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Liu Kang is dead. The combined forces of Shang Tsung and Quan Chi (the titular "Deadly Alliance") have contrived the demise of Earth's greatest champion. Thus begins Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, the fifth title in the series, and the first to fully encompass 3D gameplay mechanics of the ilk offered by Soul Calibur and Dead or Alive. Utilizing this new feature, players are now able to maneuver around the environments, as well as sidestep attacks. Also new to the series is the characters' ability to change fighting styles at will during a bout. Based upon numerous real-life martial arts, characters now possesses two hand-to-hand styles and one weapon style, each offering unique move sets and combination maneuvers. The roster of playable characters includes old favorites, such as Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Cyrax, Kung Lao, Shang Tsung, and Quan Chi, along with newcomers Frost, Mavado, and Blind Kenshi, among others.

Fatalities, the hallmark of the series, are alive and well, with each character capable of performing grotesque acts of violence, accompanied by geysers of over-the-top blood and gore. Arcade and Versus mode perform their perfunctory duties; allowing players to compete in a series of matches against increasingly tougher AI opponents or against a human competitor, respectively. Konquest is essentially a training mode that introduces players to the various facets of the gameplay. Here, basic scenarios must be completed using any character of your choosing. Continued play in both the Konquest and Arcade modes rewards players with various forms of Kurrency (Sapphire, Onyx, Jade, Ruby, Gold, and Platinum Koins).

These "Koins" can then be used to unlock one of over 600 Koffins, each containing hidden content such as secret characters, alternate outfits, concept art, development images, promotional materials, and other miscellany. Additionally, these Koins can be wagered, and subsequently won or lost, in multiplayer battles against friends. Mini-games dubbed "Test Your Might" and "Test Your Sight" are also included, the first a homage to the rapid button-tapping event found in the first Mortal Kombat, while the second requires focus on a particular cup as a group of them are shuffled about. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide