I kan't believe it's not awful!

We've seen some curious crossovers in the fighting genre over the years, from cartoony Marvel heroes battling classic Capcom characters to the recent appearance of Yoda and Darth Vader in ye olde Duel 'Em Up Soul Calibur IV. But this one takes the title for the most unusual.

Worlds collide

And yet, Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe somehow works. It's all about as silly as a Seth Rogen film of course (actually, in many ways it far surpasses Pineapple Express for narrative sense and emotional involvement – but nay, we digress), but what you basically need to know is that, by some unholy act of fate (not to mention commercial licensing), the MK and DC universe's have collided, creating a balance between the powers of each faction that enables them to square off and decide who's really got the right to wear the tightest fitting pants... or something.

So, in case you were wondering (we know we were) that's how Kano can face Superman and not get battered to Smallville and back. Makes perfect sense to us! [Errr, it does? – Ed]. Especially when the fighting itself is so much fun.

MK fans will be right at home in Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe, with its chunky characters and over-the-top violence. It lacks the multiple fighting styles of Armageddon, so no switching between unarmed martial arts and weapons – but, it's still typical Mortal Kombat, with fan favourites like Lui Kang and Shang Tsung, trademark moves like Scorpion's 'Get over here!' spear, and of the course those renowned Fatalities.

Finish Him... or not.

Except, they're not how we remember 'em. Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe has toned down the gore, from anime-style limb removals and blood-gushing beheadings to less elaborate stabbings, impalings, neck snaps, squashings and, probably the most graphic, foes being fried or burnt alive. Ironically though, by being less over-the-top and more lifelike, Fatalities are actually more disturbing.

Meanwhile, Superman, The Green Lantern and co. boast Heroic Brutalities instead that see them batter their opponents into unconsciousness. It may not sound particularly MK-esque, but it's a good decision. Showing Batman cutting someone's head off just wouldn't be true to the character. That said, The Joker and co. all feature more gruesome finishers guaranteed to make fans wince. Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe definitely deserves that 15 rating.

It's still Mortal Kombat, then – just, not quite the way it used to be. To that end, Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe's also introduces mid-bout minigames. Air Kombat has fighters tumbling to an arena below, frantically hammering a button to ensure they aren't the one that gets landed on. Test Your Might has you bashing all four fascia buttons to do as much damage as possible as your character pelts through a wall carrying your opponent. And Klose Kombat sees you grab an opponent and pummel them – unless they time a button press right, dodge, and counter attack.

Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe presents Arcade and Kombo training modes, but it's the Story that proves most rewarding. It's really not deep, epic RPG-quality stuff, but the way it ties the two licenses together, the dialogue, and the scenarios it produces (battling in the Batcave is too cool for words) are all so delightfully daft that you can't help but smile.

Sub Zero vs Batman!!

The 'just one more fight' factor is also truly staggering. There'll be times where you're intending to put the game down, only to get a matchup that you can't bear to turn off. Scorpion vs Superman? Sub Zero vs Batman? Sonya vs Catwoman? For former kids of the 90s, every fight will be a geeky wet dream come to life. It's every bit as thrilling online too – where some imbalanced abilities across the roster are, on the whole, made up for by almost flawlessly lag-free net code.

Of course, next to some of its fighting competition, Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe can't quite compete. It's not as fluid as Soul Calibur, as sophisticated as Virtua Fighter or as balanced as Street Fighter (and don't even get us started on the lack of precision in the Xbox D-pad!). But then, Mortal Kombat has always been more tongue-in-cheek than its rivals. This may not be one for the fighting hardcore then, but everyone else should enjoy its caricature, fast-paced novelty fighting fun.

GAME's Verdict

• Fast, fun, chunky special move filled fighting that MK fans will know and love.
• Some of the coolest matchups in fighting game land and a story mode that's so daft it's brilliant.
• Near flawless online fighting.

• Not the most fluid, sophisticated or balanced fighter around by any means.
• Downplayed Fatalities will not please some hardcore MK fans.
• The Xbox d-pad is so rubbish you'll stuggle to pull off your special moves (not really a problem on PS3).

Review by: Mark 'Mortal Monday' Scott
Version Tested: Xbox 360
Review Published: 27.11.07