Inspired in part by the action-RPG-styled "Konquest" segments of 2004's Deception, Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks is a full-fledged fighting adventure that leads players in a violent, epic struggle through the storied Mortal Kombat universe. As either of two of the series' Shaolin monks, Liu Kang or Kung Lao, players will make their way through the various realms of the extra-dimensional fighting competition from a third-person perspective. The game engine is designed to allow characters to attack and defend themselves from enemies in any direction -- ahead, behind, or on either side.