Mortal Kombat, the groundbreaking fighting game that captivated arcades in the early 90s, remains an iconic franchise that transcended realms of gaming. Developed by a small team driven by a passion for martial arts films, this gritty, controversial title pioneered a new era of graphic violence and realism on consoles. Its digitized sprites, gory "fatalities," and unflinching brutality sparked congressional hearings, leading to the establishment of the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB). Yet, despite the uproar, Mortal Kombat's influence on the fighting game genre was undeniable, becoming one of the highest-grossing media franchises and a cultural phenomenon that still resonates today
Mortal Kombat 1
The original Mortal Kombat game, released in 1992, was a groundbreaking and highly successful fighting video game developed and published by Midway. It introduced several key aspects that would become staples of the Mortal Kombat series, including:
- A unique five-button control scheme
- Gory finishing moves called "Fatalities"
- A roster of 7 playable characters, each with their own distinct Fatality, digitized from real actors
Mortal Kombat was a major commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing arcade games of 1993 and selling over 6 million home console units by 1994. However, its depiction of extreme violence and gore sparked controversy, ultimately leading to the formation of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) to regulate video game content.
Despite the uproar, Mortal Kombat has been widely acclaimed as one of the greatest and most influential video games of all time. It has received numerous accolades and inductions into video game halls of fame, with Inverse scoring the original game a near-perfect 9/10. The game's focus on character development, personal motives, and strategic gameplay set a new standard for the fighting game genre and impacted the evolution of narrative-driven video games.
Mortal Kombat 2
Mortal Kombat II, released in 1993, built upon the success of its predecessor by introducing several new features that expanded the franchise's reach and popularity. The game's roster grew to include 12 playable characters, each with their unique fighting styles and signature fatalities. Among the new additions were fan-favorites like Kitana, Mileena, and Kung Lao, who would go on to become staples of the series.
The gameplay mechanics were also refined, with the inclusion of new moves and combos, as well as the introduction of the iconic "Babality" fatality, which transformed opponents into infants. However, it was the game's increased graphic violence that truly pushed boundaries, with fatalities becoming even more gruesome and over-the-top.
Mortal Kombat II's success was undeniable, becoming one of the highest-grossing arcade games of its time and further cementing the franchise's place in pop culture. Its impact on the gaming industry was significant, with its controversial content fueling debates around censorship and the need for a rating system, ultimately leading to the creation of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
Mortal Kombat 3
Mortal Kombat 3, released in 1995, introduced several new gameplay mechanics that aimed to evolve the series. One of the most notable additions was the 'Run' button and corresponding meter, allowing players to briefly dash towards their opponent [8]. This mechanic added a new layer of strategy, enabling players to pressure their opponents more effectively.
Another significant change was the introduction of 'Chain Combos' or pre-programmed combos that cannot be interrupted once started . This feature added depth to the combat system, encouraging players to master intricate combo sequences for maximum damage output.
The game also introduced Animalities, a new type of finishing move where the character transforms into an animal to brutally kill their opponent . While retaining fan-favorite finishers like Fatalities, Babalities, and Friendships from previous games, Animalities added a unique twist to the series' signature over-the-top violence.
Other noteworthy features included:
- Characters could uppercut each other through the ceiling, transitioning the battle to a different stage.
- The 'Kombat Kode' system, where players could enter symbols before a 2-player match to unlock additional features
- Several popular characters from previous games, such as Scorpion and Kitana, were omitted from the initial release
Despite being a commercial success, with Mortal Kombat 3 becoming the highest-grossing arcade conversion kit of 1995 in the US , and the home console versions selling well , the game received some criticism. The omission of popular characters and the new gameplay changes, which some felt were not as innovative as previous entries, were points of contention . Additionally, the removal of the health bar, making it easier for players with speed and strength to quickly kill opponents at close range , and the inability to kick out while blocking or attacking , were seen as controversial design choices by some fans
Mortal Kombat 4
Mortal Kombat 4, released in 1997, marked a significant transition for the series, bridging the gap between the SNES era and the upcoming PlayStation 2 generation. While retaining elements from both eras, the game's visual style stood apart, reflecting an attempt to communicate beyond the shock and gore that had characterized previous installments.
The game's stages conveyed a sense of solitude, isolation, and hostility, deviating from the lively, populated settings of earlier titles. This atmospheric shift was further reinforced by the haunting score, which featured a heavy emphasis on percussion and eerie vocals, contributing to a distinct and immersive mood.
Gameplay-wise, Mortal Kombat 4 adopted a fast-paced and aggressive style, disregarding the predictable frame data common in fighting games at the time. Key innovations included:
- The introduction of 3D computer graphics, though gameplay remained restricted to a 2D plane.
- A limited weapon system, allowing each character to wield a unique special weapon during fights.
- A "Maximum Damage" cap on combos to prevent infinite combos.
While the arcade version received generally positive reviews, praising its sharp graphics and blend of new and returning characters, the home console ports garnered mixed reactions. The Nintendo 64 version was lauded for its faithfulness to the arcade original, but the Game Boy Color port was criticized for its limited gameplay and poor controls.
Notably, Mortal Kombat 4 marked the series' transition to 3D character models using motion capture technology, moving away from the digitized sprites of previous games. This shift, coupled with the controversies surrounding the franchise's depiction of violence, ultimately led to the creation of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) video game rating system.
Mortal Kombat 5
Mortal Kombat: Deception, released in 2004, marked a significant evolution for the series, transitioning to a fully 3D fighting system. The game introduced several groundbreaking features that revolutionized the franchise's gameplay mechanics:
- The fighting arenas were no longer restricted to a 2D plane, allowing for free movement and positioning in a 3D environment . This added a new layer of strategy and spatial awareness to the combat.
- Each character now possessed three distinct fighting styles or stances, such as Drunken Fist, Kung Fu, and Jojutsu weapon . Players could seamlessly transition between these stances mid-combat, stringing together devastating combos across up to 30 moves per stance.
- Projectile attacks were improved with the addition of sidestep maneuvers and counters, addressing the long-standing issue of "turtling" (excessive defensive play) . This encouraged a more aggressive and dynamic playstyle.
The game also introduced the story-driven "Konquest Mode," which served as an elaborate tutorial, teaching players the basics and advanced techniques through 218 progressively challenging missions . Completing these missions rewarded players with "Kombat Kurrency," a currency system that could be used to unlock a wealth of bonus content in the "Krypt"
- Character Bios Detailed backstories and lore for each character
- Backgrounds Concept art and behind-the-scenes material
- Videos Featurettes like "The Making of Mortal Kombat"
- And More 676 "koffins" filled with additional secrets and rewards
The Konquest Mode also provided depth and context to the gameplay by following the storylines of characters like Shang Tsung, further immersing players in the rich Mortal Kombat universe . Fatalities and stage kills were also taken to new heights, with even more gruesome and over-the-top finishers than previous games.
Conclusion
The Mortal Kombat franchise has come a long way since its inception in the early 90s. From its humble beginnings as a controversial arcade game that sparked debates on violence in media, it has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay mechanics in the fighting genre. Each iteration brought innovative features, expanding the universe and deepening the lore, while staying true to its roots of gritty realism and uncompromising brutality. Throughout its journey, Mortal Kombat has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry, inspiring countless imitators and shaping the discourse around content regulation. Its impact extends far beyond the realms of gaming, solidifying its status as a pop culture icon that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As the franchise moves forward, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter, eager to witness the new realms and battles that await in the ever-expanding Mortal Kombat universe.
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