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Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks vs Mortal Kombat

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin MonksDefend Earthrealm as Liu Kang or Kung Lao in this action-packed beat 'em up.
Mortal Kombat
Mortal KombatEnter the brutal one-on-one fighting tournament to save Earth from Outworld.
Overview
Description

Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks is an action-adventure beat 'em up video game set in the Mortal Kombat universe. Players take on the roles of the iconic Shaolin monks Liu Kang and Kung Lao, either solo or in cooperative mode, as they defend Earthrealm against the threats of Outworld. The game offers a reimagining of the storyline from Mortal Kombat II, taking players from Shang Tsung's island fortress through Outworld to face Shao Kahn in person. Featuring intense combat, iconic characters, and cooperative gameplay, it delivers a thrilling adventure for fans of the franchise.

Mortal Kombat is a side-scrolling fighting game where martial artists battle in one-on-one combat using punches, kicks, and special moves. Players must defeat their opponents across intense rounds, culminating in the iconic and blood-soaked Fatality finishing move. Seven fighters from Earth step into Shang Tsung's secret tournament to stop the reigning champion Goro and protect their realm. The roster features diverse combatants including Raiden, Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, Kano, Sub-Zero, and Scorpion, each with distinct motivations and unique abilities.

Pricing
Paid (One-time)
Paid (One-time)
Category
Fighting Games
Fighting Games
Best for
Fans of beat 'em up games and the Mortal Kombat franchise
Fighting game fans and retro arcade enthusiasts
Specifications
Spec source
AI-estimated
AI-estimated
General
msrp
$49.99
$49.99
release date
2005-09-19
1992-08-02
Specifications
developer
Mortal Kombat Team, Midway Studios San Diego, Midway Studios Los Angeles
Midway Games, Midway
publisher
Midway Games
Midway Games, Midway, Acclaim Entertainment, Virgin Interactive Entertainment
age rating
ESRB M
ESRB M
multiplayer
Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative, Split screen
Single player, Multiplayer
critic score
74/100
83/100+12%
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Engaging cooperative gameplay mode
  • Faithful and expanded Mortal Kombat lore
  • Satisfying beat 'em up combat mechanics
  • Iconic characters and brutal finishing moves
  • Iconic and memorable Fatality finishing moves
  • Diverse roster of distinct martial artists
  • Fast-paced and responsive one-on-one arcade combat
  • Engaging lore and character-driven rivalries
Cons
  • Camera angles can occasionally be frustrating during intense platforming
  • Limited replay value once the campaign is fully completed
  • Solo gameplay lacks some of the dynamic fun found in co-op
  • Can be overly violent for sensitive players
  • Steep learning curve for advanced special moves
  • Limited to side-scrolling fighting mechanics
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

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Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance

The first next-gen Mortal Kombat brings a revamped fight engine and full 3D graphics.

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Mortal Kombat 3
Mortal Kombat 3

Experience intense 2D fighting action with new combos, run mechanics, and brutal fatalities.

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Mortal Kombat: Unchained
Mortal Kombat: Unchained

The ultimate portable fighting experience packed with exclusive content and modes.

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Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat

Enter the brutal one-on-one fighting tournament to save Earth from Outworld.

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Alternatives to Mortal Kombat

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Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance

The first next-gen Mortal Kombat brings a revamped fight engine and full 3D graphics.

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Mortal Kombat: Unchained
Mortal Kombat: Unchained

The ultimate portable fighting experience packed with exclusive content and modes.

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Mortal Kombat 3
Mortal Kombat 3

Experience intense 2D fighting action with new combos, run mechanics, and brutal fatalities.

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Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks

Defend Earthrealm as Liu Kang or Kung Lao in this action-packed beat 'em up.

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Mortal Kombat (1992) offers classic one‑on‑one arcade fighting with iconic Fatalities, while Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (2005) adds cooperative beat‑em‑up action but less replay depth.

Key differences

  • Core genre: pure fighting vs. beat‑em‑up with platforming.
  • Multiplayer style: versus versus split‑screen co‑op.
  • Replay value: roster‑based versus single‑campaign focus.
  • Critical reception: 83/100 vs. 74/100.
  • Release era: 1992 arcade feel vs. 2005 3D adventure.
DimensionWinner

Gameplay & fun factor

Fast‑paced one‑on‑one combat with diverse movesets is core to fighting fans; Shaolin Monks adds platforming that some find less engaging.

Mortal Kombat

Platform availability

Both are paid one‑time titles; specific platform lists not provided.

Tie

Price & value

Both priced at $49.99 with similar one‑time cost.

Tie

Multiplayer / co‑op

Shaolin Monks supports split‑screen co‑op, whereas original Mortal Kombat is only versus multiplayer.

Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks

Content & replayability

Original offers multiple characters, tournaments, and lasting competitive play; Shaolin Monks has a single campaign with limited replay.

Mortal Kombat

Difficulty & accessibility

Shaolin Monks’ beat‑em‑up mechanics are generally easier than mastering Mortal Kombat’s advanced special moves.

Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks

Graphics & performance

2005 release provides newer 3D graphics versus 1992 arcade visuals.

Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks

Choose Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks if…

Players seeking cooperative beat‑em‑up action with a story mode.

Choose Mortal Kombat if…

Fans who want classic fighting, competitive depth, and iconic Fatalities.

Common questions

Do both games support online multiplayer?

Not specified; only local multiplayer modes are mentioned.

Which game has a higher critic score?

Mortal Kombat (1992) has 83/100; Shaolin Monks (2005) has 74/100.

Is there any difference in price?

Both are priced at $49.99 as one‑time purchases.