Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks vs Mortal Kombat: Special Forces
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks is an action-adventure beat 'em up video game set in the Mortal Kombat universe. Players take on the roles of the iconic Shaolin monks Liu Kang and Kung Lao, either solo or in cooperative mode, as they defend Earthrealm against the threats of Outworld. The game offers a reimagining of the storyline from Mortal Kombat II, taking players from Shang Tsung's island fortress through Outworld to face Shao Kahn in person. Featuring intense combat, iconic characters, and cooperative gameplay, it delivers a thrilling adventure for fans of the franchise.
Mortal Kombat: Special Forces is a 2000 action-adventure spin-off putting players in control of the Special Forces agent Jackson 'Jax' Briggs. Set before the events of the original Mortal Kombat tournament, the game details Jax's dangerous mission to track down the criminal mastermind Kano and rescue his missing partner, Lieutenant Sonya Blade. Players navigate through complex 3D environments, utilizing an arsenal of heavy weaponry and devastating martial arts combos. As the story unfolds, Jax finds himself pulled deeper into the supernatural conspiracies of the Mortal Kombat universe, culminating in an unforeseen and dramatic climax against his arch-rival.
- Engaging cooperative gameplay mode
- Faithful and expanded Mortal Kombat lore
- Satisfying beat 'em up combat mechanics
- Iconic characters and brutal finishing moves
- Engaging backstory focused on Jax and Kano
- Features brutal special moves and combos
- Deep dive into Mortal Kombat universe lore
- Challenging 3D action gameplay
- Camera angles can occasionally be frustrating during intense platforming
- Limited replay value once the campaign is fully completed
- Solo gameplay lacks some of the dynamic fun found in co-op
- Lacks multiplayer or cooperative modes
- Controls and camera angles can feel dated
- Short overall campaign length
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataMortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks offers cooperative play and higher critical acclaim, while Special Forces is cheaper but single‑player only and poorly received.
Key differences
- •Shaolin Monks includes split‑screen co‑op; Special Forces has no multiplayer.
- •Critic scores differ dramatically: 74/100 vs 27/100.
- •Special Forces is $10 cheaper but has a shorter, single‑player‑only campaign.
- •Shaolin Monks features two playable characters and a broader roster of villains.
- •Special Forces focuses on Jax vs Kano with firearms and heavier weapons.
Gameplay & fun factor
Shaolin Monks delivers varied combat, fatalities, and co‑op, whereas Special Forces is limited to single‑player with dated controls.
Platform availability
Both are listed only with release dates; no platform specifics provided, so they are equal on this axis.
Price & value
Special Forces costs $39.99 versus $49.99 for Shaolin Monks, offering a $10 savings.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Shaolin Monks supports split‑screen co‑op; Special Forces is single‑player only.
Content & replayability
Shaolin Monks has a larger cast, diverse environments, and co‑op replay value; Special Forces is short with limited replay.
Difficulty & accessibility
Special Forces' simpler single‑player focus may be easier for solo players, though controls are dated; Shaolin Monks’ camera issues can hinder platforming.
Graphics & performance
No graphics or performance data provided for either title, making them equivalent on this metric.
Choose Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks if…
Players who want co‑op action, broader character roster, and higher critical quality.
Choose Mortal Kombat: Special Forces if…
Buyers on a tighter budget who only need a short solo story about Jax.
Common questions
Is there any multiplayer in Mortal Kombat: Special Forces?
No, Special Forces is single‑player only.
Which game received better reviews?
Shaolin Monks has a critic score of 74/100, while Special Forces scored 27/100.
How much cheaper is Special Forces compared to Shaolin Monks?
Special Forces is $10 cheaper ($39.99 vs $49.99).