Packed to the brim with action and fun, but I have some critiques.
The first thing you'll notice is that this game, while bringing a lot to the table, is missing some elements as well that will be missed. Case-in-point, the original Fatality system is gone. It is replaced by a fun, but rather shallow universal system. However, this is necessary for two reasons: the inclusion of the Kart game (unnecessary) and 62 total characters made it difficult to fit the classic fatality system into the game. Just not enough space or time to spend giving everyone their own fatality. The other reason is that the Kreate-A-Kombatant, which is a fun inclusion that has met with some criticism from hardcore fans, means that Kombatants can't possibly have their own unique fatalities.
Including all 62 characters was a cool move. It gave everyone, without exception, the chance to see their favorite MK characters translated into 3D, if they had not yet gotten that treatment in Deception or Deadly Alliance. It does however, mean that not every character will feel unique. Indeed, there are a few characters that share the same fighting style. Probably a few that share a special move or two, but that doesn't particularly come to mind.
Anyway, everything else is as you would expect it, and then some. The Krypt is extremely easy to navigate this time around. That was a welcome change. Konquest mode is actually fun. Seriously, it's playable. The Kart game isn't bad, but I wouldn't go out of my way to play it I guess. It just seems like if they spent a little more time on it, it could be as good as Mario Kart 64. There was a lot of potential there, but I certainly respect them not making that a priority.
The sound is classic. All the "Finish Him"s are in tact, the noises are brutal and bloody, the look is dark and gritty, and the gore is both funny and cool simultaneously. I thoroughly enjoyed ripping off my friends' arms and beating them with them before I pulled out their still-beating hearts, or crushed their heads, or split them in half.
The Kreate-A-Kombatant mode is loads of fun. I've made a good looking ninja turtle, jesus, bruce lee, spawn, goku, shredder, sephiroth, cloud, ryu, blanca, neo, and cyclops. You can make tons more. My friend made an awesome lara croft and zero suit samus. The options that exist for basic move/combo customization are virtually endless. I had a lot of fun unlocking everything.
Everyone who likes any MK games should try this game out. It's only 20 bucks these days, and you can probably get it cheaper if you look carefully. I really recommend it, and though I can understand the complaints and agree it isn't perfect, i sincerely think that this game is worth a look. It's really quite fun. I'm currently abroad in Taiwan and I'm seriously jonesing for it right now, which is why I decided to review it.