This is definitely an unusual way of playing Mortal Kombat... but it sure works!
Although I have not always been a fan of fighting games (except for Tekken of course!), I need to say that when I first saw some gameplay of MK Shaolin Monks I immediately fell in love with it due to various pros this title has to offer!
First, the plot: an interesting mixture of the first two Mortal Kombat games showing what happened between the first two tournaments of the saga.
Second, the characters: many of the most popular character of the saga and the videogame history are available for the player to control and brutally kill all those who stand in their way, each with his/her (if you're playing Duel Mode mode, of course) own move list and, most important, FATALITIES that will allow you to build enough experience to unlock and buy new combat moves and skills. Needless to say that those fatalities are extremely brutal and gory, just the way MK fans like it.
Third positive point, the combat system: a feature that allows you to attack in every possible direction (even if you get surrounded!) without losing your combo multiplier and earn as much experience as possible in each combat encounter.
Finally, the most intersting part: the huge amount of secrets and extras that the player can unlock on both single and multiplayer, allowing you him/her to enjoy the bloodbath with a friend.
Now, let's check the various negative aspects: First of all, the fact that the game can be a little short in terms of time spent playing in order to complete a single run.
Second, the fact that the controls are a bit too rough to master, leaving a non expert player wide open for eventual counters (I hate when Tarkatans attack me while in the middle of a mid-air combo with those damned projectile attacks).
Third negative point, the camera controls: the camera is constantly focused on the character and his does not help when it comes to aim for a distant target or enemy (especially due to the lack of a first person view, that generally allows you to aim more accurately!)
In the end, I firmly recommend this game to those who want to experience a different but effective way of playing MK and having tons of fun slaughtering enemies in co-op player or challenge others in Duel Mode!!