Introduction

What’s better than ripping out spines and calling it a “finisher”? Doing it on the go! Released for the PSP in 2006, Mortal Kombat: Unchained promises to bring the brutal, bloody combat we all know and love from the Mortal Kombat series to a handheld console. It’s got the fatalities, the violence, and a roster packed with enough characters to fill a small village—now with the convenience of fitting in your pocket. But does the blood-soaked action translate well to a handheld screen, or is this version as fatal as some of the characters?

Storyline & Characters

If you’re looking for a deep, philosophical storyline, you’ve clearly never played Mortal Kombat before. The plot of Unchained is, like many in the series, an excuse for a bunch of highly trained warriors (and a few freakish monsters) to punch, kick, and dismember each other for a shot at world domination. Set in the aftermath of Mortal Kombat: Deception, Unchained throws you into a deadly tournament to decide the fate of the realms. Because, of course, when there’s a threat to the universe, the most logical solution is a martial arts tournament.

The character roster is pretty stacked, including series staples like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Raiden, alongside newcomers like Frost and Hotaru. Each character has a backstory, but let’s be real—you’re here for the moves, not the lore. And moves, oh boy, do they have them. Fatalities are back, and they’re as over-the-top as ever. Nothing says “I’m a serious martial artist” like freezing someone solid and then smashing them into tiny ice cubes.

Gameplay & Mechanics

At its core, Mortal Kombat: Unchained plays like your typical Mortal Kombat game, which is to say it’s a violent ballet of uppercuts, fireballs, and highly impractical (but insanely fun) special moves. The controls translate surprisingly well to the PSP, although mastering fatalities on a tiny handheld screen might feel like trying to write an essay with a crayon. It’s doable, but you’ll need some patience.

The main attraction is, of course, the fighting. The combat is fast, fluid, and just as satisfying as it’s always been. But Unchained also throws in Mortal Kombat’s Konquest mode—a semi-RPG experience where you wander around various realms, completing quests and battling enemies. It’s like an MK-flavored adventure game, but with fewer meaningful decisions and more punches to the face.

If that’s not enough, there’s also Puzzle Kombat (think Tetris, but with more fatalities) and Chess Kombat (because who doesn’t want to play chess with ninjas and undead warriors?). These side modes add some variety, even if you’ll likely spend most of your time in good old-fashioned kombat.

Graphics & Sound

Visually, Unchained does a pretty solid job of replicating the look and feel of its console counterparts, albeit on a smaller screen. The character models are surprisingly detailed for the PSP, and the arenas are full of grim, gothic charm—perfect for the game’s ultraviolent vibe. Some textures may look a bit dated, but hey, when you’re too busy pulling off combos, you won’t notice the occasional pixelated limb.

The sound is classic Mortal Kombat. Expect a lot of bone-crunching, groans of pain, and the satisfying shout of “Fatality!” when you finish off your opponent in spectacularly gruesome fashion. The music is appropriately intense, though it sometimes takes a backseat to the sound of fists meeting faces.

Fun Factor & Replayability

Unchained is fun—like, dropkick-your-friend-while-laughing-maniacally fun. The combat is addictive, the fatalities never get old, and the sheer number of modes means there’s plenty to keep you busy. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned MK veteran, there’s a certain joy in pulling off those complex finishing moves, even if it takes a few tries on the PSP’s compact controls.

Replayability is high, thanks to the various modes and the wide roster of fighters. With multiple characters to master and plenty of ways to dish out destruction, you’ll be coming back to this one again and again—if only to see what new gruesome finisher you can unlock next.

Final Thoughts

Mortal Kombat: Unchained is a great addition to the PSP’s library and does a solid job of bringing the iconic series to a handheld console. It’s not without its flaws—the controls can be tricky, and the graphics are a bit dated—but the brutal combat and sheer variety of modes more than make up for it. If you’re a fan of the series or just looking for a fun, violent distraction while you’re on the go, Unchained has got you covered. Just remember to keep it away from kids… unless you want to explain why Scorpion just impaled someone.

Final Score: 8/10 – Fatality on the fly? Yes, please.