Mortal Kombat, a name synonymous with intense fighting action and riveting gameplay, has captivated audiences across the globe since its inception. With its unique combination of martial arts, fantasy, and ultra-violence, the franchise has carved out a niche that has not only endured but thrived across multiple generations of gaming consoles. From its humble arcade beginnings to its transformation into a multimedia powerhouse, each installment of Mortal Kombat has brought something new and exciting to the table. This guide takes you through every Mortal Kombat game in order, highlighting the evolution of the franchise and the innovations that each title introduced.
As the brainchild of Ed Boon and John Tobias, Mortal Kombat was conceived as a competitive arcade game that would stand apart from its contemporaries with its unique aesthetic and gameplay dynamics. Over the years, the series has expanded beyond its arcade roots, branching into home consoles, PC gaming, and even mobile platforms. The games have introduced memorable characters, intricate storylines, and revolutionary mechanics that have consistently pushed the boundaries of the fighting game genre. With each new release, Mortal Kombat has managed to maintain a delicate balance between honoring its legacy and embracing modern gaming trends.
Beyond its gameplay, Mortal Kombat's impact has extended into popular culture, influencing everything from movies and television to toys and comic books. This widespread appeal can be attributed to the franchise's rich lore, iconic characters, and unforgettable moments. As you delve into this comprehensive guide, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the creative vision and innovative spirit that have made Mortal Kombat a beloved staple in the gaming industry. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, examining every Mortal Kombat game in order will provide you with valuable insights into how this legendary franchise has evolved over the years.
Table of Contents
Mortal Kombat (1992)
Released in 1992, Mortal Kombat was the game that started it all. Developed by Midway Games, this arcade fighting game introduced players to a new realm of combat that was unlike anything they had seen before. The game featured digitized sprites, which were revolutionary at the time, and a roster of seven unique characters, each with their own special moves and fatalities. The concept of fatalities, finishing moves that allowed players to dispatch their opponents in gruesome ways, became a hallmark of the series and set Mortal Kombat apart from other fighting games.
The storyline of Mortal Kombat revolves around a martial arts tournament held on the mysterious island of Shang Tsung. Players could choose from iconic characters such as Liu Kang, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Raiden as they battled their way through a series of opponents to ultimately face the sorcerer Shang Tsung and his monstrous enforcer, Goro. Each character had a unique backstory and motivation for entering the tournament, adding depth to the gameplay experience.
The success of Mortal Kombat can be attributed to several factors, including its innovative design, engaging gameplay, and the controversy generated by its violent content. The game's graphic violence and fatalities sparked debates about video game censorship and led to the creation of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) to regulate video game content. Despite—or perhaps because of—this controversy, Mortal Kombat became a cultural phenomenon and laid the foundation for a franchise that would span decades.
In addition to its arcade success, Mortal Kombat was ported to various home consoles and computer systems, further expanding its audience. The game's impact was felt across the gaming industry, and it inspired countless imitators and successors. Its legacy continues to influence the design of fighting games to this day, cementing its status as one of the most important games in the history of the medium.
Mortal Kombat II (1993)
Building on the success of its predecessor, Mortal Kombat II was released in 1993 and quickly became a fan favorite. The game improved upon the original in nearly every way, with enhanced graphics, smoother animations, and a larger roster of characters. The sequel introduced several new fighters, including Baraka, Kitana, and Jax, as well as returning favorites like Liu Kang, Scorpion, and Sub-Zero. The expanded roster allowed for more diverse and strategic gameplay, as players could choose from a wider array of fighting styles and moves.
Mortal Kombat II also deepened the franchise's lore with a more intricate storyline. After the events of the first game, Shang Tsung and his master, Shao Kahn, invite Earth's warriors to compete in a second tournament in the Outworld. This new setting introduced players to exotic and dangerous environments, each with its own hazards and secrets. The game's dark atmosphere and detailed backgrounds contributed to its immersive experience, drawing players into its fantastical world.
The sequel also expanded on the concept of fatalities, introducing new and creative ways for players to finish their opponents. Additionally, Mortal Kombat II introduced "Friendships" and "Babalities," humorous finishing moves that offered a lighthearted alternative to the series' trademark violence. These additions showcased the developers' creativity and humor, further endearing the game to fans.
Mortal Kombat II was a commercial and critical success, solidifying the franchise's place in the annals of gaming history. It was praised for its refined gameplay mechanics, engaging characters, and striking visual design. The game was ported to multiple platforms, ensuring that a wide audience could experience its thrilling battles. Its influence can still be felt in the series' later installments, as well as in the broader fighting game genre.
Mortal Kombat 3 (1995)
Released in 1995, Mortal Kombat 3 continued the franchise's evolution by introducing new gameplay mechanics and features. The game expanded the roster further, adding characters such as Kabal, Sindel, and Stryker, while also introducing the concept of "Kombat Kodes" and "Run" buttons. These new mechanics allowed for faster-paced gameplay and more strategic combat, as players could now dash towards their opponents and execute complex combos.
The storyline of Mortal Kombat 3 centers around Shao Kahn's invasion of Earthrealm, as he attempts to merge it with his own Outworld. The game's plot adds depth to the series' lore, as players must band together to thwart the tyrant's plans and save their world from destruction. The narrative is conveyed through character-specific endings, which provide insight into each fighter's motivations and fate.
In addition to its engaging story and characters, Mortal Kombat 3 introduced several gameplay innovations that would become staples of the series. The game featured "Animalities," finishing moves that allowed characters to transform into animals and dispatch their opponents in creative ways. It also introduced "Brutalities," lengthy combo sequences that culminated in a devastating finishing move. These additions expanded the variety of fatalities available to players and added an extra layer of strategy to the game.
Mortal Kombat 3 was well-received by fans and critics alike, who praised its fast-paced gameplay and intricate mechanics. The game's success led to the release of several updated versions, including Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 and Mortal Kombat Trilogy, which added even more characters and features. These updates kept the game fresh and relevant, ensuring its lasting appeal among fans of the series.
Mortal Kombat 4 (1997)
In 1997, Mortal Kombat 4 marked a significant shift for the franchise as it transitioned from 2D sprites to 3D polygonal graphics. This change allowed for more dynamic and visually impressive combat, as well as new gameplay mechanics that took advantage of the third dimension. The game retained the series' core elements, such as its iconic characters and brutal fatalities, while introducing new features that enhanced the overall experience.
The storyline of Mortal Kombat 4 follows the fallen Elder God Shinnok as he attempts to conquer the realms and exact revenge on those who defeated him in the past. Players must choose from a roster of both returning favorites and new characters, such as Fujin and Quan Chi, as they battle to stop Shinnok's plans. The game's narrative deepens the series' lore and expands on the mythology that has captivated fans since the first installment.
Mortal Kombat 4 also introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as weapon-based combat and interactive environments. Players could now pick up weapons scattered throughout the arenas and use them to gain an advantage over their opponents. This addition brought a new layer of strategy to the game, as players had to consider the placement and timing of weapon usage in their battles.
Despite the shift to 3D graphics, Mortal Kombat 4 retained the series' signature style and intensity. The game's fatalities were as gruesome and creative as ever, with new finishing moves that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in a fighting game. The introduction of 3D environments and mechanics set the stage for future installments, as the franchise continued to evolve and innovate.
Mortal Kombat 4 was well-received by fans and critics, who praised its graphics, gameplay, and story. The game's success helped solidify the franchise's reputation as a leader in the fighting game genre and set the stage for future releases that would continue to push the envelope of what was possible in a video game.
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (2002)
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, released in 2002, marked a new era for the franchise as it embraced a more cinematic approach to storytelling and gameplay. The game featured a revamped fighting system that introduced multiple fighting styles and weapon-based combat for each character. This allowed players to switch between styles during a match, adding a new level of depth and strategy to the gameplay.
The storyline of Deadly Alliance centers around the treacherous sorcerers Shang Tsung and Quan Chi, who form an alliance to conquer the realms and achieve ultimate power. Players must choose from a diverse roster of characters, including new fighters like Li Mei and Bo' Rai Cho, as they battle to stop the sorcerers' plans. The game's narrative is conveyed through cinematic cutscenes and character-specific endings, providing a rich and immersive experience for players.
Deadly Alliance also introduced several new features that enhanced the gameplay experience. The game included a "Konquest" mode, which allowed players to explore the world of Mortal Kombat and complete various challenges and missions. This mode provided valuable insight into the series' lore and characters, as well as offering unique rewards and unlockables.
The game's graphics and presentation were praised for their high quality and attention to detail. The character models and animations were more realistic than ever before, and the game's environments were richly detailed and atmospheric. The combination of cinematic storytelling, innovative gameplay mechanics, and engaging characters made Deadly Alliance a standout title in the Mortal Kombat series.
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance was a commercial and critical success, earning praise for its gameplay innovations and engaging story. The game's success set the stage for future installments, as the franchise continued to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the gaming industry.
Mortal Kombat: Deception (2004)
Mortal Kombat: Deception, released in 2004, continued the franchise's tradition of innovation and expansion. The game built upon the foundations laid by Deadly Alliance, introducing new features and gameplay mechanics that further enhanced the Mortal Kombat experience. Deception featured a larger roster of characters, including returning favorites and new fighters like Ashrah and Shujinko.
The storyline of Deception follows the aftermath of the events in Deadly Alliance, as the Dragon King Onaga returns to threaten the realms. Players must choose from a diverse roster of characters as they battle to stop Onaga's plans and restore balance to the realms. The game's narrative is conveyed through cinematic cutscenes and character-specific endings, providing a rich and immersive experience for players.
Deception introduced several new gameplay features, including the "Krypt," a massive unlockable content repository that rewarded players for exploring the game and completing various challenges. The game also featured a new "Puzzle Kombat" mode, which combined fighting game mechanics with puzzle-solving elements, offering a unique and engaging gameplay experience.
In addition to its innovative gameplay mechanics, Deception was praised for its graphics and presentation. The game's environments were richly detailed and atmospheric, and the character models and animations were more realistic than ever before. The combination of cinematic storytelling, innovative gameplay mechanics, and engaging characters made Deception a standout title in the Mortal Kombat series.
Mortal Kombat: Deception was well-received by fans and critics, who praised its gameplay innovations and engaging story. The game's success set the stage for future installments, as the franchise continued to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the gaming industry.
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon (2006)
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, released in 2006, was the culmination of the franchise's first era, bringing together nearly every character from previous games in one epic showdown. The game featured the largest roster in the series' history, allowing players to choose from over 60 fighters, including fan favorites and obscure characters from earlier titles.
The storyline of Armageddon centers around the prophecy of the titular event, which foretells the destruction of the realms. Players must choose a character and fight their way through the ranks to stop the impending apocalypse. The game's narrative is conveyed through cinematic cutscenes and character-specific endings, providing a rich and immersive experience for players.
Armageddon introduced several new gameplay features, including the "Kreate-A-Fighter" mode, which allowed players to design and customize their own characters. This feature added a new layer of personalization and creativity to the game, as players could create unique fighters with their own fighting styles and abilities.
The game also introduced a new "Motor Kombat" mode, a kart-racing mini-game that offered a lighthearted diversion from the intense combat of the main game. This mode featured a variety of characters and tracks, providing a fun and engaging gameplay experience for players.
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon was praised for its ambitious scope and comprehensive roster, as well as its innovative gameplay features. The game's success marked the end of an era for the franchise, setting the stage for a new direction in future installments.
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (2008)
In 2008, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe brought together two iconic franchises in a unique crossover fighting game. The game featured a roster of characters from both the Mortal Kombat and DC Comics universes, allowing players to pit their favorite heroes and villains against each other in epic battles.
The storyline of Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe revolves around the merging of the two universes, which causes characters from both worlds to clash in a battle for survival. Players must choose a character from either universe and fight their way through a series of opponents to restore balance and prevent further chaos.
The game introduced several new gameplay features, including the "Freefall Kombat" and "Klose Kombat" mechanics, which added new layers of strategy and intensity to the battles. These mechanics allowed players to engage in dynamic, close-quarters combat and take advantage of the game's 3D environments.
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe was praised for its unique concept and engaging gameplay, as well as its high-quality graphics and presentation. The game's success demonstrated the potential for crossover games and set the stage for future collaborations between different franchises.
Despite its departure from the traditional Mortal Kombat formula, the game was well-received by fans and critics, who appreciated its innovative approach and engaging story. The game's success helped pave the way for future installments, as the franchise continued to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the gaming industry.
Mortal Kombat (2011)
In 2011, Mortal Kombat (commonly referred to as Mortal Kombat 9) marked a return to the franchise's roots, offering a reboot that reimagined the events of the first three games. Developed by NetherRealm Studios, the game featured a refined fighting system, stunning graphics, and a rich storyline that paid homage to the series' legacy while introducing new elements.
The storyline of Mortal Kombat follows the events of the original trilogy, as the thunder god Raiden attempts to alter history to prevent the destruction of the realms. Players must choose from a roster of iconic characters, including Liu Kang, Scorpion, and Sub-Zero, as they battle to save the world from impending doom. The game's narrative is conveyed through cinematic cutscenes and character-specific endings, providing a rich and immersive experience for players.
The game introduced several new gameplay features, including the "X-Ray" moves, which allowed players to execute powerful, bone-crushing attacks that showcased the series' signature brutality. The game also featured a robust online multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against opponents from around the world.
Mortal Kombat (2011) was praised for its high-quality graphics, engaging gameplay, and rich storyline. The game's success revitalized the franchise and set the stage for future installments, as NetherRealm Studios continued to innovate and push the boundaries of what was possible in a fighting game.
The game's success demonstrated the enduring appeal of the Mortal Kombat franchise and solidified its place as a leader in the fighting game genre. The combination of engaging gameplay, compelling storylines, and innovative features ensured that Mortal Kombat would continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
Mortal Kombat X (2015)
Released in 2015, Mortal Kombat X continued the franchise's tradition of innovation and expansion, introducing new characters, gameplay mechanics, and features that further enhanced the Mortal Kombat experience. The game featured a roster of both returning favorites and new fighters, including Cassie Cage, Kotal Kahn, and D'Vorah.
The storyline of Mortal Kombat X follows the events of Mortal Kombat (2011), as a new generation of fighters must face the threat of the fallen Elder God Shinnok. Players must choose from a diverse roster of characters as they battle to stop Shinnok's plans and restore balance to the realms. The game's narrative is conveyed through cinematic cutscenes and character-specific endings, providing a rich and immersive experience for players.
Mortal Kombat X introduced several new gameplay features, including the "Variation" system, which allowed players to choose from different fighting styles for each character. This added a new layer of depth and strategy to the gameplay, as players could tailor their approach to suit their preferences and playstyle.
The game also featured a robust online multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against opponents from around the world. The combination of engaging gameplay, compelling storylines, and innovative features ensured that Mortal Kombat X would continue to captivate audiences and solidify its place as a leader in the fighting game genre.
Mortal Kombat X was praised for its high-quality graphics, engaging gameplay, and rich storyline. The game's success demonstrated the enduring appeal of the Mortal Kombat franchise and set the stage for future installments, as NetherRealm Studios continued to innovate and push the boundaries of what was possible in a fighting game.
Mortal Kombat 11 (2019)
Released in 2019, Mortal Kombat 11 marked the latest evolution of the franchise, offering stunning visuals, refined gameplay, and a compelling storyline that continued the series' tradition of innovation and excellence. The game featured a roster of both returning favorites and new fighters, including Geras, Cetrion, and the Kollector.
The storyline of Mortal Kombat 11 follows the events of Mortal Kombat X, as a new threat emerges in the form of Kronika, the Keeper of Time. Players must choose from a diverse roster of characters as they battle to stop Kronika's plans and restore balance to the realms. The game's narrative is conveyed through cinematic cutscenes and character-specific endings, providing a rich and immersive experience for players.
Mortal Kombat 11 introduced several new gameplay features, including the "Custom Variation" system, which allowed players to create their own unique fighting styles by selecting from a variety of moves and abilities. This added a new layer of depth and strategy to the gameplay, as players could tailor their approach to suit their preferences and playstyle.
The game also featured a robust online multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against opponents from around the world. The combination of engaging gameplay, compelling storylines, and innovative features ensured that Mortal Kombat 11 would continue to captivate audiences and solidify its place as a leader in the fighting game genre.
Mortal Kombat 11 was praised for its high-quality graphics, engaging gameplay, and rich storyline. The game's success demonstrated the enduring appeal of the Mortal Kombat franchise and set the stage for future installments, as NetherRealm Studios continued to innovate and push the boundaries of what was possible in a fighting game.
Spin-offs and Side Games
In addition to the mainline Mortal Kombat games, the franchise has also spawned several spin-offs and side games that have explored different genres and gameplay styles. These titles have offered fans new ways to experience the Mortal Kombat universe and have contributed to the franchise's enduring popularity.
Some notable spin-offs and side games include:
- Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero (1997) - A platformer/action-adventure game that follows the story of Sub-Zero as he embarks on a quest to retrieve a powerful amulet. The game features a mix of combat and platforming elements, offering a unique take on the Mortal Kombat formula.
- Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (2005) - An action-adventure game that follows the story of Liu Kang and Kung Lao as they battle their way through the events of Mortal Kombat II. The game features cooperative gameplay, allowing players to team up and take on the game's challenges together.
- Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (2008) - A crossover fighting game that pits characters from the Mortal Kombat and DC Comics universes against each other in epic battles. The game features a unique storyline and innovative gameplay mechanics, offering a fresh take on the Mortal Kombat formula.
- Mortal Kombat Mobile (2015) - A mobile fighting game that allows players to collect and upgrade a roster of characters from the Mortal Kombat universe. The game features a mix of traditional fighting gameplay and collectible card game elements, offering a unique and engaging experience for players on the go.
These spin-offs and side games have allowed the Mortal Kombat franchise to explore new genres and gameplay styles, offering fans new ways to experience the series' iconic characters and lore. Their success has helped to expand the franchise's reach and solidify its place as a leader in the gaming industry.
Cultural Impact of Mortal Kombat
Since its debut in 1992, Mortal Kombat has had a profound impact on popular culture, influencing everything from movies and television to toys and comic books. The franchise's unique combination of martial arts, fantasy, and ultra-violence has captivated audiences across the globe, and its iconic characters and memorable moments have become ingrained in the collective consciousness.
The success of Mortal Kombat can be attributed to several factors, including its innovative gameplay mechanics, engaging storylines, and memorable characters. The game's graphic violence and fatalities sparked debates about video game censorship and led to the creation of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) to regulate video game content. Despite—or perhaps because of—this controversy, Mortal Kombat became a cultural phenomenon and laid the foundation for a franchise that would span decades.
Beyond its gameplay, Mortal Kombat's impact has extended into other forms of media. The franchise has inspired several films, including the 1995 live-action movie and its 2021 reboot, as well as animated series and comic books. These adaptations have helped to expand the franchise's reach and introduce its iconic characters and lore to new audiences.
The franchise's influence can also be seen in the broader gaming industry, as it has inspired countless imitators and successors. Its legacy continues to shape the design of fighting games, as developers strive to capture the same level of intensity and excitement that Mortal Kombat has delivered for decades.
The cultural impact of Mortal Kombat is undeniable, as its unique blend of martial arts, fantasy, and ultra-violence has left a lasting impression on popular culture. The franchise's enduring appeal and influence ensure that it will continue to captivate audiences and inspire future generations of gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The order of every Mortal Kombat game, including spin-offs and side games, is as follows: Mortal Kombat (1992), Mortal Kombat II (1993), Mortal Kombat 3 (1995), Mortal Kombat 4 (1997), Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (2002), Mortal Kombat: Deception (2004), Mortal Kombat: Armageddon (2006), Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (2008), Mortal Kombat (2011), Mortal Kombat X (2015), and Mortal Kombat 11 (2019). Spin-offs and side games include Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero (1997), Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (2005), and Mortal Kombat Mobile (2015).
The storyline of Mortal Kombat revolves around a martial arts tournament held to determine the fate of the realms. Players take on the roles of various fighters, each with their own unique backstory and motivations, as they battle to save the world from impending doom. The series' narrative has evolved over the years, incorporating elements of fantasy, mythology, and martial arts to create a rich and immersive experience.
Fatalities are finishing moves in Mortal Kombat that allow players to dispatch their opponents in gruesome and creative ways. These moves have become a hallmark of the series and set Mortal Kombat apart from other fighting games. Each character has their own unique fatalities, which can be executed by inputting a specific combination of buttons at the end of a match.
Mortal Kombat has had a profound impact on the gaming industry, influencing the design of fighting games and sparking debates about video game censorship. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, engaging storylines, and memorable characters have inspired countless imitators and successors. The franchise's success has helped to shape the fighting game genre and solidify its place as a leader in the gaming industry.
Some notable spin-offs and side games in the Mortal Kombat franchise include Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero (1997), Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (2005), and Mortal Kombat Mobile (2015). These titles have explored different genres and gameplay styles, offering fans new ways to experience the Mortal Kombat universe.
The cultural impact of Mortal Kombat is undeniable, as its unique blend of martial arts, fantasy, and ultra-violence has left a lasting impression on popular culture. The franchise's enduring appeal and influence can be seen in its adaptations into films, animated series, and comic books, as well as its impact on the broader gaming industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mortal Kombat franchise has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry and popular culture. From its humble arcade beginnings to its transformation into a multimedia powerhouse, every Mortal Kombat game in order has contributed to the series' legacy of innovation and excellence. The franchise's unique combination of martial arts, fantasy, and ultra-violence has captivated audiences across the globe, and its iconic characters and memorable moments have become ingrained in the collective consciousness.
As we have explored every Mortal Kombat game in order, it is clear that the franchise has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in a fighting game. Each installment has brought something new and exciting to the table, whether through innovative gameplay mechanics, engaging storylines, or stunning visuals. The franchise's enduring appeal and influence ensure that it will continue to captivate audiences and inspire future generations of gamers.
The Mortal Kombat franchise stands as a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in the gaming industry. Its success has paved the way for future advancements and has solidified its place as a leader in the fighting game genre. As we look to the future, it is exciting to imagine what new adventures and challenges await the warriors of Mortal Kombat.
For further reading and exploration of the Mortal Kombat universe, fans can visit the official Mortal Kombat website, where they can find the latest news, updates, and community discussions.
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