Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks is an adventure game based in the
Mortal Kombat universe. It was developed by
Midway L.A. (formerly
Paradox Development) and published by
Midway.
The story focuses on the shaolin monks
Liu Kang and
Kung Lao who are on a journey to defeat the sorcerer
Shang Tsung after the Wu Shi academy is attacked by Outworld forces. The player can control these two characters in either single mode or co-op mode as they venture through several realms throughout the
Mortal Kombat universe.
Despite being an adventure game, the engine incorporates multiple elements familiar to the
Mortal Kombat franchise, such as finishing moves and combos. A versus mode also allows players to fight against each other with other unlockable characters such as
Baraka,
Kitana, and
Reptile.
Midway released
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks based on its desire to have an adventure game that would appeal to both
Mortal Kombat fans, as well as non-fighting game fans alike. The game sold over one million copies in 2008, and has received an overall positive critical response.