If you’re a fan of the iconic fighting game franchise Mortal Kombat, you’ve likely heard of the game that’s often referred to as the “black sheep” of the series: Mortal Kombat: Special Forces.
Released in 2000 for the PlayStation, Mortal Kombat: Special Forces was supposed to be a spin-off game that expanded upon the universe of the main games. However, what fans got was a game that was widely criticized for its poor controls, repetitive gameplay, and generally lackluster presentation.
One of the biggest issues with Mortal Kombat: Special Forces was its controls. The game was built around a third-person perspective, which was a departure from the traditional 2D fighting games the franchise was known for. This change in perspective made it difficult for players to accurately judge distance and execute moves, leading to a clunky and frustrating experience.
Additionally, the game’s levels were long and repetitive, with players often having to repeat the same areas multiple times in order to progress. The game’s storyline was also criticized for being uninteresting and forgettable, with bland characters and a lack of the over-the-top violence that the franchise was known for.
Despite its numerous flaws, Mortal Kombat: Special Forces still managed to sell relatively well, likely due to the popularity of the main franchise. However, the game’s poor reception from fans and critics alike ultimately led to it being largely forgotten and ignored by the franchise’s creators in the years since its release.
Mortal Kombat: Special Forces serves as a cautionary tale for fans of the franchise, and a reminder of what can happen when a beloved series takes a wrong turn. It’s a shame that such a promising spin-off failed to live up to expectations, but at least it provides us with a few laughs and a history lesson in what not to do.