The gameplay is almost the same as previous games, but with actual AI that doesn't read your inputs and a few cool gimmicks, like picking up and throwing items or pulling out a weapon. But unlike the previous games, you can actually play this one without having to memorize all the moves and getting triggered when they don't work.

It does have less content than its predecessors and the presentation definitely took a dive, but that was pretty common for franchises transitioning into 3D. I think it's more important that it managed to not only retain, but improve its core gameplay. Plus, it's really cool to see some of the old arenas remastered in 3D.

In addition, there's now a proper practice mode and each character has a sort of story with a cutscene finale, so there's a motivation to play through all of them.

I think this was a solid entry for the time. Personally, I don't remember anyone complaining about it back in the day. Everyone thought it was really cool to play MK in 3D. You could often find people playing it in Playstation clubs, and we got a PC version at some point and played hot-seat with friends and relatives. Didn't even know this game was hated until I got internet.