Mortal Kombat
Main Game
RELEASED
6.9
Aug 2, 1992
DOSAmiga+1byMidway Games•Virgin Interactive Entertainment
Overview:|
Mortal Kombat is a seminal 1992 side-scrolling fighting game where you engage in one-on-one combat using punches, kicks, and special moves. The story pits seven Earth martial artists against Outworld forces in a secret tournament to prevent Earth's takeover by the sorcerer Shang Tsung and his champion, Goro. Its distinctive feature is the "Fatality," a unique, graphically violent finishing move available upon winning the final round. This main game experience focuses purely on mastering the core roster and competitive mechanics established at launch.
This is a seminal 1992 release in the fighting genre, originally available on Arcade, DOS, and Amiga platforms. It established a foundation for one-on-one competitive combat, pitting martial artists against each other in intense, side-scrolling battles. The core gameplay revolves around mastering a roster of fighters, each equipped with unique punches, kicks, and specialized special moves necessary to overcome an opponent through strategic execution.
The Premise: A Tournament for Earth's Fate
The narrative centers on a clandestine martial arts tournament orchestrated by the sorcerer Shang Tsung. Seven warriors representing Earth are compelled to participate. The stakes are absolute: if the reigning champion, the four-armed mutant Goro, secures his tenth consecutive victory, Earth will fall under the dominion of the otherworldly realm known as Outworld. Players step into the roles of these defenders, including the Thunder God Raiden (in mortal form), the determined Shaolin monk Liu Kang, US Special Forces agent Sonya Blade, Hollywood action star Johnny Cage, the mercenary ninja Sub-Zero, the criminal Kano, and the undead ninja Scorpion, who seeks vengeance against Sub-Zero.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
The gameplay loop involves standard two-out-of-three round matches. Success hinges on precise timing and knowledge of each character's move set. Beyond standard attacks, players must utilize special inputs to unleash unique abilities that define the combat flow. This title is categorized as a Main Game within the Fighting genre.
What defines the finishing sequence in this title?
The most distinctive feature of this fighting game is the introduction of the "Fatality." Upon winning the final round against a defeated opponent, the victor can execute a unique, character-specific finishing move. These finishers are known for their graphic and blood-soaked conclusions, providing a definitive, stylized end to the match.
Content Availability and Current State
As the main game released in 1992, this title does not feature any downloadable content or expansions. The experience is contained within the original roster and mechanics established upon its initial release across its launch platforms. Community reception historically centers on the impact of its unique finishing moves and foundational competitive structure.
Game Details
Primary Name: Mortal Kombat
Alternative Names:
MK (Other Alias)
Type: Main Game
Series: Mortal Kombat
Developer: Midway Games, Midway
Publisher: Virgin Interactive Entertainment, Midway Games, Midway, Acclaim Entertainment
Release Information
Release Date: Aug 2, 1992
Genres & Themes
Genres: Fighting
Themes: Action
Platforms
DOSAmigaArcade
Game Modes
Perspective: Side view
Player Modes: Single-player
Game Modes: Single player, Multiplayer
Age Ratings
ESRB:M (Mature)
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