This 21 Year Old Mortal Kombat Game Is Long Overdue For A Reboot Or Remaster

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The Mortal Kombat series is famous for its classic fighting games, and each installment has a dedicated fanbase. However, both the original developers, Midway Games, and later Netherrealm Studios have occasionally tried new things with the series, with varying degrees of success. Interestingly, one Mortal Kombat game remains a standout title, still offering incredibly exciting gameplay even after many years.

The future of Mortal Kombat might include more games beyond the main series. There’s talk of a role-playing game (RPG) or a fast-paced action game, which would fit with the single-player experiences we’ve seen in recent Mortal Kombat titles. For instance, the Invasions mode in Mortal Kombat 1 already includes RPG features like unique bosses, character upgrades, and hidden rewards earned through side quests. While a spin-off game in the Mortal Kombat world could be exciting, only one game so far feels as strong as the main series installments.

Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks Is Arguably The Best Spin-Off For The Fighting Game Franchise

Unlike the poorly received Mortal Kombat: Special Forces, Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks was a fun action-adventure game. It starred Liu Kang and Kung Lao, two popular martial artists from the original Mortal Kombat games. Their fighting styles complemented each other perfectly – Liu Kang with his fiery moves, and Kung Lao with his razor-sharp hat and quick punches – making for exciting combat. Released in 2005, Shaolin Monks has become a beloved spin-off that fans still enjoy today.

Originally, this game was intended to be released annually as part of Midway Games’ plan for a new Mortal Kombat title, but the studio later went bankrupt. Shaolin Monks retells the story of the classic Mortal Kombat 2 arcade game, letting players experience the adventure through the eyes of Liu Kang and Kung Lao as they journey across different worlds to defeat the evil sorcerer Shang Tsung. Along the way, they encounter both allies – like Raiden, Jax, and Sonya Blade – and familiar foes such as Goro, Reptile, Mileena, Kitana, Jade, and Baraka.

Released as the Mortal Kombat series transitioned to 3D graphics, Shaolin Monks boasted visuals that were remarkably advanced for their time, delivering a much richer and more detailed game world than previous installments. Exploring the rugged terrains of Outworld and the terrifying realms of the NetherRealm felt truly immersive, going beyond the typical fighting game stage. The playful back-and-forth dialogue between Liu Kang and Kung Lao also enhanced the game’s story, giving it a fun, buddy-cop dynamic with its own share of challenges and triumphs.

Co-Op “Hack-and-Slash” Action Created Fun Gameplay With Iconic Characters

The best part of Shaolin Monks is its cooperative mode, which lets two players experience the game together. The levels are designed as arenas where you and a friend can explore, then battle tough bosses or groups of enemies. The game features a unique fighting system that lets you seamlessly attack from any direction without stopping your combos. You can even continue attacking while enemies are airborne, hitting multiple opponents or focusing all your attacks on a single target – making it difficult for anyone to break your rhythm.

This game features a lot of action where you can knock enemies into dangerous traps, creating exciting, cinematic kills reminiscent of Hong Kong action movies. Like the classic Mortal Kombat games, it’s known for its over-the-top violence, letting you and a friend perform brutal finishing moves on defeated opponents. Team-up attacks add another layer of fun to the fights, similar to the cooperative combat systems found in games like Batman: Arkham Asylum and Marvel’s Spider-Man.

Updating Visuals & Gameplay For This Title Over Two Decades Later Would Help Mortal Kombat Become A More Diverse Series

Even after 21 years, Shaolin Monks remains a surprisingly enjoyable game. Its unique, all-around combat system fits perfectly with the game’s hidden features, making it a title worth revisiting. In fact, this game could be a great direction for the Mortal Kombat series, pushing it beyond the 2D fighting game format it’s been known for since 2011. With classic characters like Kung Lao, Liu Kang, Scorpion, and Sub-Zero still popular with fans, it would make sense to see them featured prominently again.

A remake or updated version of this game would be welcome, as the gameplay still feels good. The complex fighting system in Shaolin Monks would really shine with modern graphics, perhaps with a style similar to Mortal Kombat 11 and Mortal Kombat 1. While the story could be improved, the frequent nods to “Shaolin Monks” and the fun of the “Fire and Ice” co-op mode in recent NetherRealm games remind players how exciting it was to team up as Mortal Kombat characters.

A complete remake of Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks could include even more moves for each character. Alternatively, a new game inspired by it could offer a fresh “hack-and-slash” martial arts experience within the series’ current timeline. Even a simple remaster with updated graphics would be a fantastic way to reintroduce the game to a wider audience. However it’s done, this game deserves to be remembered as a valuable part of the Mortal Kombat legacy.

What’s the best way to revive Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks? Share your thoughts in the comments or discuss it on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-05-06 18:17