The T rating is the best thing that happened to MK...heres why.

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05/13/2004 08:38 AM (UTC)

The reason I say this is because it forced the developers to focus on the key parts of the franchise:

Story

Setting

Creativity

Most importantly, Game-Play

I have notice that many of you are really upset over the lack of gore in the videos. MK got it's claim to fame due to the gory content it had, no doubt. I for one loved the fact that you could finish of your opponent in some grusome manner. But as time went on, many other games were released which put MK's gore and violence to shame. The days of MK's shock value are over.

With each itteration of MK, we've seen the same decapitations, disembowelments, dismemberments, and exploding bodies over and over again. How many times must we see Subby rip out a spine before it gets old? Once, in my opinion. But now, the new T rating has forced the team to focus on creativity to sell the product, not gore.

In my opinion, the new T rated fatailties are done with much more finess. The way Sonya flips over her victim while twisting the neck was very fluid and to the point. The same goes for Catwoman's whip dragging neck-break. The team had to think outside the proverbial gore box in order to come up with something that is more akin to a hollywood film than a snuff film. I'm not saying that these new fatailties are the best, but they are definitely more stylish than past efforts. Like MKII and MKD, these fatalities seem to fit the character.

Since the focus is less on gore this time, the team devoted a lot of devlopment time towards the only true reason to play a fighting game.

Game Play

They seem to have fundamemtally changed the way MK plays for the better. No more 12 button dial-a-combos, no more stand alone special moves. The new chain combo system allows you to chain together your own personal, short combo strings. You can chain a special move with any basic move now, which adds a whole new dimention to the gameplay. In many Japanese fighting games games, this is the standard. It's good to welcome MK to this style of game play as it was sorely missing it.

The last thing I'll speak about is story. I absolutely love MK's cahracters and setting. The same goes for DC comics. With that said, the two companies were forced to come up with a kick-ass story that explained why the two sides are fighting. They also has to explain why Superman and Captain Marvel can be beaten by the likes of Sonya and Liu Kang. You have to be pretty creative to pull that off.

If this new fighting engine is a good as it looks, the next mature MK game can have all the gore it wants. They will no doubt use an enhanced version of the engine from MKvsDC which was a direct result of the T rating. With that said, I wouldn't mind if they left the series as a T rated. It will open up the possibilty for a larger fan base.

Peace

jbthrash

@jbthrash

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•10/31/2008 10:31 PM (UTC) •

The only thing the T rating did was make finishers less gory. Thats it.

All of the other things you mentioned weren't because of the T rating. They were from Ed Boon wanting to make this game as different as possible from the last generation.

hazzie

@hazzie

•10/31/2008 10:34 PM (UTC) •

Water down fatalities.. I LOVE THEM!!
Seriously the fact that they're not over the top.. they simply finish off the openent is absolutely brilliant! i think we should still have heroic brutalities after Mk vs. DCU
They could be the new friendships.. Like a character would have one finisher and one non killing finishing move!

new fast paced gameplay (+)
going back to 2D fighting (+)
losing The dial-a-combo (+)
Relying mostly on special moves (+)

About Me

-XB Live gamertag: I AM YOURDEATH -(PS2 Tag: MASTRMAL)

•10/31/2008 10:51 PM (UTC) •

jbthrash Wrote:
All of the other things you mentioned weren't because of the T rating. They were from Ed Boon wanting to make this game as different as possible from the last generation.

He could have easily have made the game play like Rise of the Robots (arguably the worst fighting game) based on what you just mention with your post. Yep, it would have been really different alright.

Peace

Garlador

@Garlador

•10/31/2008 10:52 PM (UTC) •

A "Teen" rating is not forcing the MK team to "improve" the rest of the game. From my perspective, rather, it is forcing the MK team to come up with more and more "gimmicks" instead of relying on their now antiquated one-trick pony, the Fatality.

There is absolutely no way you can possibly explain logically and adequately why clean-cut heroes such as Captain Marvel and Superman are mingling with cold-blooded killers and assassins like Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Kano, and Kitana.

From a DC perspective, it's a bastardization of classic characters. Catwoman has a fatality, for example. It has been implied that Catwoman has, really, only killed ONE person in her entire costumed career. Character's powers will have to be massively dwarfed, making The Flash much slower, Green Lantern less creative, and Superman less super. As a DC fan, it kinda sucks not having characters there in all their superpowered glory, instead having to rely on a crutch to explain why Joker can somehow blow Superman's head off.

The gameplay, the biggest complaint, looks remarkably similiar to past-generation MK games. I easily recognize familiar moves from past games with the same animations while characters like Kitana and Sub-Zero have magically stolen moves originally belonging to other characters, like Mileena and Rain. Sub-Zero with a teleport I'm sure will work gameplay-wise, but it makes no logical sense. Since when do ice powers enable you to teleport?

I'm not saying MK can't exist without a "T" rating and be good. But should it? Why can't MK fans get a "Mature" rated MK game WITH strong storylines, characters, deep combat, AND fatalities that DO make you go "awesome!"

When games like Gears of War, Dead Space, Manhunt, and Madworld DO make me go "woah!" when there's a kill, why can't MK replicate that same shock and awe when their contempories continue to do so, especially given how creatively they could use their powers. There is no excuse MK fatalities can't do that again.

MK doesn't need a "T"-rating to have good gameplay, and it doesn't need "gore" to compensate for a good storyline. There is absolutely NO reason why we can't get a graphic, gritty, dark, realistic MK game with brutal and wonderful gameplay, a rich, deep story, interesting characters, and absolutely shocking and spellbinding fatalities.

But that's the "harder" path, and Midway I'm sure would rather take the road of least resistence and creativity: a T-rated crossover with Batman and Superman.

WarriorPrincess

@WarriorPrincess

•10/31/2008 10:59 PM (UTC) •

I could care less about a larger fan base. As long as they get the game play right in the next true MK title I will be happy. There is no reason why MK can't have good game play and still stick to its brutal roots in an M rated game. I personally do not wish for another T rated game. But at the same time that doesn't mean I want to see blood spewing from every punch taken. The blood levels can be taken down to a realistic level even for an M rated game and still have the gore that mostly everyone enjoys.
I also agree with Garl 100%

oracle

@oracle

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-sig by MINION

•10/31/2008 11:09 PM (UTC) •

hmmm.

while i do think that the T rating has made them rethink ways to kill your enemy i don't think it has any effect on the actual gameplay what so ever. i don't see any reason why we couldn't have this same MK vs. DCU gameplay in a M rated game. i don't know a WHOLE lot about game design but i cannot think of one reason why making a game gorey would make it play badly.

however i do love what they are doing with the fatalities in this game. i've seen sick of those stupid over the top fatalities that don't make any sense or that didn't fit the character. i think the T rating does make them think out of the box as far as things like that but i think that's it.

About Me

-XB Live gamertag: I AM YOURDEATH -(PS2 Tag: MASTRMAL)

•10/31/2008 11:17 PM (UTC) •

Garlador Wrote:
A "Teen" rating is not forcing the MK team to "improve" the rest of the game. From my perspective, rather, it is forcing the MK team to come up with more and more "gimmicks" instead of relying on their now antiquated one-trick pony, the Fatality.

There is absolutely no way you can possibly explain logically and adequately why clean-cut heroes such as Captain Marvel and Superman are mingling with cold-blooded killers and assassins like Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Kano, and Kitana.

From a DC perspective, it's a bastardization of classic characters. Catwoman has a fatality, for example. It has been implied that Catwoman has, really, only killed ONE person in her entire costumed career. Character's powers will have to be massively dwarfed, making The Flash much slower, Green Lantern less creative, and Superman less super. As a DC fan, it kinda sucks not having characters there in all their superpowered glory, instead having to rely on a crutch to explain why Joker can somehow blow Superman's head off.

The gameplay, the biggest complaint, looks remarkably similiar to past-generation MK games. I easily recognize familiar moves from past games with the same animations while characters like Kitana and Sub-Zero have magically stolen moves originally belonging to other characters, like Mileena and Rain. Sub-Zero with a teleport I'm sure will work gameplay-wise, but it makes no logical sense. Since when do ice powers enable you to teleport?

I'm not saying MK can't exist without a "T" rating and be good. But should it? Why can't MK fans get a "Mature" rated MK game WITH strong storylines, characters, deep combat, AND fatalities that DO make you go "awesome!"

When games like Gears of War, Dead Space, Manhunt, and Madworld DO make me go "woah!" when there's a kill, why can't MK replicate that same shock and awe when their contempories continue to do so, especially given how creatively they could use their powers. There is no excuse MK fatalities can't do that again.

MK doesn't need a "T"-rating to have good gameplay, and it doesn't need "gore" to compensate for a good storyline. There is absolutely NO reason why we can't get a graphic, gritty, dark, realistic MK game with brutal and wonderful gameplay, a rich, deep story, interesting characters, and absolutely shocking and spellbinding fatalities.

But that's the "harder" path, and Midway I'm sure would rather take the road of least resistence and creativity: a T-rated crossover with Batman and Superman.

I hear you on this post and to an extent, I agree. What I don't agree with is using Gears of War as an example of the types of fatalities the game should model itself after. They just would'nt feel like MK. MK has never really been about realistic death. They have always been humorous no matter how you slice it. Would I like to see a realistic, dark and gritty MK?

You bet

Will I be upset if we never get realistic, ERSB blasting deaths? No.

Concerning the superhero nerfing, I'm not as concerned that they can be beaten by the normal guys like Liu in the game. No body complains that the damn Juggernaut can be beaten by the likes of Ryu in Capcom vs Marvel, so why start with this game?

But I do agree that the developers can make the best of both worlds as you indicated. But I still stand by my beliefs that the T rating pushed the developers to be more creative with this game as it's selling point.

Peace

About Me

-XB Live gamertag: I AM YOURDEATH -(PS2 Tag: MASTRMAL)

•10/31/2008 11:18 PM (UTC) •

WarriorPrincess Wrote:
I could care less about a larger fan base. As long as they get the game play right in the next true MK title I will be happy. There is no reason why MK can't have good game play and still stick to its brutal roots in an M rated game. I personally do not wish for another T rated game. But at the same time that doesn't mean I want to see blood spewing from every punch taken. The blood levels can be taken down to a realistic level even for an M rated game and still have the gore that mostly everyone enjoys.

I also agree with Garl 100%

I whole heartedly agree with you. But In that respect I wouldn't care if it ever went back to an M rating.

Peace

Dtoxz324

@Dtoxz324

•10/31/2008 11:45 PM (UTC) •

I agree with everything you say but the fact that they are giving it a teen rating means we are gonna have a bunch of whiny little snots now that act "i-thug" on everyone. I hate the fact that this kid is sayin f*** you and his balls haven't even dropped yet.

i just hope there isnt too much of that.

hjs-Q

@hjs-Q

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I Rock

•10/31/2008 11:50 PM (UTC) •

So right....

Exactly what I was thinking, every word.

themasterab

@themasterab

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Cage always wins, and in MK u will be Caged!

•10/31/2008 11:50 PM (UTC) •

2 be honest mock me if you will but im a huge MK fan so I dont care if they go with the T rating and M rating ill still get them as long as they have fatalities and good stuff in the game though im still looking 4ward to MK VS DC!

ThunderGod_Raiden

@ThunderGod_Raiden

•11/01/2008 12:04 AM (UTC) •

sorry man I'm going to have to disagree with you on your points. Well not totally but gameplay didnt really have anything to do with the success of MK. Creativity and story definately. I think the other factors were the brutality and violence that were added that made it a success plus the mix of good characters and story made it a great game. This time around with MK vs DC Universe is no different. Great story, good characters that ppl are familiar with and a little hint of brutality and violence just the stuff that made MK what is is today.

Thrawn

@Thrawn

•11/01/2008 01:36 AM (UTC) •

I agree with Garl. Whether a game is T rated or M has nothing to do with gameplay, just content.

The next Mortal Kombat had better be M rated. Mortal Kombat is a mature title. Resident Evil and Doom are mature titles. If you want a teen title play Street Fighter or Soul Calibur.

The gore is not necessary to enjoy the game, but it is an integral part of Mortal Kombat. I personally feel the blood was overdone and cartoonish in mkda, mka, and mkd, which is why I usually turned it down.

A key example of this is the censored Joker fatality. The uncensored fatality was non gory and really cool, but still too much for a T rated game.

My opinion is if you really want a T rated Mortal Kombat, you probably shouldn't be playing Mortal Kombat since you seem to be missing some of the key themes and appeal of mk to begin with. No disrespect to Mastermalone intended.

There can be no peace with a T rating.

jbthrash

@jbthrash

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•11/01/2008 01:44 AM (UTC) •

mastermalone Wrote:

jbthrash Wrote:
All of the other things you mentioned weren't because of the T rating. They were from Ed Boon wanting to make this game as different as possible from the last generation.

Having the MK team change the gameplay isn's a product of the T rating, but having watered down fatalities is. There is no evidence supporting your claim that they completely changed the gameplay, because of the T rating.

Thanks for taking my words out of context.

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•11/01/2008 01:48 AM (UTC) •

As others have stated, M was NOT keeping them from making a good game. But what ever you wanna think, its just really absurd and idiotic to me. Also, maybe you should be playing dragon ball z...

Shibata

@Shibata

•11/01/2008 01:58 AM (UTC) •

Garlador Wrote:
Sub-Zero with a teleport I'm sure will work gameplay-wise, but it makes no logical sense. Since when do ice powers enable you to teleport?

Since when does being a regular human with no powers at all allow you to shoot pink rings of energy from your hands or turn into a dragon? I see your point, but nonsensical shit never seemed to be an issue with Sonya, Liu Kang, Cage, etc.

As far as the story here goes, I just don't really care much about MK's story in general because it's so needlessly convoluted and inherently ridiculous. But this game isn't even canon. So seriously, I can't see how the story here is great. Plus, I mean, come on, merging DC's reality with Mortal Kombat's reality is a fucking dumb idea to begin with. So yeah, I don't really think they're doing much for MK's ongoing story here at all. It's just a silly crossover game. Why is Superman mingling with Sub Zero? Well, why did Shuma-Gorath mingle with Zangief in MVC2? It's not worth giving a shit about the answer.

But I do agree. This game has forced Midway to reduce the cast, focus less on unimportant junk as selling points, and focus more on the core gameplay experience. Which is exactly what Mortal Kombat needed as a franchise. This is the best thing to happen to Mortal Kombat in about ten years.

Midway could make a gory game with deep character development and great gameplay. Technically. But they just don't because they're a fucking shitty developer. So if the only way for them to not fuck everything up is to focus on one thing and do it well, then that's just the way it's going to be. It wouldn't have to be that way if everybody who worked there wasn't a moron, but they are, so what are you going to do, you know? If they can get the gameplay half-right at the expense of a bunch of shiny aesthetics then that's good enough by their standards. Better that, than a game like MKD which is layered with enough glitter and googly eyes to keep a retard happy forever but plays like it was put together by a hive of drunken furious Ocotpi.

I too want a deep fighting game with tons of gore and badass character designs and a cool plot and a fascinating backstory, but sometimes you just can't have it all. Hopefully though, due to this game, we'll get a little closer to that, because hopefully, the steps forward they've taken in being forced to pay more attention to the games core mechanics as a selling point here will stick with them in making the next standalone MK game.

lastfighter89

@lastfighter89

•11/01/2008 02:24 AM (UTC) •

let's be realistical.the t rating doesn't iprove anything.
the story is a huge let down,and i remember that the mk mythology is one of the best out there.
gameplay wise it's identical to armageddon,without fighting styles but with same animation and clearly visible gameplay issues such as unbalanced characters(shang tusng and kitana are near to be unplayable,super man is too strong),button mashing and special combos,poor arenas8the ones that were showed) and of course no death traps which were a good thing in deception.

mk vs dcu is nothing special really..i hopeMidway won't do another t rating game and focus more on gore,splatter and atmosphere.
and stop using the T ratin apology to let Midway sell the game to children:MK armageddon sold a milion copies and i can't believe that 100% of customers that broguht the game were 18+ years old.

so stop hypocrisy and look to the facts:MK sells well even tough the final product could be a hell better than this.

About Me

Rebel. Outsider. Fan Of The Obscure. Politically Incorrect. Spitfire!

•11/01/2008 02:36 AM (UTC) •

lastfighter89 Wrote:
let's be realistical.the t rating doesn't iprove anything.
the story is a huge let down,and i remember that the mk mythology is one of the best out there.
gameplay wise it's identical to armageddon,without fighting styles but with same animation and clearly visible gameplay issues such as unbalanced characters(shang tusng and kitana are near to be unplayable,super man is too strong),button mashing and special combos,poor arenas8the ones that were showed) and of course no death traps which were a good thing in deception.

mk vs dcu is nothing special really..i hopeMidway won't do another t rating game and focus more on gore,splatter and atmosphere.
and stop using the T ratin apology to let Midway sell the game to children:MK armageddon sold a milion copies and i can't believe that 100% of customers that broguht the game were 18+ years old.

so stop hypocrisy and look to the facts:MK sells well even tough the final product could be a hell better than this.

The gameplay is the same shit we've been getting since 2002. I can't wait to see what they'll be saying when they actually get the game and realize this,lol. Yeah, re-invented my ass.

Vomit

@Vomit

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•11/01/2008 02:42 AM (UTC) •

ProfesserAhnka Wrote:

The gameplay is the same shit we've been getting since 2002. I can't wait to see what they'll be saying when they actually get the game and realize this,lol. Yeah, re-invented my ass.

It's funny how the people that HAVE actually played the game (whether it'd be the test beta, or the final build) have said the gameplay has changed to a positive direction with no more dial-combos. Yet, here we have someone who has YET to grasp the game for the first time, telling everyone that the gameplay is the same shit and everyone else is wrong and doesn't realize it. l love irony, especially when it comes out of Ahnka's ignorant mouth.

About Me

Rebel. Outsider. Fan Of The Obscure. Politically Incorrect. Spitfire!

•11/01/2008 02:50 AM (UTC) •

Vomit Wrote:

ProfesserAhnka Wrote:

The gameplay is the same shit we've been getting since 2002. I can't wait to see what they'll be saying when they actually get the game and realize this,lol. Yeah, re-invented my ass.

Wow big words coming from a humanoid with the name "Vomit". Who are these "others" you speak of that have supposedly played the game?

Vomit

@Vomit

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•11/01/2008 02:53 AM (UTC) •

Have you been keeping up with the news leads and interviews? Hell just the recent Gamespot one had the "Joker" and some other dude playing (what seemed like pretty much the final build) against eachother... good gameplay video... they really seemed to enjoy it, you should really check it out. The list DEFINITELY goes on...

LOL @ Humanoid

About Me

Rebel. Outsider. Fan Of The Obscure. Politically Incorrect. Spitfire!

•11/01/2008 02:56 AM (UTC) •

Vomit Wrote:
Have you been keeping up with the news leads and interviews? Hell just the recent one had the "Joker" and some other dude playing against eachother... good gameplay video... they really seemed to enjoy it, you should really check it out. The list DEFINITELY goes on...

LOL @ Humanoid

Oh the one with the fat dude dressed as the joker? Hunny, those are just a bunch of random people who haven't been into MK since ten years ago. They aren't hardcore fans so of course their gonna fall for midway's cheap gimmics. I would expect nothing more.

WarriorPrincess

@WarriorPrincess

•11/01/2008 02:57 AM (UTC) •

*breaks out the leather belt* Be nice boys! or you'll get a whoopin! XD