Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (Microsoft Xbox)
Published by MIDWAY HOME ENT. Rated M for Mature.

Way back in 1992, one video game broke all the rules of decency to become one of the most popular games of all time. Mortal Kombat mixed innovative 'digitized' graphics with such gruesomeness as freezing your opponent and removing his spine. Countless sequels later, publisher Midway Entertainment has started a plan to release a new MK every year. Thus we are presented with Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks.

In MK:SM, you play as two of Mortal Kombat's more well-known characters; Liu Kang and Kung Lao. Together with an assortment of other popular figures in MK mythology, you retrace the story of the sorcerer Shang Tsung's attempt to take over the Earth Realm. For those unaware of this plot, basically it involves you beating the crap out of a whole lot of people.

As opposed to its fighting game roots, MK:SM is instead a beat'em up action title. Although this isn't necessarily new ground for the MK anthology, this is definitely the first time it has succeeded in this format.

Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks has an unmistakably old-school, 'just for fun' feel. Whereas other titles in the genre go for hyper-realism or T&A , MK:SM prefers to take the light-hearted, hilariously gory path. If you're looking for a deep single player story, then you should probably look elsewhere, but as far as mindless entertainment goes, this game ranks among the best in a long while.

The story mode is shallow and simplistic to the extreme, coupled with cheesy voice acting that takes itself just seriously enough to be comical. But single player is not its strong point. The real entertainment comes from the Ko-op mode. You and a friend (local, as Xbox Live is not an option) duke it out cooperatively, combining forces for devastating combos. There's also a versus mode, but this just seems very tacked on and undeveloped.

In the technical department, MK:SM is merely average. The graphics are certainly presentable (especially in the gore department), but are nothing spectacular. The sound effects are bold and clear, but as I said above, the voice acting leaves much to be desired.

Considering these points, Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks would have received an average score if it wasn't just so freakin' fun. In a game such as this, cutting-edge graphics and twisting plot lines are about as necessary as a bandage for a decapitation (something quite common in MK:SM). Executing Kung Lao's Fatality, which consists of a bladed-hat slicing your opponent in half (the long way, I might add), is more than enough reason to guarantee a rental, but the lack of Xbox Live support and final polishing may sway people from dishing out $50 for it.

However, for fans of the Mortal Kombat mythos or of the mindless beat'em ups of an age long past, Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks should be near the top of your wishlist.

Rating: 4/5

Plowing through the smoke of internet para-normality, Ghost Files steams back into the station for another week of ghastly review. We are now three weeks without pause, in what is probably a new GF record.

This week, the Top Story covers the rather expected story of ghostly activity in New Orleans. Plus, by blaming crime on the paranormal, a Las Vegas driver leaves a taint of disbelief. Finally, we at long last get some cryptozoological action.

Prepare yourself, the Files are opening...Full Article

Read the full Ghost Files archive at BinnallofAmerica.com.

Week 11 - September 23

Winner: Battlestar Galactica ("Pegasus")

Game over, man, game over.

This has been a season of close calls. Last week, I wracked my brain as to whether or not two good Sg-1 episodes should win over a great Battlestar. It was rather stiff competition to be going up against two Stargates, and it was this quantity that put Sg-1 on top. This week, Battlestar once again faced off against two Stargates, now of the Atlantis variety. However, the call was far from close. Despite Atlantis' best efforts, Battlestar Galactica proved why it is the greatest show on television.

In episode 2.10 ("Pegasus") the Colonial Fleet is bolstered by the sudden appearance of another Battlestar. Aboard the Pegasus commands Admiral Cain (Michelle Forbes of Star Trek: The Next Generation), the last surviving superior officer to Commander Adama (Edward James Olmos). Almost immediately, a division forms between the two crew's unique ways of operating. Will this miracle encounter strengthen the survivors of humanity? Or will human nature drive them to the brink of civil war?

The season one finale to Battlestar Galactica was the most shocking and unexpected cliffhangers I had ever seen. Therefore, my hopes were quite high for season two. And, I am ecstatic to say, "Pegasus" not only met them, it far surpassed them. Never before has the prospect of waiting for the next season ever felt so daunting. This captivating and heartfelt episode flowed so quickly and dramatically, that when 'To Be Continued' appeared, my heart nearly stopped. Throughout the episode, a great tension was being formed, the suspense building up to an inevitable and devastating climax that...Frak! The show's over. They leave us at such a cliff-hanger that even Sylvester Stallone would likely collapse.

Performances were great, throughout. Each actor portrayed the sense of tension and urgency with masterful efficiency. It was excellent to see how this cast (that I have become rather acquainted to) compares to the foreign influence of new characters. This cast is so relatable, that it felt like I, personally, was experiencing the drama with them. The crew of the Pegasus felt so different and alien that I was just as affected as the crew of the Galactica. This is a crowning achievement of both writing and acting, and is why I believe Battlestar Galactica is so successful at what it does.

Like all good pieces of science fiction, Battlestar Galactica is, at its core, a reflection on human nature. In "Pegasus" this nature is as dark as ever. The episode tries to tackle the issues of rape and prisoner mistreatment. One could draw a parallel to our current military climate, but I think it transcends politics and reflects humanity as a whole. A show that can make you feel sympathy for a cyborg that helped in the destruction of mankind over humans themselves damn well deserves respect.

All I can say now is that the next four months will feel like an eternity.

Memorable Scene:

"My name is Gaius Baltar, and I'm here to help."

James Callis gave his most emotional and touching monologue to date. I feel that he is the sleeper hit of the series. The lack of acclaim for his performances only bolsters my contempt of television award programs.

Next Week:

All three shows have aired their finale, thus concluding the summer season Sci-Fi Showdown. Next week will feature the Showdown Awards in which I will award the shows, episodes, and actors I felt stood out. Stay tuned for full info.

Standings (Final):

Stargate Sg-1: 2
Stargate Atlantis: 2
Battlestar Galactica: 6

~Mike

Here's what you can expect this week at Khyron.Net...

• Monday: Sci-Fi Showdown - Week 11
• Wednesday: Ghost Files
• Thursday: Review: Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks
• Friday (night): Sci-Fi Showdown Awards

Plan your internet surfing accordingly.

Thank you.

*Edit*
New updates!

You will now notice a 'Sci-Fi Showdown' score card on the right navigation pane. Also, the site contents have been updated. You now have access to the review archive, links, and contact sections. Stay tuned for more updates.

I have a problem.

It was in late July that I finally cancelled my subscription to the massive multiplayer game, The Matrix Online. Despite poor sales and reviews, I was able to look past its key flaws and enjoy its online, persistent world for nearly 6 months.

But The Matrix Online was just one in a string of massively multiplayer online RPG's that I had purchased. Although I never played them nearly as long as MxO, I also found some brief entertainment in Star Wars Galaxies, Final Fantasy XI, Guild Wars, City of Heroes, Everquest II, and Planetside, to name a few. In all cases, sooner or later (sooner in the case of Planetside) these games lost their appeal--turning them into a drudgery and a chore.

As is the case with MMORPG's, you pay to play, creating a sense of a need to play. Because every second you're not playing, you're essentially wasting the $15 you spent that month. Yet, as is evident by my extensive resume of games, for one reason or another I keep coming back.

I detailed my latest struggle with this problem and my supposed solution in the article: In search of a PC RPG. Basically, I chose to pursue off-line, single player games that I could play at my leisure and without worrying about a monthly charge. I declared an end to my MMO days, vowing to avoid them at all costs.

That vow lasted for nearly 2 months.

Unable to resist the urge, I have pre-ordered the upcoming NCsoft title, City of Villains. A side game to City of Heroes, CoV allows you to play as the bad guys, who are often much cooler than heroes (Cobra in GI Joe, for example).

As part of the pre-order, I will eventually get access to the pre-release Beta testing phase. And although a Non-Disclosure Agreement will keep from sharing my experiences here, you can expect loads of coverage regarding my opinion of the game when it is released in November.

City of Villains Main Page: Link

For all you esoteric junkies, Tim Binnall's interview with Ufologist Jim Marrs is up and running. It's a great interview with one of the most influential members of UFO investigation.

For those with an interest, I highly recommend it.

Check it out at BinnallofAmerica Audio.

Welcome to week two of Ghost Files' triumphant return from the void. This week I've got three more spookily fascinating articles covering multiple areas of esoterica.

For the Top Story, I present to you an article about more claims and theories regarding the visions at Fatima. Plus, cryptozoologists may have found a sample of Nessie's DNA. Finally, the Vatican is sounding a casting call for even more exorcists.

Brace yourself, Ghost Files cometh.

Read the full article Here.

Check out the full Ghost Files archive at BinnallofAmerica.com.

Week 10 - September 16
Winner: Stargate Sg-1 ("Fourth Horseman pt. 1")

What a nice problem to have.

Of all the tough calls this season, this was by far the toughest. Sg-1 came out with not one, but two episodes this week (one of them being the season finale). And they were probably the best of season 9, to boot. However, Battlestar Galactica also had a great episode--again, probably one of the best of its season. I contemplated this predicament at great lengths, finally choosing quantity the victor.

Had this been any other week, Battlestar would have been the clear winner. However, I felt two full hours of quality Sg-1 deserved the Showdown point.

In episode 9.9 (Fourth Horseman pt. 1), a returning Sg-Team falls victim to the mysterious Ori virus introduced in a past show. Despite the efforts of Gen. Landry (Beau Bridges) and Lt. Col. Mitchell (Ben Browder), this pathogen begins spreading throughout the US. Meanwhile, the Ancient named Orlin returns to help Carter (Amanda Tapping) synthesize a cure. This jampacked episode then expands to detail the growing unrest in the new Jaffa government. With Priors in contact with the Jaffa council and the US under quarantine, can Earth continue to resist the power of the Ori?

As I mentioned above, the season 9 finale was packed so full of plot lines that it seemed seemed like two episodes, itself. What was good about them, too, is that they took the risks one would expect in a finale. Much of the action in Sg-1 takes place off-world, leaving Earth relatively protected, but now the Priors (the big enemy this season) are doing their thing in our backyard. This was kind of a reality Sg-1, showing as closely as possible what would happen if alien missionaries attacked us a powerful virus. Outlandish to the extreme, yet undeniably entertaining.

As far as cliff-hangers go, "Fourth Horseman pt. 1" was pretty shocking. Nothing like Battlestar's season 1 finale, but I am thoroughly eager for the February premier.

Memorable Scene:

Although there weren't any memorable Browder one-liners, the highlight scene was probably the surprise at the end. When Gerak (Louis Gossett Jr.) stepped out with a Prior staff, I could be quoted as shouting, "Yeah Riiight!"

Next Week:

Sg-1 is out, now it's Atlantis turn for the two hour time-slot. As with Sg-1, we get a normal episode and the series finale. The teaser trailer doesn't give much away, but it looks like we may see the conclusion (or continuation) of the 'Ford's half Wraith' story arch. But what really has my attention is the season 2 finale for Battlestar Galactica. Although it will again be going against two episodes, if this finale is anything like season one's, Battlestar counts as three or four episodes of any other Sci-Fi show. I cannot wait.

Standings:

Stargate Sg-1: 2
Stargate Atlantis: 2
Battlestar Galactica: 5

~Mike

This is just a quick heads-up for all you fright fans. The theatrical trailer for "Saw II," the sequel to Lions Gate Film's surprise hit, has been released.

Released last year for the Halloween weekend, "Saw" was a tremendously refreshing (yet horrifically violent) treat amidst a genre dominated by Japanese re-makes. Staring Leigh Whannell and Cary Elwes, "Saw" detailed the exploits of a mysterious serial-killer named Jigsaw. The twist being that he never technically killed anyone. Rather, he got his victims to kill themselves.

What was essentially an independent film, "Saw" made over $55 million in box office sales, alone. Therefore, it was no surprise a sequel was announced mere days after its release.

Details are still sketchy at this point, but "Saw II" will feature actors Tobin Bell and Shawnee Smith from the original "Saw." Co-writer Leigh Whannell returned to write, but will not be reprising his role as Adam. The MPAA has given the film an 'R' rating for grisly violence and gore (among other things).

The official release date for "Saw II" is October 28.

Theatrical Trailer: http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/saw2.html
Official Site: http://www.saw2.com/

Yesterday at the Tokyo Game Show (the Japanese equivalent of our E3 expo), Nintendo unleashed the details for their next-generation controller design. And, boy, this one's a doozy.

For several months now, speculation has been high as to what the new Nintendo controller would look like. People have suggested everything from track-balls to touch-screens and even a device with multiple configurations. Nintendo has successfully made something no one saw coming--and for this I congratulate them. Far from anything imagined, what they made instead looks like cross between your television remote and an iPod. Following the concept of revolution (the codename for their new console), this human interface device is as far from previous controllers as a CD player is to a turntable.

The specifics aren't all in yet, but from what has been shown thus far, the controller will take advantage of motion sensors to track movement. Apparently, you place two receivers on either side of your television set. Then you will be able to control the game by simply moving the device in the desired direction. Also revealed is an add-on analog stick, which plugs into the main device.

As far as button layout goes, Nintendo is betting the revolution will be 'less is more.' As opposed to the multi-button layout of the N64 and Gamecube controller, this new system features four main buttons. There's 'A' located on the topside for your thumb and a 'B' trigger underneath. Finally, 'a' and 'b' (Yes, the lowercase version of the other two) are much smaller and sit side by side near the back. I'm a bit skeptical as to how this lack of buttons will affect gameplay, as this will mean more button combinations (i.e. hold 'A' and double-tap 'b' in order to bring up some obscure menu). The only way I could see this controller working is in conjunction with more simplistic games.

My first impressions are similar to that of the Nintendo DS: gimmicky. It's different for the sake of being different, and I think it will alienate people with its highly unusual design. Just as the Eye Toy for the PS2 tried to change the way we look at input, I think this new controller will be fun and innovative for a time, but once the thrill is gone, people will be looking for the traditional gameplay that made the video game industry so successful.

Of all game genres, I think this new format would be best applied to first person shooters. The analog stick attachment could be used for movement and strafing, while the main controller would act much like a light-gun used in such games as 'House of the Dead' and 'Time Crisis.' I would think aiming would feel quite intuitive and natural, allowing you to essentially point and shoot using the trigger button.

Is Nintendo jumping the shark? Maybe. But I believe this 'Revolution' is as best a marketing strategy as any to stay alive in the console industry. Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PS3 are both highly anticipated and I think both would overshadow any traditional Nintendo console. Still, just as the Virtual Boy was too far out there to be successful, this revolution may be a bit too ahead of our time.

Check out the new controller in the KHYRON.NET image gallery.

Just when you thought the angry villagers had finally succeeded in driving me off, Ghost Files makes yet another return from the dark nether-realms of the paranormal.

It's been a while since We've last met, and I can only hope my absence hasn't caused any permanent damage to your psyches.

Continuing the expanded paranormal trend, I have a plethora of strange news articles for your enjoyment. For the Top Story, I present to you a possibly colorful alien sighting in Thailand. Plus, I've got some info on an alternative all-night radio show with a generous charity program and some details on everyone's favorite George Noory and future plans for Coast to Coast AM.

Now, the moment you've all been waiting for: Ghost Files cometh...Full Article

Check out the full Ghost Files archive BinnallofAmerica.com.

Week 9 - September 9
Winner: Battlestar Galactica ("Final Cut")

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

It seems like forever since the last new episodes on Sci-Fi Friday. It's amazing what a single week off can do when your looking so much forward to the next Battlestar Galactica.

In Sg-1, we saw a beleaguered Cameron Mitchell (Ben Browder) train for a gladiatorial trial. It was basically a Cameron development episode, as the rest of the team takes a back seat to Browder's predominant plot line. Likewise, Atlantis' focus was on leading-man, Joe Flanigan. Continuing the story of the last episode, Sheppard is slowly turning into a Wraith. The story was only made successful through the efforts of Flanigan's strong performance.

Adding to its Friday dominance, however, the winner this week is Battlestar Galactica. In episode 2.8 ("Final Cut"), an inquisitive reporter (Guest star Lucy Lawless of Xena fame) is given access to document the lives and hardships of the Galactica crew. Meanwhile, a plot to kill Colonel Tigh is revealed, further destroying his emotional stability.

I like these behind the scenes kind of shows. In most cases, they appear after a few seasons--allowing the viewer to become attached to a character before they reveal their alternate personas. I think this worked in BSG's case (having only 1.5 seasons) because the cast was so very well put together. They are original, complicated, and believable characters--easily related to. It was interesting to see the cast in a relaxed, more personal light. Felix Gaeta (Alessandro Juliani) in particular was shown to have a very personable nature, and we got to see some more of the lesser known cast members.

The big build up for "Final Cut" was the appearance of Lucy Lawless. I was a bit worried the warrior princess would seem out of place on a Battlestar, but she bared no resemblance to Xena. Her accent and blond hair sufficiently altered her appearance.

Memorable Scene:

Although performances were good all around, it was Michael Hogan (Tigh) that stole the show. In the episode's dramatic climax, Tigh stares down his would be assassin. He finally comes to terms with the guilt he has over the death of several civilians.

Next Week:

Sg-1 will be the big contender next week, featuring not one, but two episodes (one of them being the mid-season finale). Both look quite entertaining. Atlantis will be biding its time for next week's finale. Battlestar will definitely have some stiff competition, but its preview does look rather good. One thing is for certain, this Friday simply cannot be missed.

Standings:
Stargate Sg-1: 1
Stargate Atlantis: 2
Battlestar Galactica: 5

...The NEW! and Improved KHYRON.NET.

As is clearly evident, the tried and true format for everyone's favorite blog of unnecessary banter has indeed changed.

Although not entirely different, I have tidied up the place--using a cleaner, more streamlined look. Gone is the essentially useless RottenTomatoes.com show-times search, and in its place is a handy new Search function. For those times you just can't find what you're looking for, Khyron's got ya covered.

Although the look has changed, rest assured that Khyron.net will be sticking to its entertainment/paranormal roots. The Sci-Fi Showdown will be returning this week, as will the much anticipated Ghost Files news report. Stay tuned for more updates.

Although the content of the sight has yet to be completed (I'll get to it...eventually...), I would appreciate your input via the KHYRON.NET Poll located under the links section.

As always, Email your questions, comments, and/or concerns to Contact@Khyron.Net. Thank you all for your kind words and support.

~Khyron

If you've been keeping track of the new fall line-up, you've probably noticed a recent influx in extraterrestrial entertainment. Following the wake of Steven Spielberg's powerhouse, "The War of the Worlds," the three big networks are bringing us "Threshold," "Surface," and "Invasion." All three shows will focus on the concept of alien encroachment.

But are these new series in response to the success of "War of the Worlds?"... Or are they instead a government-controlled, MJ-12 media campaign to prepare us for the inevitable full-disclosure to the existence of aliens?

I think only time shall tell, but as you can see from this photo taken in a quiet suburb in Minnesota, they may already be here. It was at great risk to the photographer to capture this image, but what it shows could well be the biggest discovery in history. Witnesses reported a large mother-ship detached from one or more smaller craft. The immense radiation emitted by their propulsion systems left nearby fence posts warped and disfigured.

Is this image the real deal? To find the truth, keep watching the skis--and CBS, NBC, and ABC this fall.

Unless you've been living under a hyper-dimensional rock on Mars, you've probably noticed a new voice on Coast to Coast AM Saturday nights. It's hard not to know that the voice is that of Minnesotan radio-host, Ian Punnett (he only reminds us before every commercial break).

As I've stated in the article "All Things Ian," I am indeed an Ian fan. I feel that his chipper, pipe-smoking attitude really brings a friendly atmosphere to my Saturday night entertainment.

It's State Fair time in Minnesota (well, it actually just ended...but that's beside the point). This means pizza on a stick, mini-doughnuts, and live radio broadcasts. For those unaware of Ian's non-Coast gig, he also co-hosts a religious show with his wife on FM107 in Minnesota. Being a morning show, I knew he wouldn't be there, live--but I was hoping for some kind of Ian paraphernalia.

To my disappointment, there wasn't any merchandise branded with Ian's mug at the station's fair booth. Fortunately, there was at least a free postcard (Check it out on the Webcam). I guess there's no demand for an 'I heart Ian' T-shirt...

The Sci-Fi Channel, in response to Labor Day weekend, has chosen to put their dynamite Sci-Fi Friday line-up on hold. In its wake, we were instead presented with a Stargate SG-1 viewers choice marathon.

Following suite, here is Khyron's Top 5 episodes of Stargate SG-1, in no particular order:

5: "Window of Opportunity" (Season 4)

Suddenly, they find themselves back at Stargate Command, ten hours earlier, preparing to head off on the mission from which they've just returned. And then it happens again. And again. And again. As Col. Jack O'Neill returns to eat the same plate of Froot Loops over and over again, he realizes that SG-1 is caught in a time loop and that only he and Teal'c retain their memories through each ten-hour cycle.

At its core, SG-1 is a comedy. At no other time in the series' long history has that comedy been more hilarious than in "Window of Opportunity." The stuck in a time-warp scenario was basically ripped from a Star Trek episode, but it was a fine retelling of the "Groundhog Day"-like plot.

4: "Upgrades" (Season 4)

Anise, a new Tok'ra representative to Earth, approaches Stargate Command for help in testing some mysterious armband devices discovered amid the ruins of a distant planet. Anise believes the devices could be a powerful weapon in their war against the Goa'uld.

Another memorable Episode, it features the hi-jinks of a super-charged SG-1. This episode has one of the funnier Teal'C moments in which he downs an entire pot of extremely hot coffee.

3: "The Other Guys" (Season 6)

On planet P5X-112, Col. Jack O'Neill baby-sits physicists Coombs, Meyers and Felger, who are excavating an ancient ring transporter in the ruins of a long-abandoned Goa'uld temple.

I liked this episode because we got to see the show through the eyes of behind the scenes, 'red shirt' characters. It was refreshingly entertaining and made me wish there were more episodes devoted to other supporting cast members--a Walter episode, for example, would be quite good.

4: "Citizen Joe" (Season 8)

Gen. Jack O'Neill finds an uninvited visitor in his home. Wielding a pistol (which is aimed at O'Neill's chest), Joe Spencer, a barber from Indiana, accuses O'Neill of ruining his life.

This episode was funny on so many levels. Not only were the situations quite comical, but the show made all kinds of tongue in cheek references to the absurdities and situations in past episodes. By far one of the best episodes in the later seasons.

5: "Bane" (Season 2)

While exploring BP6-3Q1, Col. Jack O'Neill and the SG-1 team are attacked by giant insects. The team escapes through the stargate, but not before Teal'c is stung. When Teal'c returns to Earth, he begins to undergo a strange transformation as the insect virus mutates his DNA into something like its own.

I always liked the Earth-based shows--especially those involving Teal'C and his attempts to fit in. I'm not sure exactly why I remember this episode as much as I do, but it stands out in my mind as one of the more enjoyable episodes. Plus, it was a great chance for Teal'c character development.