Fatality! With Mortal Kombat 1 on the horizon, it’s the perfect moment to look back and rank all the previous games.
The Mortal Kombat franchise has been around for decades, evolving from its early pixelated days to the intricate, gore-filled graphics we see today. But which Mortal Kombat game stands out as the best?
Here’s a deep dive into every Mortal Kombat game, ranked from worst to best, to help you decide. Some opinions might be controversial, but let’s dive into the bloody world of Mortal Kombat!
The Evolution of Mortal Kombat Games
From its inception to the latest installment, Mortal Kombat 11, the series has undergone significant changes. Each game brought fresh characters, new fighting styles, and ever-evolving gameplay mechanics. This iconic franchise has significantly impacted the fighting game genre, competing with other legendary titles like Street Fighter.
Whether you’ve experienced it across multiple platforms including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, Sega, The Arcade, or PC, Mortal Kombat's special moves, unforgettable characters like Goro and Johnny Cage, and signature fatalities make it a standout in the gaming world.
The Early Days of Mortal Kombat
Back in 1992, the original Mortal Kombat stormed onto the scene, pushing the boundaries of what video games could be with its controversial and unique fatalities. The success of Mortal Kombat II solidified its place in gaming history with iconic characters like Liu Kang, Scorpion, and Raiden becoming household names. Those early days set a strong foundation for the franchise we know and love today.
The Middle Years and Changes in Gameplay
The middle years saw significant innovations. Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance and Deception introduced new gameplay elements, story modes, and arcade endings, giving players a deeper connection to the characters. Armageddon brought the most extensive roster in the series, and the transition to 3D graphics in Deadly Alliance was a visual treat. Shaolin Monks added a co-op adventure gameplay, showcasing the series' versatility. These middle years kept the Mortal Kombat franchise fresh and exciting.
Recent Developments
Recent years have been just as exciting. The reboot with Mortal Kombat (2011) revived the classic formula, and the crossover with DC Comics in Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe offered a unique blend of fighters. Mortal Kombat 11 returned to 2D-style gameplay while introducing new mechanics like Fatal Blows and Krushing Blows, adding layers of tactical depth.
NetherRealm Studios have continued to expand the universe with DLC characters and storylines, constantly innovating to keep the game engaging. From classic characters to new ones like Cassie Cage and Goro, each release has something fresh to offer.
Ranking Every Mortal Kombat Game From Worst To Best
It’s time to dive in and rank every Mortal Kombat game based on story, gameplay, and overall enjoyment. We’ll exclude mobile versions like Mortal Kombat Advanced and Mortal Kombat Mobile. So, let’s see which game reigns supreme!
14. Mortal Kombat: Special Forces
Platforms: PlayStation | Release Year: 2000
Special Forces is often considered the black sheep of the series. Its gameplay mechanics and storyline deviated too much from what fans expected, making it the lowest-ranked game. Clunky controls and uninspired level design tarnished this spin-off.
13. Mortal Kombat 4
Platforms: Arcade, GameBoy Color, N64, PlayStation, PC | Release Year: 1997
Breaking away from 2D, Mortal Kombat 4 transitioned to 3D graphics. Though it introduced characters like Quan Chi and Shinnok, the gameplay didn't completely resonate with many fans, leaving it with mixed reviews.
12. Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero
Platforms: N64, PlayStation | Release Year: 1997
This spin-off focused on Sub-Zero's backstory. While it added platforming and puzzle-solving elements, design flaws left players wanting more. However, it expanded the MK lore in interesting ways.
11. Mortal Kombat: Armageddon
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Wii, Xbox | Release Year: 2006
Featuring the broadest roster, Armageddon allowed players to explore the MK universe through Konquest mode. Despite mixed reviews, it still holds a unique place in the series.
10. Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 | Release Year: 2008
A fascinating crossover that pitted MK fighters against DC Comics heroes. While the idea was groundbreaking, execution flaws in fighting mechanics somewhat muted the game's impact.
9. Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
Platforms: GameBoy Advance, GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox | Release Year: 2002
This game introduced new faces like Kenshi and Frost and revamped fighting styles and fatalities. The addition of Konquest mode and the mysterious Krypt mode added layers to an already rich experience.
8. Mortal Kombat
Platforms: Various | Release Year: 1992
The original game that started it all. Revolutionary for its time, its graphics and unique fatalities set the stage for the entire franchise. Though it ranks eighth, its foundational impact is undeniable.
7. Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox | Release Year: 2005
Focusing on Liu Kang and Kung Lao, this spin-off offered a fresh take with co-op gameplay. Its captivating story and intense action earned it rave reviews.
6. Mortal Kombat: Deception
Platforms: GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox | Release Year: 2004
Innovative gameplay mechanics, interactive environments, and added game modes like Chess Kombat made Deception a fan favorite. Its improved graphics and online play enhanced the overall experience.
5. Mortal Kombat 9
Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox, PC | Release Year: 2011
Officially titled Mortal Kombat, the game rebooted the series with updated graphics and gameplay mechanics. The storyline, tag team mode, and fresh DLC content made it an instant classic.
4. Mortal Kombat II
Platforms: Various | Release Year: 1993
Known for its significant improvements in graphics and gameplay, MK II introduced iconic characters like Kitana, Baraka, and Mileena. Its new finishers and enduring popularity make it a standout.
3. Mortal Kombat 3
Platforms: Various | Release Year: 1995
The introduction of "run" moves, chain combos, and new characters like Ermac made MK3 a revolutionary game. Enhanced graphics and sound design, along with a complex storyline, elevated it in the series.
2. Mortal Kombat X
Platforms: Various | Release Year: 2015
A game-changer that introduced new characters and featured a top-notch story mode. Its impressive graphics, engaging cutscenes, and addictive multiplayer options pushed it to near perfection.
1. Mortal Kombat 11
Platforms: Various | Release Year: 2019
With its most extensive character roster, stunning graphics, and cinematic story mode, Mortal Kombat 11 is the pinnacle of the series. The gameplay strikes a balance between accessibility and challenging depth, making it the ultimate MK game.
Conclusion
After analyzing all the Mortal Kombat games, it’s clear that Mortal Kombat 11 takes the crown. Its stunning graphics, intense gameplay, and diverse roster make it the best in the series. But let's not forget the contributions of earlier games. Each one has left its mark on the franchise, from the classic Mortal Kombat II to the groundbreaking Mortal Kombat X. No matter where you jump in, there’s a game in the Mortal Kombat universe that will satisfy your craving for brutal combat and iconic fatalities.
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