Mortal Kombat : Deception

Mortal Kombat: Deception for PlayStation 2 continues the series’ 3D fighting formula with a roster of returning and new kombatants, set against the threat posed by the resurrected Dragon King Onaga.

Each fighter can switch between two hand-to-hand styles and a weapon style during a match. Style changes alter available attacks and can be incorporated into longer combo strings, while character-specific special moves remain central to each fighter’s approach.

The arenas are active parts of combat. Fighters can use environmental objects, move between areas in some stages, and end rounds by knocking an opponent into a stage death trap.

Alongside standard local versus play, the PS2 release included MK Online for compatible network play. It also offers Konquest, a free-roaming story and training mode following Shujinko that unlocks material for the Krypt.

Chess Kombat turns matches into tactical battles on a board, with fighters assigned to chess-inspired roles before they meet in combat. Puzzle Kombat is a competitive falling-block mode using stylized versions of the fighters and attack effects triggered by clearing blocks.

The PS2 and Xbox versions launched with online support, while the later GameCube release omitted online play and added Goro and Shao Kahn. The PSP version, Mortal Kombat: Unchained, is a separate portable expansion with a larger roster.