First of all, NRS hit a home run with this game. If you like old school MK, the demo, or any well desgined fighting game that plays worth a shit you'll love this one. Graphics, sound, play control, depth, replayability, secrets, you name it. Here are some important tidbits:

It'll take some study of the mechanics to get good--UTILIZE PRACTICE MODE!!!

About six months too soon for any tier list, but my first impressions of Kung Lao, Nightwolf, and Reptile are very positive. Kung Lao will be top tier I think. His Spin move is one of the best Specials in the game. Great range, close combat prowess, high damage combos, ease of use...I can go on.
I haven't played online yet, but I've seen PS3 videos on youtube and it looks playable. Maybe not offline tournament playable but you know what I mean.

There's so much single player stuff to do. A story mode, challenge tower (lots of fun), Test your might/strike/sight/luck, tutorials, practice mode (remember this), Krypt for unlockables, Arcade Tower (I have tips for the bosses on Expert if anyone's interested), and tag team mode.

Instead of me providing individual player guides, do yourselves a favor and go to the testyourmight.com forum and read TomBrady's breakdown of each character--yes the New England QB before you ask. He's one of the elite MK players in the world. Just click on your favorite character's picture and pick the stickied guide. Tips for high level gameplay.

I look forward to seeing some of you guys online.

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Good to hear Bucker. I haven't reached Kahn in story mode, but I have played and beat him on Expert difficulty. Some characters such as Kung Lao will have an easier time with him than others. It's just a fact. Try this:

Jump forward to avoid his spinning hammer move (it's unblockable/unduckable) dash forward and unleash a combo or quick punisher. A player specific strategy for example is to teleport behind him at this time with Kung Lao and tap 3 (at the peak of the teleport, this will allow you to link the following), 2, 1~Spin, jump kick~Dive Kick. 16%. Replace the last part with an X ray and it's 22%. Or save the meter for a breaker, but I use X rays and EX Specials.

I still need to get better as far as close combat goes against him, but I've had success jumping over him and kicking him from behind at close range to get separation. Staying close to Kahn is bad news unless you're aware of something I'm not. His moves have Super armor (why?), so chain combos will be unreliable unless you're punishing a projectile or he's taunting you. These are the times to hit him.

Yes, Smoke will be a good one. Not easy street insta-good like a Scorpion but he can literally shut down zoning against him. Characters that rely on projectiles will have to adjust big time against Smoke due to his Shaker move. Super fast teleport, air throw, and his pain in the ass invisibility are noteworthy too. Big combos are possible with much practice.

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Hopefully i will be picking this up over the weekend.

From what ive seen certain characters have already displayed their respective playstyles/abilities to show themselves as high tier(S) or mid tier(A).

Such characters i see this in are Kung Lao, Smoke, **SPOILER ALERT**Cyber Sub Zero**END SPOILER ALERT**, Ermac, Shang Tsung, Raiden, Nightwolf, Sonya, Johnny Cage, Kano, Kabal, and finally Liu Kang.

Some MK9 forums are debating about the collected data for each character due to match outcomes relying more on who is fighting whom.

However as River stated earlier in this topic, i think, it is too early to say which characters belong in which tier.

When i pick the game up I'll be completing Story mode first (Expert difficulty) then i will be moving on towards the competitive scene.

I'll be renting this game for online carnage only. lol spanking readneck

It has a online passcode required to play online. so renting it is not going to do much good lol

I love the game so far but have not played much of it. I have been [;aying the shit out of socom4. Regardless though MK has made history in my home a it is the first game ever that both my fiancee and step daughter have played for hours on end. Funny they have more game time in then i do lol.

I have tomorrow off so i will be playing it more over the long weekend. I have much to learn but did manage to land a 10 hit combo in story mode out of no where with ease using sonya blade stringing her punches and kicks together works rather easy IMO.

Regardless MK's score with me is 5 stars IMO the reboot has saved the series.

To one of your points, Soul, individual skill is a bigger factor in matchups instead of the collected data as stated in the strategy guide but when that's comparable, certain characters are obviously going to be much better than others. For example, I haven't heard one good thing about Sheeva. We'll just see what happens as strategies develop for every fighter and matchup.

With all that being said, I haven't used half of the fighters yet outside the challenge tower/story mode. The former not being a good indicator of a fighter's abilities due to the "random" nature of the game mode. So I still have so much to learn...

Getting through the entire story mode on expert will be a challenge. They're throwing characters in my lap that I haven't even selected in practice mode yet and then pitting me against 2 opponents at a time. I shamefully lowered the difficulty to medium :(. It's still fun though.

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Sonya's X ray alone is around 11 hits. Trophy!!! It's also one of the more entertaining IMO.

i agree Mosh that NRS has this series headed back in the right direction. Finally!!!!




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*SPOILER ALERT* Cyrax's Babality is D, F, B, 2 from jump distance. *END SPOILER*

Yes Individual Player Skill is the BIGGEST factor in any fighting game.

i agree with that completely.

For example, in MVC3 Dormammu(zoner/projectile based) is regarded as useless in close combat/ against rushdown characters and is in the mid/lower mid tier of characters as of late. I use all of his moves to my utmost advantage such as:

flame carpet, multi hit trap normal, proceeding into a close range dark hole(SP move),then into forward heavy attack( launches opponent to opposite side of the screen), then into long range purification(anti-air/ OTG move), finally ending it with his chaotic flame special.

CSZ is currently put at low tier due to numbers, however I see him as being one of the best punishers in this game especially with the use of wake-up moves.

I haven't unlocked CSZ yet but I think he'll be interesting as a Cyrax/Sub Zero hybrid.

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Yes that is something that causes it to be that much more challenging however, it makes us learn different playstyles, depending on the character, as well as discovering which characters we like other than the given "Badass/iconic" characters such as Sub-Zero and Scorpion.

I hope you guys are having fun with the game so far and that you're both in training mode learning new combos and techniques because you're going to need it when you go against me.

lol

other than that have either of you thought about getting a fight stick?

Also, on the controller do you prefer the Pad or joystick?

Here are some Smoke combos for your viewing pleasure...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qWJ3r-nT0o&feature=feedu

Bucker, when are you going to be on PS3 so we can get some casual matches in? There's much experimenting to do with different tactics and sometimes the AI and practice mode don't cut it.

lol Bring it on Soulman! I'm not a stranger to these fighting games. Competition makes us all better. And I live in the practice arena. You may want to visit it yourself as even the top players spend much of their time in that mode.

To answer your questions: yes I considered getting the T.E. fight stick but they were sold out. I use the D pad and I think it suffices.

p.s. I'm glad you're finally joining us here on the forums, Soul, as I think you have a lot to contribute to this game in particular.

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That vid was very satisfying, makes me want to get the game right now haha.

I Practically lived in MVC3s training mode when it first came out testing new characters learning every special for the poeple that i main as well as testing out DHCs, OTGs, timing, Meter calculation for extended combos as well as hit boxes.

River, you and I will have some very fierce game in the future.
2 guns

haha

I have a mvc T.E fightstick, however from what ive read on some forums, the MK official T.E stick is more practical.

So im in a bind on whether or not to go for a new Stick along with the game which will end up costing around 100+ for both.

I can't confirm this, as I've not used it myself, but the stick that comes with the tournament edition has received great reviews. Just as good as the real arcade sticks (button layout and everything) from back in the day.

For all of you guys that wish to be impressed, go to youtube and look up CHECK4900. Best MK combos in the world.



Bucker, I found a way to battle Shao Kahn up close and personal. Remember in an earlier post I said jump over him at close range and jump kick from behind? Don't jump kick--read his whiffed attack and dash in and punish with your best combo. Looks pretty easy actually. My tactics from a distance still work, too.



**SPOILER ALERT** If you don't block and perform a babality on every fighter on expert mode, Goro/Kintaro and Shao Kahn will turn into a baby when you defeat them as well! Remember, no blocking. **END SPOILER**

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How do you play with the Ecstasy Box's D pad?

Bucker, view those Smoke combos in my previous post and tell me what you think. You don't have to thank me. :)

I beat Shao Kahn on Expert last night with Reptile using the jump over him and throw out a big combo while he misses me with his hammer. Works terrifically. Goro and Kintaro are simply too easy to begin with.

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You did tell me in a previous post. My bad. So are you finished with story mode after beating Kahn with Lui Kang?

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That's the tip of the iceberg. Subscribe and watch his Kratos, Reptile, Kung lao combos. Many more to come. Try integrating some of his strings, even partially, into your own combos.

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@ Bucker
to switch the costumes and view the concept art/vidoes they like to put as bonus kontent i believe you have to go to the krypt and from there go to the Nekropolis i think it's called and from there you can view/choose the unlockables.

Also guys here is a link to a live stream where there will be high-level MK9 & MVC3 gameplay

http://www.justin.tv/leveluplive

I'll confirm what Soul said. Go to Extras in the main menu. Go to Nekropolis. Once you click on a fighter, a message will pop up saying you can now use the alternate costume. Scorpion's alt isn't great IMO but his classic (MK1) costume is.

Go to the gallery in the Nekropolis and view the art/music/other b.s. you unlocked in the krypt.

Watch Check's Shang Tsung Combo video he just posted. Don't think about it. Just do it. 87% with Kratos/Tsung. I can't wait to use him after watching this.

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MK Casuals @ Next Level NY

http://www.justin.tv/teamsp00ky#/w/1123183712

That's because the game is so awesome and you're playing nonsop? :) Since the network is down, what is everyone doing? Practice? Arcade Ladder? Challenge Tower?

I'm currently practicing with Reptile, Kung Lao, and Cyrax. But I'm getting ready to start using Smoke, Sub Zero, Johnny Cage, Sonya and some others I've never used before, such as Jax.

BTW, I recorded a 71% corner combo with Kung Lao this morning. Not the greatest, Check's 87% is best I've seen, but I'm happy nevertheless. I also have a 54% corner combo with Reptile I've discovered. Anybody have anything noteworthy they want to share?

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I 'll rent MK for the xbox. RHB makes sound like fun.

That will work. I can't wait to get online someday in the distant future so we can play each other and I can put some theories to the test. And I've been meaning to ask you, which classic costume did you get with the game?

And I'm sure you know, Bucker, there's a trophy/acheivement called the Turtle...

Burro, get this for PS3 so we can all go online someday.

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That was creepy Bucker, thanks...lol

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I just played as Smoke for the first time on Arcade ladder last night and I'm impressed. I ran a train on the Expert A.I. with few tactics.

Here's a tip on connecting with a smoke bomb after an air throw:

Try and air throw your opponent when they're as close to the ground as possible. Example, jump in with a punch and link in 3, D+1, 2 immediately jump forward and jump kick~air throw right before the opponent hits the ground. Now time your smoke bomb to where you throw it as you land. After it hits you can perform another jump kick~air throw for 41% or X-ray for 54%. It's easier than it sounds.

Smoke is really good. Easy damaging combos, one of the best projectiles in the game that leads to at least 18% damage, completely shuts down projectiles at anything other than close quarters, invisibility as an annoyance, and he seems like a fast character. Definitely one of my favorites so far.

And I got a 55% Reptile midscreen last night. As soon as I pay off my credit cards I'll go buy the recording stuff and show you guys.

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Still trying to rent. readneck

I mailed you the sixty bucks this morning. Go purchase when received. Online will be patched in a week or two.

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You might need my address. lol. Things are just a little tight to drop $60 since I have a newborn now. I will rent. I promise. If I really really like it, then I may buy it. readneck

No worries, I put the cash in an envelope labeled "T.P.". It'll find you. lol

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Bring it! Also as u might know most ppl on MK XBL use the same move over & over & over again.

Try to input codes with other players, but they puss out. They wont do then EX:666-666 or 911-911

I'm jealous of you guys getting to play online. I'm stuck beating my meat in practice mode, although I admit it is important, and whipping up on some of the easiest boss characters in fighting game history.

So, who are you guys using? Any thoughts on any characters?

And Javi, if you get MK for PS3 I'll do Zombie and armless combat. I'm not afraid....lol

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i will try to rent for the ps3 soon. Texas Pride Should also rent it once the PSN RETURNS?

Finish story Easy Mediun, Hard. Too easy.
50% OF The grave yard owend ,
Challengge tower 69lvl
Players , Stirker, Raiden, Kitana, Subzero (NOOB), NightWold, SHE HULK?
Will need to re-do all this thing for the PS3 n need to get the passcode for online play.

@ river
I've seen what you get for completion of the challenge tower, not worth it in my opinion.

Also iive been wathing many live streams, when I've gotten the chance, and there isn't a whole lot of creativity in the bnb combo department for this in mid to high levels of competitive play.

But, I do think that once people start to play 2v2 more and experiment more with that in the lab, training mode, the games potential will be realized. Sooner or later 2v2 will become a standard for MK in competitions. This, in my opinion, is the only way that MK will be accepted as a norm in the competitive scene. (EVO, POWER UP, 8- BIT, ETC.)

@ BUCKER
Pertaining to your character main, honestly if people say that a certain character is easy, scorpion, kung Lao, ect., all that should say to you is that they have come to see this character fighting a certain way and upon seeing that character in the load screen they will more than likely think up a flowchart as to how your fighter will play out.

In my opinion i say use who you like but to a certain extent, try to have at least 2-3 other mains in the game. This way you can throw off players who have come to 'know' your playstyle with one character.

Also, MIND GAMES, always will be a way to make your opponent fight how you want them to fight, as well as to get them to approach you on YOUR terms.

@ FACE IT/ DAD

GOOD WORK POPS

MEN WILL CRY AND GO INTO THE FETAL POSITION WHEN YOUR NAME IS WHISPERED AND WOMEN WILL MAKE YOU SANDWICHES AT EVERY HOUR ON THE HOUR AT THE EXPENSE OF NOT BEING ABLE TO COME OUT OF THE KITCHEN.


And just an FYI for you guys I will be getting mk9 after my laptop gets fixed and everything has been sorted out.

Face it, you think Sub is a Noob or you like Noob Saibot? She Hulk? lol lol lol If you're talking about Sheeva, I'm impressed. Most people seem to stay away from her as she's considered low tier as of now.

As of now, I'm liking Kung Lao, Cyrax (need to show you guys his bomb trap, it's too good), Reptile, Kitana, Ermac, Nightwold, and Johnny Cage. I also like others as there are many good characters in this game. Sub zero might be the best in the game (not fanboyism). I can't wait to use Cyber Sub Zero but I've blown off story mode for the last two weeks. I used Noob in the arcade ladder last night and let me say that if you don't like spamming moves, you're not using that guy properly.

Bucker, you're right; Scorpion is considered easy street by many but there's nothing wrong using/maining him. I'm certainly not above using him myself. Glad you like the fightstick. I thought about getting the tournament edition but gs was sold out. That's the way MK was originally played back in the day. Can you use the fightstick for PS3 too? Or are you going to be Xbox exclusive with MK9?

Can't wait to start playing online. Come on sony...


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i agree with Soulman. 2-3 mains is a good number. This game seems matchup based so if you're having trouble beating a certain character with someone, you can switch it up and use a different type of fighter. ex. rushdown vs. zoner--Johnny Cage vs. Reptile.

I've seen some pretty creative combos in a stream I watched Monday night. Some characters are better than others certainly. I know what the reward for the challenge tower is. Nothing special, i agree, but I find the tower fun and want to do it once anyways.

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@ Mijo,
Tell your tio to hurry up n fix computer . And to get u a 360 at employee discount price.


@ RHB ,
She Hulk is not slow, When you know how to use her. SUBISNOOB NOO8ISSUB?

@ Bucker
BRING IT!

Yes but I'll probably buy it locally. Are you still cool with rendering and posting for me?

What kind of videos would you guys like to see? BnB combos? Expert difficulty arcade ladder? Challenge tower? Tutorials like Cyrax's bomb trap? The location of where I bury my hookers?

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Bucker, Javi, how are your MK matches going on 360? I wish I could see them. I want to see Burro's She Hulk.

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Faceit, do you remember us playing Mortal Kombat II on the PS3 downloadable content? The mics weren't working though. readneck

Remember! i had nightmare that i was turn into a Down, Back, Back, Forward, High Punch.. Then the next day you made it reality. I was in (close) Hold Low Kick for 5 seconds then tap Block + Low Kick . wtf!

You cheated TP usIng a modded controller with pre assigned buttons BS .

BRING IT! Texas Pride BRING IT! for i will taste sweet revenge,

But after all is said an done, we have a strong Bak,Back,Down,High Kick lol with "RO"


Fuck You if cant figure out this post, YES YOU .
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