Mortal Kombat Shaolin Monks Explained

[@DonCritic]

A great big thank you to all for watching this video and staying with the channel! This is episode 7 in my Explained series, and it leaves us with five Mortal Kombat games left to cover before MK1! If you have missed any previous episodes you can catch them all, right here in this convenient playlist! Enjoy! m.kzbin.info/aero/PL1OBedn71fCt6nYsng_LzCgCU93-NbOOZ

[@ruthlesskiwi6545]

This was truly something ahead of it’s time. Shame that it was the first and only of it’s kind

[@daevilwon4428]

It wasn’t the others just sucked. “If your talking about spin off games like this is”

[@R83....722]

Totally agree we need third person mortal kombat in the new engine 💯🔥

[@WhentheBehelitScreams]

A reboot could be lucrative. Online coop, dlc, expansions, bloody palace type mode, combo mads. Hopefully they realize we will pay for this.

[@DonCritic]

Hopefully one day we may see that “Fire & Ice” game

[@blo0dysmiles297]

It wasn't the first. We had Jax special forces and SubZero mythology. This games story was originally supposed to be part of the myth series but when they canceled them, they saved it for this.

[@TheJiljo]

Love that most characters’ costumes were faithful to the MK2 art style, seeing MK2 Shang Tsung in 3D for the first time was awesome

[@kaujuanrichey7100]

Agreed 💯

[@kingstarscream3807]

@charleshastings7260 It doesn't have the green mask

[@antonioortizburciaga1158]

Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins nigtmare inducing 3D Shang Tsung came first lol

[@santitriana2795]

Honestly if in Liu Kang’s new era Sub-Zero and Scorpion are partners, then that would lay an INSANE groundwork for a Shaolin Monks-style co-op game with them. The ACTUAL “Fire & Ice” sequel we’ve all been waiting for

[@MrJavonnthomas]

Well they are brothers now

[@santitriana2795]

@@MrJavonnthomas wait WHAT? Where did you get this info from

[@MrJavonnthomas]

@@santitriana2795 Ed boon himself said it during the gameplay reveal

[@santitriana2795]

@@MrJavonnthomas 😤🤟🏼 just keeps getting better and better

[@uhobme2028]

Especially with the current Beat 'Em Up renaissance we're currently in

[@bandoozm916]

the day this gets remastered will be one of the greatest days in gaming history

[@DonCritic]

That would be epic! No load screens, online coop!

[@NoName-cz3wn]

This game and Deception completely shaped the universe of MK in my mind. And they never really got back there until MK 11, but even then, it's more of an homage than world-building.

[@TheDonPalumbo]

100% hoping mk1 will change that

[@wilsvgaddiction4456]

This game was incredibly special. This was a time when companies would still try new ideas with their properties. This game took what was, in my opinion, the best era of MK games (1st & 2nd games) and made a really fun 2 player action game in that world. There was so much fan service jammed into the games. It was a bit repetitive but it had a very competent engine and was fun to play, especially with a second player. I really with they'd make a follow up for it.

[@DonCritic]

Totally agree, they play a little too safe sometimes today for the sake of sales. A remaster would’ve been great

[@redwolfe7049]

It's so crazy how well loved Shaolin Monks is and yet they didn't bother to do another game like it.

[@zachariahsmith9130]

It needs a remake

[@realamericannegro977]

Thats because Midway closed and NRS canelled many projects. There was going to be Fire and Ice with Scorpion and SubZero

[@Jack_Ss]

nrs just isn’t big enough to make all the games on their plate

[@Slick2Slick]

Fr nowadays imagine a remake but it plays on like the spider man or gow engine. That would be fireee

[@redwolfe7049]

​@@Slick2Slickfacts

[@ricardochavez2946]

This game made me a Kung Lao fan, and the first time we see Khans face, but they dropped the bone stuff around the eyes.

[@DonCritic]

Yeah it is the first time we see Shao Kahn’s face, you’re right! I should’ve mentioned that haha 😄

[@Jean_Pierre_Wehry]

I played Shaolin Monks countless times. I knew it was gonna be a masterpiece. I bought it on launch day. I'm Re-playing it again on my steam deck. It brings a tear to my eye because it brings back a lot of memories of playing this game when i was younger. Ed Boon and the team really made something special here. The fact Warner Brothers, who now own MK haven't allowed Ed and the team to make a remake or sequel. I sure hope we get one one day.

[@Robo311Star]

This game solidified the bond between my younger brother and me

[@xaythearsonist2003]

4:08 It's confirmed now that Kung Lao's hat is called a Chakram Hat.

[@Macronaso]

I loved shaolin monks, wish they did more things like that, more single player games where you can expore the world of mortal kombat which is in my opinion the best thing about the games and few fighting games come close in terms of worldbuilding.

[@DonCritic]

💯 I love Mortal Kombat’s world and lore, it’s what makes it my favourite fighting game series

[@fireinthenight9028]

it's funny. they have so much material to work with. they could focus on antagonists side of stories. they have different realms , iconic fighters. they could give another take to the characters or expand their stories , it's crazy. so much potential is wasted.

[@Taydutt13]

I remember me and my brother playin this on co-op for hours when we were kids

[@DonCritic]

Nice memories!

[@kushkong1339]

swear its like they took the Konquest mode and just ran with that alone. And that shit WORKED.

[@kaben6940]

really sad that they didn't make sequels, it had the potential to compete with other franchises of that genre.

[@DonCritic]

Definitely, Shaolin Monks is one of the best beat em ups of its day

[@SupportGamin2025]

Shaolin monks is my favorite mortal kombat game,I love the fact its a retelling of Mortal Kombat 2

[@DonCritic]

It is such a fun game, I loved going back to it for this video

[@aaronjamison527]

Best mortal Kombat game ever. Hands down. This was my childhood

[@mr219gip5210]

One of the best MK side projects ever made. We're long overdue for a remastered/sequel of this kick ass game.. ED BOON! Hopefully we get this remastered/sequel in the near future. Thanks Don Critic!

[@DonCritic]

I hope he revives it too! Thank you aswell Troy, it’s been nice to see your comments on all my videos! 🙌

[@RubenRyb66]

Idk how a shaolin monks sequel or similar kind of game hasn't been released yet. Especially after the success of god of war.

[@Skill390]

im glad that your channel is doing well mate ❤

[@DonCritic]

Thanks so much!

[@WolfDaeLegend]

And as I said in the community tab. I AM HERE FOR THIS ONE SPECIFICALLY!!! brb gonna watch

[@DonCritic]

Thanks 😃

[@pureakkuracy7510]

This in my opinion is the most underrated game of all time the attention to detail in this game the combat system the story the graphics (for the time period) this shit was fucking amazing and it’s a shame developers don’t make games like this anymore

[@KidBowsur]

Nah this shit was ugly when it came out too

[@pureakkuracy7510]

@@KidBowsur you must be young cus that was great graphics for the time lol

[@dino7968]

Absolutly loved this series! Feels like such a simple concept, but when it's well done like you're doing, it makes me want to see more! I loved the mk 2 explained video and I must say, the quality of the video keeps being better and better! keep up the good work!

[@DonCritic]

Wow thank you so much!! 🙏 I’m gonna keep going and getting better for you and all my viewers!

[@walkinglootchest1251]

The Inferno Scorpion boss fight is hands down the best boss fight in this game. I remember how hyped I got we he showed up. It was so bad ass!

[@DonCritic]

Yeah that boss is great! Interestingly I found, Scorpions attack where he spins his kunai on a chain around in a circle and then launches it at you, is part of Scorpions moveset in MK11

[@TevyaSmolka]

I loved shaolin monks its such a underrated game in my opinion.

[@DonCritic]

💯

[@TevyaSmolka]

@@DonCritic indeed :)

[@shybonner]

I always felt like this game is one of the best ways to experience Mortal Kombat. It captured that dark and eerie/horror feeling so well and the combat felt so good

[@DavidLucian]

Nostalgic Vibes... MK Shaolin Monks will always be one of my favourite games, especially from the old but gold Era of PS2... ☯️✌️

[@gunta4427]

4:55 Liu Kang: *about to test his might* That one monk: *runs into the raging fire, burning himself to death*

[@DonCritic]

😂

[@Meban101]

We need more couch co-op MK games, i remember playing this for hours with my friends it was a fun experience fighting for a single cause instead of each other unlike new MK titles.

[@DonCritic]

I agree

[@AlmostCoolGuys]

From Deadly Alliance to Armageddon I was there for it. It was crazy to have this drop and get to explore the MK worlds with my brother. Good ol Midway days.

[@bluedoom]

I've been waited for this video, keep up the good work!

[@DonCritic]

Thank you so much! 🙏

[@Sundy4]

I would buy this remaster / MK adventure game in a heart beat

[@dustinkirk2440]

Love ur channel... watched almost every video about each game released in the Mortal Kombat Series. This was one game I never played before. Now gotta look for it on the PS network. Don't have a ps5 for mk1 so I guess will buy it and play at my brother's . just like back in 09 with mk9 for ps3.

[@DonCritic]

Thanks Dustin! If you still have a PS2, you should be able to find a fairly cheap second hand copy

[@ewanbone6053]

Incredible video, I'm hooked on this series😊

[@DonCritic]

Thank you! 😊

[@RetroDoubleDJ]

7:47 The way Baraka gets up has me about to act up lmfao

[@lucasdiazjr5679]

Hands down one of if not the best midway game depicting an mk konquest I wish we got more like that sequel we never got. Thank you so much for doing this game

[@jasonr2832]

0:07 Johnny cage it’s a canon event

[@aaronneville1278]

This is arguably the funnest local co op game ever made

[@sergioparedes2886]

Love these videos man

[@DonCritic]

Thank you Sergio!!

[@thealchemist353]

This is actually the first MK game I played. I remember playing it in a daycare when I was a kid. Now that I'm an adult I realized, Why the fuck was this game in a daycare??

[@DonCritic]

Haha 😂

[@quarantined-evil9145]

just went to a nostalgic journey with this video amazing video good job keep it up looking foward to see more of your videos

[@DonCritic]

Thanks so much! 😃 and will do

[@DevilsAbove]

My man forgot to mention the Kabal side mission where you find him locked in a cage above ground and can give him his hookswords back. It’s also before he has his mask.

[@DonCritic]

You’re absolutely right, I should’ve brought this moment up 🙏

[@DevilsAbove]

@@DonCritic It’s all good. We all are human and make mistakes. Unless you’re some kind of Cybernetic Ninja, lol. I was kinda looking forward to this during your MK II video afterwards as you’ve done with some others, like MK 4 and Mythologies: Sub-Zero, as those two games are tied together.

[@DonCritic]

Thanks man, I wanted to cover the games in the order they released unless they are like a straight remaster or port. Cause I like to describe how the series has evolved throughout. But it’s a great idea to have covered it with MK2 🙂

[@kingspiffy_6mg520]

This was my favorite mortal Kombat scene of all them squaring Off in the temple

[@MichaelDixon-ux4es]

Thanks, that was a great video! I do vaguely remember playing the co-op mode, and I thought it was a good game.

[@DonCritic]

Cheers Mike!! 🙂 so glad you enjoyed the video 🙌

[@Chillspiracy]

One of the best games ever

[@the_NNPW]

Great breakdown of this game. I actually had no clue this was supposed to be a Mythologies: Liu Kang game at all. The more you know!

[@DonCritic]

Thanks Nick buddy!! 🙂

[@Y2Jerms]

I just bonged the other videos a couple of days ago. These are so well done! Keep up the great work!

[@DonCritic]

Thanks so much my friend!

[@Y2Jerms]

@@DonCritic your very welcome!

[@basixs88]

Best mortal Kombat game ever, NRS lacks the creativity to remake this

[@redwolfe7049]

I totally agree

[@kashifevans9072]

Me and my girlfriend played this alot. Then we got the codes for Sub Zero and Scorpion. We could never get past Shao Khan

[@jonathandoe2316]

This was the shit I didn't even expect much from this. It became my favorite Mortal Kombat. Me and my cousin played this to death almost literally. Non-stop why have they not given us another one sold well well received. All these remakes these days I'd take a Shaolin Monks sequel or remake. Before Mortal Kombat 1 anyday just put it back and give us Shaolin Monks.

[@DonCritic]

Yeah I’d love a remake or sequel to this aswell! I bet it would be incredibly popular

[@randomguysays]

I remember when this game came out I would go down to the game stop at the mall every day and just look at the big old cardboard cut display they had, Since I had it pretty ordered the staff got so tired of seeing me there every day I got to take my copy home 3 days early.. That was a good game.. I consider it cannon, just in my head it's one of the alternate worlds we learn about in Mortal Kombat (2011) just like Special Forces and Mythologies. "Its all connected" thanks to the multiverse and Kronikas time manipulation in 11.

[@Des_Armoni]

Wish they did more of these! This game was perfect. Great story and gameplay.

[@DonCritic]

Yeah I’d love to see a second one

[@Des_Armoni]

@@DonCritic you are killing these essays man!! Nice work!

[@DonCritic]

@@Des_Armoni thank you mate! Next episode is nearly done 😃🙌

[@Des_Armoni]

@@DonCritic cant wait!!

[@ramansk83]

This is my favorite, non-traditional MK game!! The lore and gameplay goes together like bread and butter. I still remember being so mesmerized and dumbfounded during my first play of this game. I was hooked on it from day one and still remain a big fan of this. I really hope NRS make another one like this or even a remastered version of this on current consoles!!

[@WatchingYouTube700]

Those graphics in that cutscene are so good for a game that old

[@andiakpan8502]

Loved this version of Lao. Wasn’t insecure and showed better judgement than lui at times

[@hydromk6175]

I can't explain how good this game is, me and my brother still play it and we never get bored really hope there will be a remake or sequal

[@ThatOneDude521]

Still crazy to me that this was my intro to the MK series as a kid. Fucking love this game.

[@azharmoosa4005]

awesome video i used to love playing this game with my brothers back in the day what a time.

[@DonCritic]

Thanks Azhar!

[@stonertech5937]

Still the best mortal komat to date.

[@bamboozla9977]

This game is the reason Kung Lao was my favorite growing up, loved playing as him. So nostalgic. I never really played MK before that or even after. Not until MK9 in which i had to watch him get his neck snapped. I was livid lol

[@craineyfit8619]

Daaaamn this looks good!! As a beat em up fan I can't believe I missed this!!! 😫

[@DonCritic]

It’s such a shame it’s never seen a port to more modern consoles or a remaster so more people could play it

[@RIPMIST]

I used to play this on my ps2 when I was a kid lol good times

[@sotsubreivaj]

Prior to its peak here in Argentina, PS2 was found mostly in a lot of stores where one could play it by paying for the hour. Although there were a great deal of games available, the three most chosen by far were FIFA, PES (as we love football/soccer) and Shaolin Monks. That was somewhat odd since it was an adventure game which one's progress could not be saved and yet this game became an icon for children and teenagers who also got their own copy of the game at the moment they could get their own PS2 at home.

[@leviathan_is_me]

I always saw Shaolin Monks as a 3d version of the old 2d side scrolling beat em ups Ala Spider-Man and Venom: Maximum Carnage or Separation Anxiety. 🤔

[@DonCritic]

Yeah absolutely right, and it was great!

[@joelquevedo5103]

Yes!! Here for the video drop. Let's see how it goes.

[@DonCritic]

🙌

[@AntonioDragon88]

One of my top ten favorite games of all time.

[@hugheggs]

this is the best co-op beatem up game ever made. immensely underrated.

[@johnallen6281]

During a time, where online games wasn’t the focus, rather couch coop was. All these games were so far ahead of their time when it comes to the coops. Also the fact that these games all had a lil demo for the next game they were releasing was so good

[@wheresmydinner7248]

I miss this game. I tried on PCSX2, but its not the same single player. My brother and I played through several times switching characters each time. Loved that they added Subzero and Scorpion as characters in the story

[@strubberyg7451]

That's how my cousin and I were introduced to to the game. At an age where we were a bit too young, and our copy was badly pirated, so we only got up to a certain point in the campaign...

[@misterboxhead3045]

When liu kang and kun lao said "WE ARE THE SHAOLIN MONKS!!!!!" I cried

[@Shuua3AM]

Just a little Easter egg I thought I’d mention, the fatality that you preform on Shang Tsung is the exact way he kills Liu in Deadly Alliance.

[@DonCritic]

Yeah it is! He snaps his neck from behind! I’ll fit it into the intro for my Armageddon video 😁

[@MrMirsadm]

I loved this game so much

[@robertpaul6070]

This monk needs to be added to or something similar

[@antyoung24]

This game was every. I still have my ps2 copy. I hope this gets a remaster of some sort or even more fun there could be a shaolin monks telling the mk3 and mk4 story

[@trevorstevenson4038]

I love how Scorpion is a nuisance, free radical vengeful spirit. There's just something very comedic about him haha

[@notsofriendlysquidd2351]

I just found ur videos today and I already love them now wait for armaggedon vid

[@DonCritic]

Thanks so much Squidd! Armageddon will be soon and will be awesome!

[@synther421]

One word LEGENDARY!!

[@hootponca77397]

14:09 IT HAD A SURVIVAL MODE?????!!!!!

[@redwolfe7049]

It's crazy how it took literally years to find out

[@michaeldiaz3521]

Was ahead of its time and god that intro for this game was so 🔥 very underrated I felt like this game was ! And it would be amazing if they brought a remastered version for ps5 and Xbox !

[@DonCritic]

Totally agree, Shaolin Monks Remastered would be great

[@Z-Mods]

14:17 It is technically called "Boss Rush" in the game's data. ;^)

[@Gambette69]

As a standalone game, this definitely could’ve become a series like God of War, and I do not understand why it didn’t.

[@DonCritic]

Midway was having internal struggles, but now being owned by Warner Bros Interactive, now would be the best time to get out a new action spin-off MK game

[@maximos905]

A 3D platformer, beat-em-up, fighting game with RPG elements. Damn i miss this game

[@mr.blueitachi5258]

You did an excellent job at explaining this masterpiece keep up these great videos 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@DonCritic]

Thanks so much my friend! 🙏

[@gremlin0890]

Big fan! But when is the next video coming? My excitement can’t take the pressure lol

[@DonCritic]

Haha thanks! I’m in the final stages of the Armageddon script, then I can start editing, it should take another 2/3 days 🙏🙂

[@bennytenny4662]

I loved playing this game with my brother. It’s perfect, it introduced both of us to MK. It trips me out to realize how good we were at the game for us being so young at the time. This game’s meant to be played in Co-op obviously but it really is something special in Co-op. They really just need to rerelease it fr. I’d drop 100 dollars on it easy.

[@u.a.perfectace7786]

Netherealm needs to make a sequel to Shaolin Monks. Brings me back to a better Era of gaming. My brother and I bonded over playing this game from start to finish. Good memories, loved the combat system and a re telling of MK 2. Major plus is exploring the world of MK, which we hardly do since it's mostly in cutscenes.

[@IssacGore]

I got this game for Christmas back in 2006 it took me a long time to finish this game I had so much trouble defeating Shoa Khan.

[@DonCritic]

That’s a great memory, Shao Kahn is a monster to beat haha 😂

[@Tessio_]

Take a shot every time he says "Shaolin Monks"

[@DonCritic]

☠️

[@Tessio_]

@@DonCritic Good videos by the way mate

[@baldmadmac]

I enjoyed it. Best part also got a demo for suffering ties that bind in the extra menus

[@sly4293]

One of the best games i hv ever played... Wish they could do a remake...

[@nsgames24]

1:46 - 1:50 I love how that rhymes

[@DonCritic]

Haha 😄

[@BEATz685]

Had such good memories hiring this game from United Video when it came out. Was so much fun man. I was hoping to see a sequel come out so hopefully we could get one some in the PS5, Xbox Series X/S era.

[@DonCritic]

Hopefully we get one 🙏

[@BEATz685]

@@DonCritic love your work by the way ❤️ appreciate your videos and keeping up with this series! It’s awesome! Well done ❤️

[@DonCritic]

That’s awesome! Thanks so much mate! I’ve got Armageddon uploading as we speak! 😃

[@BEATz685]

@@DonCritic lessgooo! 💯💯💯

[@Mankey619]

I just wish Ed Boon brings a remastered port for this game. Not only Shaolin Monks, but to bring a collection of old MK games too.

[@Hollywoohorse]

Reptile's design in this game is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@thedavisdimension]

Again really loving these. Are you going to do Armageddon and DC Universe?

[@DonCritic]

Thank you! Yeah so next video is Armageddon, then DC Universe 🙂

[@unculturedsage]

All these years I did not know there was a survival mode😮 this alone made me want to replay it (even though I was going to anyway)

[@DonCritic]

Look for a guide online for the step by steps to find it 🙂

[@arkan5000]

I was the right age, 13-14 and i remember these 2 games were a big talk among my friends. I had deception and a friend had shaolin monks ans we both went to each other houses to play them. Once staying up all night till 7am beating SM in one sitting.

[@DonCritic]

That’s awesome you completed it all in one night!

[@noname768397]

They really need to made Shaolin Monks 2 battling Shinnok and Quan Chi, the combat system is good as hell conparable to God of War at the time

[@DonCritic]

I’d love to see that!

[@abtuseplays]

Wish they made more MK games like this. Or at least a story mode like Shujinko's and Taven's but in this style.