The fighting system in this game is basically the same as it was in Mortal Kombat 3, with the addition of a few new characters and weapons and some subtle gameplay tweaks. There are several new gameplay modes that should excite Mortal Kombat and fighting-game fans. A new battle mode enables would-be combatants to select teams of multiple characters for team-based fighting. There is also a one- and two-player endurance mode, a traditional "versus" mode, two-on-two fighting, and a practice mode. The latter explains to players how to perform fatalities but, disappointingly, doesn't let you perform them.

With only minor updates, Mortal Kombat Gold falls back on its roots. It's a good game if you are an avid Mortal Kombat fan, though others may wish to consider starting their Dreamcast fighting game collection with Soul Calibur, Power Stone, Virtua Fighter 3 Team Battle, and Street Fighter Alpha 3. --Todd Mowatt

Pros:

• Classic Mortal Kombat characters with updated features
• High-resolution graphics at 60 frames per second
• Additional gameplay modes increase replayability

Cons:

• Not much different from Mortal Kombat 3
• Characters are stiffly animated
• Background detail scant