7/10

It isn't Mortal Kombat 12

Brutal Kombat.

Although it probably goes without saying for most players what to expect from a Mortal Kombat game, this installment still managed to surprise more than once with its violence, gore, and graphics. The story mode is also dark and depressing, but quite interestingly presented.

Not much to recommend here, though, since the game is no longer available for purchase on Steam. But it's true that for players who plan to enter the world of Mortal Kombat for the first time, MK9 is a pretty good starting point from where to move on to MKX and MK11. I won't mention MK1, because it's already a completely new reboot.

So to sum up, I'd say the positives of MK9 are a decent character roster, a pretty engaging story, "Challenge Tower," and the various "Test Your..." extras. The visuals and overall look of the game are also perfectly fine. The already-mentioned downside is that the game is no longer available for purchase on Steam. Also, MK9 Online is down, so there's nothing to do there.