Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance

GameZone

My only complaint is the reduction of fatalities.

Game Informer

Easily the most hard-hitting MK in the series yet. [Jan 2003, p.100]

Media and Games Online Network

There is almost infinite replay value due to the incredible amount of available coffins in the krypt (You can literally spend hours JUST opening coffins). This creates an incentive to play the arcade mode and complete Kampaign mode.

IGN

Not without its problems, particularly in terms of the unforgiving CPU aggression, Deadly Alliance is still among the best fighting games of 2002.

TotalGames.net

It’s easily the best of the series and with enough depth to silence the franchise’s many detractors.

Nintendophiles

Hands down this is by far the best Mortal Kombat ever made and possibly the best fighter available for the GC. There is so much to this game, a deep and satisfying fighting system, new fatalities (although not enough), beautiful visuals and tons of goodies to unlock.

GameCube Europe

Some great new characters join with old favourites to bring a pretty decent story line and some great fighting action.

Gamer's Pulse

While not as deep as "Virtua Fighter 4," I actually found Dark Alliance much more entertaining.

GameSpot

Anyone looking for a wilder ride than the one offered by "Tekken 4"'s or "Virtua Fighter 4"'s comparatively straightforward martial arts battles should definitely check [it] out.

GameSpy

This is the over-the-top, pick-up-and-play fighter that's we've been missing for so long. It's far less complex than its top-rated contemporaries, but that's part of the fun.

netjak

The small D-Pad dooms this game (as well as other fighters) from being a "Game of the Year" title... Pulling off these moves as well as combos, is the heart of any fighter and not doing so consistently nearly renders the game useless.

NintendoWorldReport

It finally seems that Midway has put together an effective formula that manages to reinvigorate the franchise while retaining enough of its classic flavor to satisfy those who stuck with it.

Maxim Online

To hell with lame gunshot wounds and other gang violence. This game’s fatalities include creative beheadings and dismemberments that would make Hannibal green with envy.

All Game Guide

Niggling problems such as overly cheap AI still persist, but for the most part, Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance manages to breathe new life into the gameplay while still retaining the Mortal Kombat feel.

Play Magazine

Unlike any other 3D fighters on the market. Midway has done an exceptional job of creating a brand new MK experience while still maintaining the old-school flavor that so many of us are familiar with. [Jan 2003, p.70]

Nintendo Power

Smooth control and tons of extras... A must-have for fans of brutal battlers. [Feb 2003, p.157]

Entertainment Weekly

And that's the rub: Mortal Kombat may have grown up, but it didn't mature at all. [10 Jan 2003, p.77]

GamerWeb Nintendo

The combo system is a throwback to seven years ago, but the three-style combat helps elevate it above the older MK titles. Just don't go into this one expecting "Virtua Fighter."

Thunderbolt

Not the best fighter on the Gamecube, but it still has enough gameplay elements and unlockables to keep you busy. Besides, there’s no better way to vent some stress than to dish out a few fatalities.

Gaming Age

With more polish and character balancing, Midway could have crafted one of the best pick up and play fighters in existence – but combo timing issues hurt the overall score and that’s a shame.