Tools for this page
Print

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe

(2008, Video Games - Fighting, Rated T, Play it on: PlayStation 2, Xbox 360)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Good fighting game more or less lives up to the hype.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 15 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    It's a fighting game that allows finishing moves.
  • Violence:

    This is a fighting game, where your objective is to attack opponents with kicks, punches, body blows, and finishnig moves. Blood can be seen splattering in some cases (but can be turned off by the player).
  • Sex:

    Female fighters have big breasts and are wearing suggestive clothing (i.e. showing a lot of skin).
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Contains many branded comic characters including Superman and Green Lantern.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe was written by Marc Saltzman

Parents needs to know this game is rated "Teen" instead of "Mature" because Midway has decided to make the violence less graphic. It's still a fighting game and there can be blood splatter (which can be turned off) and each character can perform finishing moves called "fatalities" (or "brutalities" for some DC characters) that results in a dramatic conclusion to the fight, such as a backbreaking snap, stabbing, or slow-motion kick to the head. As with past games and comic book characters, the females are wearing revealing clothing and have exaggerated breast proportions.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about whether or not this Mortal Kombat game is as fun as its predecessors despite the less graphic violence. (We think so.) Perhaps other "Mature"-rated franchises could follow suit?
Did this review help you decide?
Do you play it? Review It!

More on Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe

What’s the Story?

Consider it a battle between two billion-dollar franchises: Midway's Mortal Kombat warriors -- such as Scorpion and Sub-Zero -- face off against DC Comics' iconic superheroes including Superman and Green Lantern. Now available for the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3, MORTAL KOMBAT VS. DC UNIVERSE is a fighting game that features signature attack styles and special moves, multiple solo and multiplayer game modes, and more than a dozen environments (including the Batcave). More importantly for comic book enthusiasts, perhaps, is an intertwining story line penned by the Mortal Kombat creative team in collaboration with celebrated comic book writers Jimmy Palmiotti (Painkiller Jane, Marvel Nights) and Justin Gray (Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight, JLA Classified). Close

Is It Any Good?

We loved the concept, but how does it play? Well, for the most part. Controlling the 22 characters is fairly simple on the surface, allowing you to jump, kick, punch, and perform deadly finishing moves, but skilled players can take advantage of more advanced moves and combos for added depth. In other words, you can "button mash" and win a few rounds, but in order to really get into the game, you'll need to learn moves such as Batman's "Ducking Gut Punch" (down arrow on the d-pad and the X button on the Xbox 360 controller), the "uppercut" (down arrow on the d-pad and Y button) and "Vengeance" (X, X, Y). Players can also modify the game controls in the Options menu, if desired.

Multiple game modes will also keep players busy. Single player options include Story, Arcade, Practice, and Kombo Challenge, the latter of which allows you to tweak your skills with a favorite character by performing increasingly tough combo moves. Two-player modes are even more fun, whether you're against someone sitting next to you or over the Internet. Some new game-play additions are met with mixed success: "Free Fall Kombat," for example, has players matching an attacker's button moves displayed on screen to become the victor rather than the victim, but this minigame of sorts feels out of place from the main fighting mechanic. Overall, though, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is a decent fighting game that, while not groundbreaking, successfully blends these two worlds and delivers an intense and attractive combat experience – especially for fans of Mortal Kombat.

Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 11/16/2008, price $$59.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: T (for Blood, Suggestive Themes, Violence)

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Do you play it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe?
  •  I think this game is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 15 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title off for age 8 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    perfect for tweens and older no 9 or younger

    This game sucks. it is way to violent in story mode with dc unvierse i believe i guy gets his head cut off u see in a shadow dont let ur kid play this

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Easy to play

    Ultimate fighting game

    This game has been toned down a lot from the other games with the adition of super heroes blood isn't seen as often like in the previous titles

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 0.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models
    • Easy to play

    Toned down so much even an 8 year old could play it

    It's nowhere near as violent as the Mortal Kombat games of the past, and that's only because of DC comics. There's obviously good role models on the DC side (Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel, Green Lantern, The Flash and Wonder Woman) and obviously it has some DC villians in there too (Darkseid, Deathstroke, Catwoman, Lex Luthor and The Joker) but no matter how you look at it, parents and such should be thankful for the older Mortal Kombat games, because if it weren't for them, there would be no ESRB and therefore, no ratings on video games. It's a simple enough game, consisting of button combos and in-match mini-games (Test your might, Free fall and Close Kombat). Plus, who DOESN'T want to beat Superman in a fight? Enclosing, FINISH HIM!!!

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Easy to play

    This is for mature kids ages 9 or up

    I love the game in my opinion the game.There is not that much blood and gore that I noticed.The only time I noticed it is when you are supposed to finsh your opponent and do fatality.It might not be sutibale for some,but in my opinion it is not that bad.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in New Hampshire
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    WTF!? BAD ROLE MODELS? THERE SUPER HEROES! and you think sex is a problem because the female characters have big breasts!???? what? theyre females!grown females just happen to have boobs!? should we rename common sense media to "media"? the button combos are also a good source of memory wich is why i gave it a positive education its also not so difficult to play if yuo get used to it, its a great game.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Book of the Week

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Download This

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name