. You spend coins that you earn from the various game modes, in the krypt 2 buy fatalities, costumes, concept art, etc.
In the end, this is (my opinion) the best fighter out right now. Tons of characters+great visuals+killer story+high replay value=1 heluva Fighter..!!!!