Entertainment
Guide to Playing Classic Mortal Kombat Games Legally
Introduction
Since its debut 31 years ago, the Mortal Kombat franchise has gained a massive following with its brutal combat and iconic characters. If you're a fan looking to revisit the series' roots, you may be wondering where you can play the classic Mortal Kombat games. Unfortunately, it's not as easy as you might think. NetherRealm Studios has yet to release a modern retro compilation of the games, so you'll have to put in some effort to play them legally. Here's a guide to help you navigate the options.
The Originals: Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat II, Mortal Kombat 3, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, and Mortal Kombat Trilogy
The first five Mortal Kombat games were a cultural phenomenon, shocking and delighting gamers with their bloody battles and fantastical characters. These games were originally released on various home consoles throughout the 1990s, including:
- Super Nintendo
- Sega Genesis
- Sega Saturn
- PlayStation
- Nintendo 64
While the console ports captured the essence of the arcade experience, they didn't quite match up to the originals. However, you can still relive the nostalgia by playing the Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection, which was released in 2011 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. Although the Kollection has been delisted from all platforms, you may be able to find a Steam key resale online.
DOS Ports: Mortal Kombat 1, 2, 3, and Trilogy
If you're looking for a more authentic experience, GOG.com offers DOS ports of the first three Mortal Kombat games and Mortal Kombat Trilogy. These ports have received positive user reviews and come with a DOSBox wrapper that allows you to use a modern controller.
Obscure Options
If you're willing to dig deeper, you may find some more obscure ways to play the classic Mortal Kombat games. The Midway Arcade Treasures: Extended Play compilation for the PlayStation Portable includes the first three games. Additionally, the premium edition of 2004's Mortal Kombat: Deception on PlayStation 2 and Xbox includes the first Mortal Kombat as a bonus feature. However, these options may not be as accessible or convenient as the others.
Modern Era: Mortal Kombat 4 and Mortal Kombat Gold
In the late 90s, Mortal Kombat made the jump to 3D with mixed results. Mortal Kombat 4, released in 1997, introduced new characters and gameplay mechanics. This game is available for purchase on GOG.com and has been enhanced with 3DFX mod and widescreen support.
Mortal Kombat Gold, an expanded revision of MK4, was a Dreamcast launch title in 1999 but has not been re-released on any subsequent platforms.
The Sixth Generation: Deadly Alliance, Deception, Armageddon, and Shaolin Monks
The Mortal Kombat series found its footing in the early 2000s with a series of releases on PlayStation 2 and other consoles. Deadly Alliance, Deception, Armageddon, and Shaolin Monks were all well-received by fans. However, these games have not been ported to modern platforms, so your best bet is to find the original consoles and copies of the games.
Crossover with DC Universe: Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe
In 2008, Mortal Kombat surprised fans by crossing over with the DC Universe. Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe, or Mortal Kombat 8, featured a fun story and laid the groundwork for future games in the series. While this game has been delisted from digital stores, it has been made fully backwards compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles in celebration of Xbox's 20th anniversary. Physical copies of the Xbox 360 release can still be found.
Revival: Mortal Kombat (aka Mortal Kombat 9)
In 2011, Mortal Kombat made a triumphant return with a reboot simply titled Mortal Kombat. This game revitalized the series and gained recognition in the competitive gaming scene. However, it was unexpectedly delisted from sale on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC in 2020. While PC players can find Steam codes on key reseller sites, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles offer backwards compatibility with physical Xbox 360 copies of the game.
Current Generation: Mortal Kombat X and Mortal Kombat 11
Mortal Kombat X and Mortal Kombat 11, released in 2015 and 2019 respectively, are both available for purchase on modern platforms. These games continue the series' legacy with updated graphics, gameplay mechanics, and a wealth of content.
Non-Mainline Games: Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero and Mortal Kombat: Special Forces
For completionists, there are two single-player Mortal Kombat games to explore. Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero, released in 1997 for the Nintendo 64, and Mortal Kombat: Special Forces, released in 2000 for the PlayStation, have not been re-released or ported due to their poor reception.
The Future
While it may be challenging to play the entire Mortal Kombat series legally, fans continue to hope for a comprehensive retro collection that brings the older games together. Ideally, such a collection would include concept art, developer interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and even comparisons between different versions of the games. As of now, though, it remains a retro dream.
Despite the difficulties, the enduring popularity of the Mortal Kombat series ensures that fans will find a way to experience these classic games.
Written by a London-based writer with a passion for gaming and a willingness to go the extra mile to bring you the latest news and insights.
I’m Jason, and I write for ValleyNewspaper.com!
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