konasumatra@gmail.com
You have made good points about the MK series being based on the philosophy that “you either accept that it is what it is or you don't” and that MK has never aspired to make a technical fighter. I actually never thought the projectile throwing element of MK would work well with fluid combo fighting of the likes of Soul Caliber or Dead or Alive. I have never expected that, but that fluidity of the animations could have been improved. But It seems very dangerous for Ed Boon assume that doing what ever he what with “his” fighting game will still allow him to keep people buying his games. Ultimately, he will still have to please potential buyers otherwise it will be the death of his game.
I may have not portrayed well just how much I have been following the MK series over the years. Although I have said that there are better rated fighting games out there, looking at may game catalog the only fighting game that I have bought consistently have been the MK games. There is still something that appeals to me about the MK characters and the brutality that they inflict on each other.
With regards to the game's back story, I don't believe that has ever been MK strong point or ever will be. In my opinion, fighters don't lend themselves well to a great storylines anyway. The difference is that some of other fighting games have not attempted to put much empathizes on a back story. I don't even think it is an issue; if I wanted a good back story from a game I would play a adventure or rpg game. It should purely be about knocking lumps out of each other. From what I remember Street Fighter vs Marvel did not even attempt to explain the reasons for Blanka facing off with Wolverine, correct me if I am wrong. It was considered to be a success.
As much as MK's gore and fatalities may be getting old, its MK's defining feature (imo) and what sets them apart from almost every other fighting game. Once those elements are removed or watered down what is really left ? Guys in quirky costumes, copious amounts of projectile throwing and at best average fighting mechanics. There is also the opportunity for them to use their imagination and come up with new ones. They were probably afraid about just how graphic the fatalities would look on the next gen. In my eyes it's just not MK if you can't dismember, decapitate or forcibly remove internal body parts from a helpless victim who had just received a beat down. The MK vs DCU's fatalities just don't look satisfying. After watching them, I was like “ Is that it ?” expecting there to be more. Just imagine pulling off all your pro-moves and stringing all most every possible combo during a match. Wouldn't you love to rip out his spine or heart and hold it aloft like a trophy to cap off you victory.
I am sure some people are just not bother with what Ed Boon does with “his” game. But crossovers and a more sanitized experience at the expense MK's M rating doesn't do it for me. DC fans must be loving this game after all there is next to nothing decent with regards to DC games available now. I am assuming Ed Boon had banked on DC fans to flocking to his game even if he lost MK fans along the way. I as much I am a fan on Superman (the old movies have a place in my heart) there is just something wrong with him facing Raiden. I think that the MK train has reached my stop and I will get off now. I will have to look for my blood lust elsewhere. Maybe Midway's Blitz: The League 2's graphic injuries will offer some satisfaction. :-D
You have made good points about the MK series being based on the philosophy that “you either accept that it is what it is or you don't” and that MK has never aspired to make a technical fighter. I actually never thought the projectile throwing element of MK would work well with fluid combo fighting of the likes of Soul Caliber or Dead or Alive. I have never expected that, but that fluidity of the animations could have been improved. But It seems very dangerous for Ed Boon assume that doing what ever he what with “his” fighting game will still allow him to keep people buying his games. Ultimately, he will still have to please potential buyers otherwise it will be the death of his game.
I may have not portrayed well just how much I have been following the MK series over the years. Although I have said that there are better rated fighting games out there, looking at may game catalog the only fighting game that I have bought consistently have been the MK games. There is still something that appeals to me about the MK characters and the brutality that they inflict on each other.
With regards to the game's back story, I don't believe that has ever been MK strong point or ever will be. In my opinion, fighters don't lend themselves well to a great storylines anyway. The difference is that some of other fighting games have not attempted to put much empathizes on a back story. I don't even think it is an issue; if I wanted a good back story from a game I would play a adventure or rpg game. It should purely be about knocking lumps out of each other. From what I remember Street Fighter vs Marvel did not even attempt to explain the reasons for Blanka facing off with Wolverine, correct me if I am wrong. It was considered to be a success.
As much as MK's gore and fatalities may be getting old, its MK's defining feature (imo) and what sets them apart from almost every other fighting game. Once those elements are removed or watered down what is really left ? Guys in quirky costumes, copious amounts of projectile throwing and at best average fighting mechanics. There is also the opportunity for them to use their imagination and come up with new ones. They were probably afraid about just how graphic the fatalities would look on the next gen. In my eyes it's just not MK if you can't dismember, decapitate or forcibly remove internal body parts from a helpless victim who had just received a beat down. The MK vs DCU's fatalities just don't look satisfying. After watching them, I was like “ Is that it ?” expecting there to be more. Just imagine pulling off all your pro-moves and stringing all most every possible combo during a match. Wouldn't you love to rip out his spine or heart and hold it aloft like a trophy to cap off you victory.
I am sure some people are just not bother with what Ed Boon does with “his” game. But crossovers and a more sanitized experience at the expense MK's M rating doesn't do it for me. DC fans must be loving this game after all there is next to nothing decent with regards to DC games available now. I am assuming Ed Boon had banked on DC fans to flocking to his game even if he lost MK fans along the way. I as much I am a fan on Superman (the old movies have a place in my heart) there is just something wrong with him facing Raiden. I think that the MK train has reached my stop and I will get off now. I will have to look for my blood lust elsewhere. Maybe Midway's Blitz: The League 2's graphic injuries will offer some satisfaction. :-D