Mortal Kombat (1992 video game)

Mortal Kombat is a 1992 fighting game developed by Midway Games. It was released for arcades and later ported to numerous home consoles. The game is notable for its digitized sprites, which gave it a comparatively realistic look for the time, and its over-the-top violence, which resulted in significant controversy and contributed to the creation of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).

Gameplay: Mortal Kombat features one-on-one fighting using a combination of punches, kicks, and special moves. Players select from a roster of diverse characters, each with their unique fighting style and special moves. The game is known for its "fatality" finishing moves, which depict graphically violent deaths, significantly differentiating it from contemporary fighting games. Other key features include:

• Two-player versus mode: The core of the gameplay, allowing players to compete against each other.
• Single-player mode: Players fight against increasingly difficult computer-controlled opponents.
• Special moves: Unique attacks performed through precise button combinations.
• Finishing moves (Fatalities): Brutal and violent finishing moves performed after winning a round. These became a defining characteristic of the franchise.

Characters: The original roster included iconic characters like Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, Sub-Zero, Scorpion, and Reptile (secret character). Each character possessed unique strengths and weaknesses, impacting gameplay strategy.

Reception and Legacy: Mortal Kombat was a massive commercial success, becoming one of the most popular arcade games of its time. Its popularity translated to home console releases, leading to a highly successful franchise that spanned numerous sequels, spin-offs, films, and other media. The game's graphic violence remains a key element of its legacy, sparking ongoing debate about the depiction of violence in video games. The game’s influence on the fighting game genre is undeniable, contributing to the widespread adoption of special moves, varied character rosters, and the prevalence of violent finishing moves in subsequent games.