Despite spawning two movies, a TV series and more video games than you could shake a severed head at, Mortal Kombat has always been a laughing stock amongst hardened gamers weaned on the stylish graphics and deep combat of Street Fighter and Tekken. But in going back to basics and re-working every aspect of this bloodthirsty franchise, the developers have created a stunning beat em up with something for everyone.
Long-time fans will be delighted as the game doesnt dilute the series excessive gore or violence, giving Deception the dizzying pace and overstated action of a Hong Kong action flick, rather than the brooding, Anime-inspired brawling seen in most fighting games.
Pummelling opponents also rewards players with a clutch of bonus games including chess and a Tetris-style puzzler that offer a welcome break from the button bashing, and the chance to challenge rivals one-on-one across the internet also helps Deception edge ahead of the pack. The Konquest mode where you earn tokens to unlock new fighters is dull as dishwater, but its only a minor criticism of an otherwise thrilling package.