Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe

It's obvious that Midway has taken a massive amount of care in their use of the DC licence, taking the time to mould each character with their own personality and presence to fit them in the universe, whilst keeping a balance between every fighter included.

The story, written by two leading comic book writers, does an exceptionally good job of justifying why these two universes are at war with each other. While the actual reason for everyone's fighting each other (interuniversal rage caused by spatial friction, or something) is slightly hokey, and the voice acting is ok at best, the premise is handled well, with bits of humour – albeit occasionally unintentional - sprinkled throughout the plot.

Each combatant has their own special moves, and whilst it's nice to see Sub-Zero's ice moves and Liu Kang's martial arts spectacles make a return, it's really the DC characters that steal the show: Superman using his ice breath and heat vision to pummel competitors; The Flash pulverising opponents with speed-of-light flurries; Wonder Woman dishing out the pain with her Lasso of Truth.

What may seem too much of a compromise though, especially to long terms fans of the series, will be the reduced gore and violence. Gone are the over-the-top Fatalities, instead replaced with much less violent ones and 'Heroic Brutalities'.

Still, what you do get is a fun, fast and brutal beat 'em up, with solid fighting mechanics that will have anyone beating the crap out of anyone in no time at all.