Aside from MK Shaolin Monks, we also got a hands-on experience with the GameCube version of MK: Deception. Even at this early stage, it is obvious that MK: Shaolin Monks will be a worthy addition to the Mortal Kombat lineup, and we look forward to seeing more of this game in the days and months to come leading up to its Fall 2005 release. Kung Lao can also be seen doing his famous Diving Kick multiple times in one jump. Some of Liu Kang's advanced moves include doing a fireball in mid-air, but they can be directed downwards towards the opponent if you wish. In addition, the air combos are simply amazing. As you press the indicated buttons when prompted, you can do more and more damage as part of the combined combo. One of the more interesting factions we noticed is the ability of characters to work 'in tandem' to create huge damage combos. This could be a combination of the fact that the in-game models have been worked on some more, and that since we are now seeing the game in motion we can appreciate its fluidity. The graphics seem much improved since the early screenshots we saw when the game was first announced. He never loses the ability to do the plain old Hat Throw, however it's just that more options become available to the player as the game moves on. As you progress in the game, you can get your moves 'upgraded' - eg, Kung Lao's Hat can strike multiple opponents, or whizz around the entire room. You begin with your classic moves from the MK fighting game. You can also choose a 2-player cooperative mode. The gameplay starts out very simply - in a one player game, you can choose to play as either Liu Kang or Kung Lao. In fact, Shaun Himmerick assured that not only would every stage from MKII be included in MKSM, he also assured that each of these stages would have at least one secret unlockable within them. MKSM will also continue the MK tradition of turning rumors into reality - you can now knock your enemies into the mouths of the trees in the Living Forest. As always, old school fans will have every incentive to play this game, as you can now see what's around stages that will be very familiar, such as The Pit, The Tower, Goro's Lair, The Portal, and The Living Forest. Shang Tsung's guards from MK1 are also seen, and they are given a beating by Shang himself after being knocked into him by Liu Kang! Kung Lao's presence seems to indicate a major retcon to MK continuity, as the Mortal Kombat II comic by John Tobias establishes that Kung Lao was not present at the Mortal Kombat tournament. They also cut to a shot of the Tarkatan hordes charging into the throne room of Shang Tsung, only to have one dispatched fairly quickly by Kung Lao's razor-sharp hat. Every single character from the first Mortal Kombat game can be seen battling each other in just utter chaos. For now, let us start with MK: Shaolin Monks. Wrapping up our coverage of Midway's Winter Gamers Day, we are pleased to bring to you our initial impressions of Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, and our final impressions of the new characters in the GameCube port of Mortal Kombat: Deception.

Mortal kombat shaolin monks intro