Due out in late 2005, the newest franchise for the Mortal Kombat fans out there will be Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks. Unlike other fighting games in the series, this will be an action adventure type game. The game is currently under development for both Playstation 2 and Xbox.

Some say this is one step closer for the folks at Midway to be able to release a Mortal Kombat related title each year. Maybe by having an action adventure game one year, then a fighting game the next year, rinse, lather and repeat.

This is not the first time the Mortal Kombat franchise has been taken in a new direction. MK Mythologies: Sub-Zero and Mortal Kombat Special Forces were both action adventure Mortal Kombat style games.

Unfortunately though, both were bad titles and did not really feel as new and exciting as they were hyped up to be. Hopefully Midway has learned from past mistakes though and will make Shaolin Monks something worth playing.