Mortal Kombat: The Game That Defined a Genre

Mortal Kombat is a classic video game that revolutionized the fighting game genre in the 90s. As a child, I spent countless hours playing it with friends and family, creating memories that still resonate today. In this blog post, I’ll dive into what I loved, what I didn’t, and the pros and cons of this iconic game.

What I Loved

One of the things I loved most about Mortal Kombat was the characters. Each fighter had a unique design, fighting style, and set of special moves. I vividly remember spending hours mastering the infamous fatalities—gruesome finishing moves that became the hallmark of the series. What made it even more exciting was the element of mystery: not all fatalities were known, and discovering a new one felt like uncovering a secret treasure.

The sound effects and music also stood out. The visceral sounds of punches and kicks, the announcer’s chilling voice, and the unforgettable “Finish Him!” still send shivers down my spine. The music added to the game’s gritty atmosphere, making every fight feel like a cinematic showdown.

What I Hated

As much as I loved the game, there were a few things that frustrated me.

The first was the difficulty level. Mortal Kombat was notoriously challenging, with some bosses feeling almost impossible to beat. I can still recall the frustration of repeatedly losing to bosses like Shao Kahn, which at times took away from the fun.

Another issue was the game’s violence. While the fatalities were undeniably cool, they were also disturbingly graphic. As a kid, I often felt uneasy about the gore, and it made me question whether I should be playing such a brutal game.

Pros

• Iconic Characters: Each fighter was distinct and memorable, with their own personalities and backstories.
• Unique Aesthetic: The gritty, realistic visuals and dark atmosphere set it apart from other fighting games of the time.
• Responsive Controls: The controls felt smooth and intuitive, making the gameplay engaging and enjoyable.
• Memorable Sound and Music: The sound effects and soundtrack elevated the overall experience, creating a game that felt larger than life.

Cons

• Unfair Difficulty: The challenging gameplay sometimes felt frustrating rather than fun, particularly against overpowered bosses.
• Graphic Violence: The excessive gore made the game unsuitable for younger players and stirred controversy that still follows the franchise.

Final Thoughts

Mortal Kombat was a trailblazer that left an indelible mark on the video game industry. From its unforgettable characters and thrilling gameplay to its groundbreaking visuals and sound, it redefined what fighting games could be.

While I loved the characters, sound effects, and music, the intense difficulty and graphic violence were aspects I didn’t enjoy as much. However, the game’s pros far outweighed its cons, and Mortal Kombat will always hold a special place in my heart as one of the best games of the 90s.

What are your memories of Mortal Kombat? Did you love it or find it too challenging? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories!

Author: 90sKids.com