Classic SNES Game Review - Mortal Kombat

Released for the SNES in 1993 by midway after a extremely successful initial release on the arcades. Mortal Kombat was both hailed and criticized for its extreme violence. AS far as fighters of this generation go, Mortal Kombat was hailed as one of the best american fighters. Sadly though, the SNES port also holds the unfortunate title of one of the worst ports of an arcade game.

Mortal Kombat takes place during fights leading up to the ultimate defeat of the evil Shang Tsung by the monk Liu Kang. Lui Kang is a playable fighter as is Johnny cage, Sonya, Raiden, Scorpion, Sub Zero, Kano, and finally the secret playable fighter Reptile.

The SNES port of Mortal Kombat took quite a hit graphically as game play was changed to be appropriate to the younger players of the SNES. Grey blood meant to represent sweat replaced the red blood of the arcades. Fatalities were changed from their original violence to less violent ones. The useful uppercut counter to air attacks has been removed because of the extreme violence portrayed with such a counter, and finally the combo system was changed to a nicer easy to learn system.

All Characters scream and withdraw when hit, fists fly thorough the virtual world with appropriate SFX. Music is present and provides a exciting score to each round. Occasional sound effects accompany well executed attack combos, and all rounds begin and end with an announcers voice.

Mortal Kombat isnt too hard to understand. The controls are paired together, Hi punch Lo Punch, Hi Kick Lo Kick, and block. Combos are created through successful groups of strikes to an opponent. After two consecutive winning rounds, a final "Finishing bonus (fatality) is allowed whereupon the winner of the match may input a combo to finish off an opponent with a flashy extremely violent end.

Mortal Kombat isnt the hardest game to play solo, and with two seasoned veterans Mortal Kombat can have very good matches. There is a secret unlock able character so be prepared to spend a lot of time hitting people. This game was intended for the arcade, so its Demographic would probably be the teen audience (little kids cant reach arcade buttons too well).

As a fighting game Mortal Kombat is advanced enough to merit a lot of replay, and yet easy enough in concept for just about anybody with a basic knowledge of games to pick up and play. As for the SNES port, a lot of the violence has been removed, including a few vital attack and defense moves have been removed. . .this has certainly reduced the overall value of what could have been a wonderful port. Mortal Kombat deserves 3 Hi Kicks out of 5.