Summary
- The original Mortal Kombat (1992) revolutionized gaming with gore, fatalities, and iconic characters.
- Mortal Kombat 2 improved the visuals and gameplay while introducing new characters like Baraka.
- Mortal Kombat X offers a fresh start, new characters, gameplay style changes, and DLC content.
With twelve mainline games and multiple spin-offs, Mortal Kombat has become an expansive video game franchise that hooks people in with addictive tournament fighter gameplay and immerses them in an imaginative world. However, like with any big franchise, sometimes it can be a little daunting for new players as they might not know where to start.
Related
9 Strongest Gods In Mortal Kombat Lore, Ranked
The many Mortal Kombat timelines have introduced various gods into the lore, with examples like Raiden and Fire God Liu Kang being among the strongest
It doesn’t help that Mortal Kombat is also one of those video game series that has had multiple timelines thanks to reboots. Fortunately, there is more than one place in the long line of Mortal Kombat games for people to jump in and enjoy the games in terms of gameplay and storytelling, ranging from older games to even the latest lineup.
6
Mortal Kombat (1992)
The Original Is Still An Arcade Classic
Without the original Mortal Kombat, the franchise wouldn’t be where it is today with all its magic and powerful gods. It shook the gaming world to its core when it hit arcades in 1992 because of its revolutionary yet controversial use of blood and gore with fatalities. This caused such an uproar that it eventually led to the creation of the ESRB rating system.
It shows how much Mortal Kombat has evolved since 1992 when the gore seems relatively tame by today’s standards. However, it introduced the world to several iconic characters who continue to be staples today: memorable music, and visuals unlike any other at the time. While the gameplay is simplistic at best, it is always fun to see where the series started.
5
Mortal Kombat 2
Sometimes The Sequel Is Better Than The Original
- Released
-
November, 1993
- ESRB
-
m
- Developer(s)
-
Midway Games
If the original game was like a seed, Mortal Kombat 2 is the flower that bloomed. Midway Games took what they had established and expanded it even more, with impressive visuals and characters to enjoy. Mortal Kombat 2 introduced famous monster characters like Baraka and Reptile to the roster and was the first appearance of Shao Kahn as the main villain.
3:56
Related
8 Best 2D Fighting Games, Ranked
2D fighters have been around since the arcade days, but which of them are the most fun to jump into nowadays?
There is a common saying that less is more, but Mortal Kombat 2 is an example of how sometimes bigger is better. Even the gameplay is considered a heavy improvement, even if it is leagues more difficult than its predecessor, which can make climbing up the arcade ladder a chore, but playing with friends is a delight.
4
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks
The Overlooked God Of War Clone Focuses On Liu Kang And Kung Lao
- Released
-
September 19, 2005
- ESRB
-
M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language
Perhaps if someone is not into fighting games but is interested in the mythology and characters presented in the games, there is Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, a 3D single-player action-adventure game. It is an undeniable clone of the original God Of War trilogy, but one that Mortal Kombat fans have come to love for providing something different for the franchise.
In Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, gamers can play through the whole game as either Liu Kang or Kung Lao, hacking and slashing through enemies throughout the realms. It’s not complex, but there is plenty of fun to be had in leveling the chosen character up while experiencing a story that takes place during and between the events of the first two Mortal Kombat games.
3
Mortal Kombat X
The Next Generation Of Kombat Is Beginner And Longtime Fan-Friendly
- Released
-
April 7, 2015
- ESRB
-
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
Mortal Kombat X is not only one of the most easily accessible entries of the modern era, but it feels like a fresh start as a whole. It was the first game to commit to a mostly new cast of characters, with the next generation of Earthrealm heroes, new Outworld leadership, and old characters under new allegiances that make the game feel like the start of a new franchise.
Mortal Kombat X showcases distinct differences in gameplay style compared to its predecessors. While it remains a 2D fighting game, the closer camera view, running mechanic, and character variations provide it with a unique visual flair. Additionally, Mortal Kombat X features an impressive lineup of DLC characters, including iconic horror figures like the deadly Xenomorph and Jason Voorhees.
2
Mortal Kombat 1
Liu Kang Reboots The Entire Franchise For Newcomers
- Released
-
September 19, 2023
- ESRB
-
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
Rather than being tied down by past events, Mortal Kombat 1 completely reboots the franchise with new interpretations of characters and lore thanks to the ending of Mortal Kombat 11. While some things remain similar, the story takes many artistic liberties to present a universe for newcomers to enjoy, while longtime fans are still rewarded for their loyalty.
Related
Mortal Kombat 1: Every DLC Fighter In Year Two, Ranked
Cyrax and the T-1000 were memorable second-year additions to the already expansive and memorable roster of Mortal Kombat 1.
Despite numerous changes, Mortal Kombat 1 retains its fast-paced fighting gameplay, which is quicker than that of previous games in the series. Coupled with the franchise’s most vibrant and colorful visuals, the gameplay and redesigned characters provide an excellent entry point for newcomers to the Mortal Kombat universe.
1
Mortal Kombat (2011)
Time Travel Allowed For The Best Restart
- Released
-
April 19, 2011
- ESRB
-
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language
After eight games resulted in a convoluted timeline of events, the newly formed Netherrealm Studios chose to turn the ninth game into a reboot and a sequel. Time travel allowed Mortal Kombat to revisit the original trilogy of games, but now with the addition of altering events to create a new timeline that would continue with games like Mortal Kombat X, Mortal Kombat 11, and even Mortal Kombat 1.
Mortal Kombat, also known as Mortal Kombat 9, was a major hit in 2011 thanks to the developers sticking to a simplistic style. There were no obtrusive gimmicks but just straightforward 2D fighting that was a welcome return to classic arcade-style gameplay, while the story provided a cinematic adventure that would define how every game later would present their stories.
More
Mortal Kombat: 8 Best Characters That Were Canceled
From Harley Quinn to Ash Williams, some characters were cut from certain Mortal Kombat games, even ones that would appear later.