Synopsis
This text refers to the Arcade version of this title.One of the most controversial videogames ever released, Mortal Kombat is a 2D fighter in the mold of Street Fighter II: Champion Edition, but is much more graphically violent. The game introduced the concept of Fatality Moves, which lets a victorious fighter gloat over a dazed opponent by performing a gruesomely primal act, such as ripping out the heart or spinal cord. The tournament, as hosted by evil wizard Shang Tsung, consists of seven digitized fighters engaging in a series of one-on-one fights. The winner must battle Shang's inhuman champion Goro, and then the wizard himself. A five-button control system allows for blocking and a variety of high and low punches and kicks. In addition, each fighter is equipped with a number of special moves, such as fireballs or shadow kicks. Despite its reputation as an overly bloody, mindlessly inane button-masher, Mortal Kombat is a lot of fun, especially in two-player mode.
Extra Credits
Capcom's Street Fighter II may have been the originator of the modern 2D fighter, but the genre would not be the same without Mortal Kombat. While it would never become quite as popular as Street Fighter II and its brood, Mortal Kombat helped usher in an era of videogames where realistic violence was a major selling point.
Also Available On
| Platform | Publisher | Developer | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arcade | Midway Manufacturing Co. | Midway Manufacturing Co. | 1992 |
| Game Boy | Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. | Probe Software Ltd. | 1993 |
| IBM PC Compatible | Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. | 1995 | |
| Macintosh | 1993 | ||
| Sega Game Gear | Arena Entertainment | 1992 | |
| Sega Genesis | Arena Entertainment | Probe Software Ltd. | 1993 |
| Super Nintendo Entertainment System | Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. | Sculptured Software, Inc. | 1993 |
