Difference between revisions of "Mortal Kombat"

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{{OtherPage|desc=the [[Sega Master System]] and [[Sega Game Gear]] game|page=Mortal Kombat (8-bit)}}
 
{{Bob
 
{{Bob
 
| bobscreen=MortalKombat title.png
 
| bobscreen=MortalKombat title.png
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| bobscreen2=MortalKombat_MCD_JP_SSTitle.png
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| bobscreen2=MortalKombat MCD JP SSTitle.png
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| bobscreen3=MK001MasterSystem.png
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| tab1=Mega Drive
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| bobscreen4=MK GG Title.png
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| tab2=Mega-CD
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| tab1={{MD}}
 
−
| tab2={{MCD}}
 
−
| tab3={{SMS}}
 
−
| tab4={{GG}}
 
 
| publisher={{company|[[Arena Entertainment]]|region=US/EU}}
 
| publisher={{company|[[Arena Entertainment]]|region=US/EU}}
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{{company|[[Acclaim Japan]]|system=MD,MCD,GG|region=JP}}
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{{company|[[Acclaim Japan]]|region=JP}}
 
| developer=[[Probe Software]], [[Grey Team]]
 
| developer=[[Probe Software]], [[Grey Team]]
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| distributor={{company|[[Ecofilmes]]|region=PT|system=MD}}
 +
{{company|[[Hent Gruppen]]|region=SE rental|system=MD}}
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{{company|[[Tec Toy]]|region=BR|system=MD,MCD}}
 
| licensor=[[Midway Manufacturing]]
 
| licensor=[[Midway Manufacturing]]
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| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Sega Mega-CD]], [[Sega Master System]], [[Sega Game Gear]]
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| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Sega Mega-CD]]
 
| sounddriver={{MD}} [[Krisalis sound driver]]
 
| sounddriver={{MD}} [[Krisalis sound driver]]
−
| peripherals={{MD}} {{MCD}} [[Six Button Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Six Button Control Pad]] {{GG}} [[Gear-to-Gear Cable]]
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| peripherals=[[Six Button Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Six Button Control Pad]]
 
| players=1-2
 
| players=1-2
−
| genre=Action{{fileref|MK MD JP Box.jpg}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200702232146/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html}}{{fileref|MK GG EU Box Back.jpg}}{{fileref|MK GG JP Box Front.jpg}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20130101202427/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/gg/soft_licensee.html}}{{fileref|MK MCD JP Box Back.jpg}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20190610175627/https://sega.jp/fb/segahard/mcd/soft_licensee.html}}
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| genre=Action{{fileref|MK MD JP Box.jpg}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200702232146/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html}}{{fileref|MK MCD JP Box Back.jpg}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20190610175627/https://sega.jp/fb/segahard/mcd/soft_licensee.html}}
 
| originalsystem=Arcade boards
 
| originalsystem=Arcade boards
 
| releases={{releasesMD
 
| releases={{releasesMD
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| md_date_eu=1993-09-13{{magref|cvg|141|48}}
 
| md_date_eu=1993-09-13{{magref|cvg|141|48}}
 
| md_code_eu=T-81186-50
 
| md_code_eu=T-81186-50
−
| md_date_uk=1993-09-13{{magref|cvg|141|48}}
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| md_date_uk=1993-09-13{{fileref|DailyExpress UK 1993-09-09 11.jpg}}{{fileref|DailyMirror UK 1993-09-13 16.jpg}}{{fileref|DailyMirror UK 1993-09-10 13.jpg}}{{magref|cvg|141|48}}
 
| md_code_uk=T-81186-50
 
| md_code_uk=T-81186-50
 
| md_rrp_uk=49.99{{magref|cvg|141|48}}{{magref|mega|13|47}}<!--44.99{{magref|megaaction|5|18}}-->
 
| md_rrp_uk=49.99{{magref|cvg|141|48}}{{magref|mega|13|47}}<!--44.99{{magref|megaaction|5|18}}-->
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| md_rrp_pt=14.200{{magref|jogosvideo|2|27}}
 
| md_rrp_pt=14.200{{magref|jogosvideo|2|27}}
 
| md_date_se_r=199x
 
| md_date_se_r=199x
−
}}
 
−
{{releasesSMS
 
−
| sms_date_eu=1993-09-13
 
−
| sms_code_eu=MK-29021-50
 
−
| sms_date_de=1993
 
−
| sms_code_de=MK-29021-50
 
−
| sms_rrp_de=120{{magref|maniac|1993-11|79}}
 
−
| sms_date_uk=1993-09-13
 
−
| sms_code_uk=MK-29021-50
 
−
| sms_rrp_uk=34.99{{magref|sfm|7|59}}
 
−
| sms_date_br=1994
 
−
| sms_code_br=028240
 
−
| sms_date_pt=1993
 
−
| sms_code_pt=MS29021
 
−
| sms_rrp_pt=11.900{{magref|jogosvideo|2|27}}
 
−
| sms_date_au=199x
 
−
| sms_code_au=FMOR00SEC
 
−
| sms_rating_au=ma15
 
−
}}
 
−
{{releasesGG
 
−
| gg_date_jp=1993-12-17{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20130101202427/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/gg/soft_licensee.html}}
 
−
| gg_rrp_jp=4,800
 
−
| gg_code_jp=T-81017
 
−
| gg_date_us=1993-09-13{{magref|gamepro|50|7}}
 
−
| gg_code_us=T-81198
 
−
| gg_rating_us=ma13
 
−
| gg_date_eu=1993-09-13
 
−
| gg_code_eu=T-81198-50
 
−
| gg_date_uk=1993-09-13
 
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| gg_code_uk=T-81198-50
 
−
| gg_date_pt=199x
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{releasesMCD
 
{{releasesMCD
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| mcd_date_eu=1994-07{{magref|mms|20|74}}
 
| mcd_date_eu=1994-07{{magref|mms|20|74}}
 
| mcd_code_eu=T-81025-50
 
| mcd_code_eu=T-81025-50
−
| mcd_date_uk=1994-07{{magref|mms|20|74}}
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| mcd_date_uk=1994-07{{magref|mms|20|74}}<!--1994-06{{magref|segapro|33|10}}-->
 
| mcd_code_uk=T-81025-50
 
| mcd_code_uk=T-81025-50
 
| mcd_rrp_uk=49.99{{magref|segapower|56|44}}{{magref|segapro|34|47}}<!--39.95{{magref|mms|20|74}}-->
 
| mcd_rrp_uk=49.99{{magref|segapower|56|44}}{{magref|segapro|34|47}}<!--39.95{{magref|mms|20|74}}-->
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| mcd_rating_au=ma15
 
| mcd_rating_au=ma15
 
}}
 
}}
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| otherformats={{NonSega|Arcade|Amiga|IBMPC|GB|SNES}}
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| otherformats={{NonSega|Arcade|Amiga|IBMPC|SNES}}
 
}}
 
}}
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'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (モータルコンバット), also known as '''''Mortal Kombat Kanzen-ban''''' (モータルコンバット完全版) on the Mega-CD in Japan, is a 1992 arcade fighting game by [[Midway Manufacturing]]. At the time, it was considered revolutionary for its use of digitized graphics, though was also met with controversy thanks to its high levels of violence.
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'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (モータルコンバット), also known as '''''Mortal Kombat Kanzen-ban''''' (モータルコンバット完全版) on the Mega-CD in Japan, is a 1992 arcade fighting game by [[Midway Manufacturing]]. At the time, it was considered revolutionary for its use of digitized graphics, though it was also met with controversy thanks to its high levels of violence.
 +
 
 +
Following its release in the arcades, home versions were created and released in September 1993 on a date that became known as "Mortal Monday." The [[Sega Mega Drive]] version was published by [[Arena Entertainment]] simultaneously in North America and Europe, with releases in Japan and Brazil some months later. An enhanced [[Sega Mega-CD]] version followed in 1994.
  
−
Following its release in the arcades, home versions were created and released in September 1993 on a date which became known as "Mortal Monday". This date saw [[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Sega Master System]] and [[Sega Game Gear]] versions of the game (among versions for other systems), published by [[Arena Entertainment]] simultaneously in North America and Europe, although Japan and Brazil were forced to wait some months later and a [[Sega Mega-CD]] version did not arrive until 1994.
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==Story==
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{{ScreenThumb|Mortal Kombat CD, Introduction.png|align=left|width=200|Goro}}
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The game takes place in Earthrealm, where a tournament is being held on Shang Tsung's Island. Shang Tsung was banished to Earthrealm 500 years previously and, with the help of the monstrous Goro, is able to seize control of the Mortal Kombat tournament in an attempt to doom the realm. For 500 years straight, Goro has been undefeated in the tournament and won nine consecutive tournaments. If Goro wins again, Shao Kahn, Emperor of Outworld, will be allowed to take Earthrealm. In order to prevent this, a new generation of warriors must challenge Goro.
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
−
Like in most fighting games, {{down}} crouches, {{up}} jumps, {{upleft}} and {{upright}} flip back and forward respectively. All characters have punches and kicks that can either be aimed high or low, and a block button. Using a three-button controller {{A}} and {{left}}+{{A}} do low and high punches, respectively, {{B}} and {{C}} do low and high kicks, also respectively, and {{start}} blocks. Six-button controllers have {{A}} and {{X}} assigned for punches, {{C}} and {{Z}} for kicks, {{B}} and {{Y}} for blocking. In the 8-bit versions {{1}} punches and {{2}} kicks; block is assigned to {{start}} in the Game Gear version, and {{down}}+{{1}} in the Master System version. Combinations of buttons can be used to perform special moves such as projectiles, throws, and other special attacks.
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{{ScreenThumb|MortalKombat1GenCharSelect.png|width=200|Choose Your Fighter}}
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{{ScreenThumb|Mortal Kombat MD, Test Your Might.png|width=200|Test Your Might}}
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''Mortal Kombat'' is a fighting game in which players battle opponents in one-on-one matches. The fighter that drains the opponent's health bar first wins the round, and the first to win two rounds wins the match. Each round is timed; if both fighters still have health remaining when time runs out, the one with more health wins the round. At the end of the final round, the losing character is dazed, and the winning fighter has a short amount of time to perform a Fatality, a finishing move performed against a defeated opponent to execute them in a gruesome fashion. Two players can start a game together, or a second player can join in during a single player's game by pressing {{Start}} to fight against them. If a game was in progress at the time, the winner continues it alone; if not, the winner begins a new game.
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 +
In the single-player game, the player faces each of the seven playable characters in a series of one-on-one matches against computer-controlled opponents, ending in a "Mirror Match" against a duplicate of the player's chosen character and then three endurance matches against two opponents. As soon as the player defeats the first opponent, the second one enters the arena and the timer resets, but the player's health meter does not regenerate. After the third endurance match, the player fights the sub-boss Goro, followed by a final match against Shang Tsung.
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 +
Between certain levels, players can compete in a mini-game called "Test Your Might" for bonus points, breaking blocks of various materials by filling a meter past a certain point through rapid button presses. The first material the player must break is wood, followed by stone, steel, ruby, and finally diamond, with each successive material requiring more of the meter to be filled up and thus awarding more points. Two players can compete in the mini-game at once; the last two materials are only accessible through two-player mode.
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Characters move with {{left}} and {{right}} and crouch with {{down}}. They jump with {{up}} and jump back and forth with {{upleft}} and {{upright}}. All characters have punches and kicks that can either be aimed high or low. Characters perform a low punch with {{A}}, a high punch with {{X}}, a low kick with {{C}}, and a high kick with {{Z}}. Characters block by holding {{B}} or {{Y}}. Blocking can be done while standing or crouching. Some attacks cannot be blocked while standing (such as sweeps). All attacks do a small amount of damage even when blocked.
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When using a standard three-button control pad, characters perform a low punch with {{A}}, a high punch with {{left}}+{{A}} or {{right}}+{{A}}, a low kick with {{B}}, and a high kick with {{C}}, and {{Start}} blocks.
  
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After a set number of matches players can play a minigame called "Test Your Might" and break objects by rapidly tapping buttons to raise a stamina bar, then pressing block to launch the attack. At the end of a match, players can use a finishing move which kills their opponent in various ways. By default violent finishing moves are censored and blood is disabled. By entering a special code blood will be enabled and some finishing moves will be more graphic.
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All characters have a shared set of attacks performed by holding the D-Pad in various directions, such as the roundhouse kick, leg sweep, and uppercut. Uppercuts knock the enemy high into the air and cause a large amount of damage. The game introduced the concept of "juggling," knocking an opponent into the air and following up with a combination of attacks while the enemy is still airborne and defenseless. Normal moves are mostly the same between characters, with variations in range and speed, but characters differ in their special moves. Most special moves are performed by moving the D-Pad in certain directions, usually ending with an attack button. Unlike most one-on-one fighting games, few moves involve semicircular directional motions. The game's blocking system also distinguished itself from other fighting games, as it uses a dedicated block button, and characters take a small amount of damage from regular moves while blocking. However, the dedicated block button allows characters to defend against attacks without retreating, so blocking characters lose very little ground when struck, making counterattacks much easier after a successful block.
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There are five difficulty settings for computer-controlled opponents (Very Easy, Easy, Medium, Hard, and Very Hard) and allow the player to change the number of starting credits in the options. Violent finishing moves are censored and blood is disabled by default in the Mega Drive version (but not the Mega-CD version). By entering a special code, blood is enabled and some finishing moves are more graphic.
  
 
===Characters===
 
===Characters===
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{{InfoTable|imagewidths=96|
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{{MoveListNote|legend=MortalKombat}}
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{{InfoRow
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All characters can perform roundhouse kicks with {{left}}+{{HighKick}} (which knock the opponent away), leg sweeps with {{left}}+{{LowKick}} (which cause the opponent to fall down), and uppercuts with {{down}}+{{LowPunch}} or {{down}}+{{HighPunch}} (which knock the opponent high into the air). Throws are performed by pressing {{HighKick}} when next to the opponent.
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| title=Johnny Cage
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−
| image=MK MD JohnnyCage portrait.png
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When using a standard three-button control pad, the {{LowPunch}} button can generally substitute for either {{LowPunch}} or {{HighPunch}} when performing special moves.
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| desc=
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Fatalities often require being a certain distance from the opponent in order to execute. All finishing moves can be performed while holding the {{Block}} button, which is sometimes useful to avoid accidentally moving or hitting the opponent before the button combination is fully pressed. The Pit stage has a unique stage-specific Fatality, performed by simply finishing with an uppercut. The "blood code" must be entered to see the Fatalities as described.
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 +
====Playable====
 +
{{InfoTable|
 +
{{InfoFighter
 +
| name=Johnny Cage
 +
| portrait={{sprite|Mortal Kombat MD, Characters.png|2|crop_width=48|crop_height=56|crop_x=0|crop_y=0}}
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| sprite={{sprite|Mortal Kombat MD, Sprites.png|crop_width=64|crop_height=128|crop_x=0|crop_y=0}}
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| desc=A famous martial artist and movie star who entered the tournament for the publicity.
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{{MoveListTable |
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{{MoveListRow | Green Flame | {{left}} {{right}} {{LowPunch}} or {{left}} {{right}} {{HighPunch}} | Johnny Cage throws a fireball across the screen.}}
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{{MoveListRow | Shadow Kick | {{left}} {{right}} {{LowKick}} | Johnny Cage slides forward while kicking.}}
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{{MoveListRow | Split Punch | {{down}}+{{HighKick}} | Johnny Cage does the splits and punches his opponent in the crotch.}}
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{{MoveListRow | Fatality | {{right}} {{right}} {{right}} {{HighPunch}} (close) | Johnny Cage does an uppercut that decapitates his opponent.}}
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}}
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoFighter
 +
| name=Kano
 +
| portrait={{sprite|Mortal Kombat MD, Characters.png|2|crop_width=48|crop_height=56|crop_x=48|crop_y=0}}
 +
| sprite={{sprite|Mortal Kombat MD, Sprites.png|crop_width=64|crop_height=128|crop_x=64|crop_y=0}}
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| desc=A mercenary and member of the notorious Black Dragon organized crime cartel. He enters the tournament with the hopes of looting Shang Tsung's palace.
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{{MoveListTable |
 +
{{MoveListRow | Knife | {{hold|{{Block}}|{{left}} {{right}}}} | Kano throws a knife across the screen.}}
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{{MoveListRow | Cannonball | D-Pad in a 360° rotation clockwise | Kano hurls himself toward his opponent like a flying cannonball.}}
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{{MoveListRow | Fatality | {{left}} {{left}} {{LowPunch}} (close) | Kano rips his opponent's still-beating heart from their chest.}}
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}}
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoFighter
 +
| name=Liu Kang
 +
| portrait={{sprite|Mortal Kombat MD, Characters.png|2|crop_width=48|crop_height=56|crop_x=96|crop_y=0}}
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| sprite={{sprite|Mortal Kombat MD, Sprites.png|crop_width=64|crop_height=128|crop_x=128|crop_y=0}}
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| desc=A Shaolin monk, once a member of the secretive White Lotus Society. He has entered the tournament to represent the Shaolin temples and defeat the despised Shang Tsung.
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{{MoveListTable |
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{{MoveListRow | Fireball | {{right}} {{right}} {{LowPunch}} or {{right}} {{right}} {{HighPunch}} | Liu Kang shoots a fireball across the screen.}}
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{{MoveListRow | Flying Kick | {{right}} {{right}} {{HighKick}} | Liu Kang launches himself across the screen in a kicking pose.}}
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{{MoveListRow | Fatality | D-Pad in a 360° rotation clockwise (half screen away or closer) | Liu Kang does a cartwheel and then uppercuts his opponent.}}
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}}
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}}
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{{InfoFighter
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| name=Rayden
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| portrait={{sprite|Mortal Kombat MD, Characters.png|2|crop_width=48|crop_height=56|crop_x=144|crop_y=0}}
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| sprite={{sprite|Mortal Kombat MD, Sprites.png|crop_width=64|crop_height=128|crop_x=192|crop_y=0}}
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| desc=A mystical thunder god believed to have been personally invited to the tournament by Shang Tsung.
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{{MoveListTable |
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{{MoveListRow | Lightning | {{down}} {{right}} {{LowPunch}} or {{down}} {{right}} {{HighPunch}} | Rayden shoots a bolt of lightning across the screen.}}
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{{MoveListRow | Flying Thunderbolt | {{left}} {{left}} {{right}} | Rayden flies across the screen, grabbing and slamming his opponent against the wall.}}
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{{MoveListRow | Teleport | {{down}} {{up}} | Rayden teleports in front of his opponent.}}
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{{MoveListRow | Fatality | {{right}} {{left}} {{left}} {{left}} {{HighPunch}} (close) | Rayden sends a lightning bolt that causes his opponent's head to explode.}}
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}}
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}}
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{{InfoFighter
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| name=Scorpion
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| portrait={{sprite|Mortal Kombat MD, Characters.png|2|crop_width=48|crop_height=56|crop_x=192|crop_y=0}}
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| sprite={{sprite|Mortal Kombat MD, Sprites.png|crop_width=64|crop_height=128|crop_x=320|crop_y=0}}
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| desc=A mysterious ninja believed to have been defeated by members of the Lin Kuei clan and seeking revenge.
 +
{{MoveListTable |
 +
{{MoveListRow | Harpoon | {{left}} {{left}} {{LowPunch}} or {{left}} {{left}} {{HighPunch}} | Scorpion throws a harpoon across the screen, then uses it to pull his opponent toward him. The opponent is momentarily stunned.}}
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{{MoveListRow | Decoy Punch | {{QCB}} {{HighPunch}} | Scorpion teleports to the other side of the screen, flying in with a punch.}}
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{{MoveListRow | Fatality | {{hold|{{Block}}|{{up}} {{up}}}} (half screen away) | Scorpion removes his mask, revealing a demonic skull, and incinerates his opponent with his fire breath.}}
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}}
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}}
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{{InfoFighter
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| name=Sonya Blade
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| portrait={{sprite|Mortal Kombat MD, Characters.png|2|crop_width=48|crop_height=56|crop_x=240|crop_y=0}}
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| sprite={{sprite|Mortal Kombat MD, Sprites.png|crop_width=64|crop_height=128|crop_x=256|crop_y=0}}
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| desc=A member of a top-secret special forces unit. She was pursuing the criminal Kano when she was ambushed by the forces of Shang Tsung, who has taken her compatriots hostage, and forced into the tournament.
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{{MoveListTable |
 +
{{MoveListRow | Sonic Rings | {{HighPunch}} {{left}} {{HighPunch}} | Sonya Blade throws sonic rings across the screen.}}
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{{MoveListRow | Leg Grab | {{down}}+{{LowPunch}}+{{LowKick}} (sweep distance) | Sonya Blade does a handstand and uses her legs to grab and slam her opponent against the ground.}}
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{{MoveListRow | Square Wave Punch | {{right}} {{left}} {{HighPunch}} | Sonya Blade jumps into the air and shoots across the screen with her fist extended.}}
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{{MoveListRow | Fatality | {{right}} {{right}} {{left}} {{left}} {{Block}} | Sonya Blade blows a kiss that incinerates her opponent.}}
 +
}}
 
}}
 
}}
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{{InfoRow
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{{InfoFighter
−
| title=Kano
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| name=Sub-Zero
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| image=MK MD Kano portrait.png
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| portrait={{sprite|Mortal Kombat MD, Characters.png|2|crop_width=48|crop_height=56|crop_x=288|crop_y=0}}
−
| desc=
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| sprite={{sprite|Mortal Kombat MD, Sprites.png|crop_width=64|crop_height=128|crop_x=384|crop_y=0}}
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| desc=A male ninja who possesses cryokinesis. His identity is unknown, but he is believed to be a member of the Lin Kuei clan, a legendary clan of ninja assassins.
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{{MoveListTable |
 +
{{MoveListRow | Deep Freeze | {{down}} {{right}} {{LowPunch}} or {{down}} {{right}} {{HighPunch}} | Sub-Zero shoots a burst of ice across the screen, freezing his opponent on contact. Hitting an already frozen opponent "backfires" and freezes Sub-Zero while unfreezing his opponent.}}
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{{MoveListRow | Slide | {{left}}+{{LowKick}}+{{HighKick}} | Sub-Zero slides forward with a leg sweep.}}
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{{MoveListRow | Fatality | {{right}} {{down}} {{right}} {{HighPunch}} (close) | Sub-Zero tears off his opponent's head, ripping out the spine with it.}}
 
}}
 
}}
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{{InfoRow
 
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| title=Liu Kang
 
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| image=MK MD LiuKang portrait.png
 
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| desc=
 
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{InfoRow
 
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| title=Rayden
 
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| image=MK MD Rayden portrait.png
 
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| desc=
 
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{InfoRow
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====Bosses====
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| title=Scorpion
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{{InfoTable|
−
| image=MK MD Scorpion portrait.png
+
{{InfoFighter
−
| desc=
+
| name=Goro
 +
| portrait={{sprite|Mortal Kombat MD, Characters.png|2|crop_width=48|crop_height=56|crop_x=336|crop_y=0}}
 +
| sprite={{sprite|Mortal Kombat MD, Sprites.png|crop_width=84|crop_height=128|crop_x=576|crop_y=0}}
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| desc=A 2,000-year-old half-human, half-dragon with four arms and a massive stature. He has been the undefeated champion of the Mortal Kombat Tournament for 500 years. He is the game's penultimate boss.
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{InfoRow
+
{{InfoFighter
−
| title=Sonya Blade
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| name=Shang Tsung
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| image=MK MD SonyaBlade portrait.png
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| portrait={{sprite|Mortal Kombat MD, Characters.png|2|crop_width=48|crop_height=56|crop_x=384|crop_y=0}}
−
| desc=
+
| sprite={{sprite|Mortal Kombat MD, Sprites.png|crop_width=64|crop_height=128|crop_x=512|crop_y=0}}
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| desc=An evil sorcerer who steals the souls of his opponents. He can shapeshift into the form of any other fighter. He has hosted the tournament for 500 years, and he is the game's final boss.
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{InfoRow
 
−
| title=Sub-Zero
 
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| image=MK MD SubZero portrait.png
 
−
| desc=
 
 
}}
 
}}
 +
====Hidden====
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Hidden content}}
 +
{{InfoTable|
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
−
| title=Goro
+
| title=Reptile
−
| image=MK MD Goro portrait.png
+
| sprite={{sprite|Mortal Kombat MD, Sprites.png|crop_width=64|crop_height=128|crop_x=448|crop_y=0}}
−
| desc=Penultimate enemy; non-playable.
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| desc=A green ninja who has the movesets of Scorpion and Sub-Zero. Reptile can be fought if the player gets double flawless victories, never blocks, and finishes with a Fatality against the computer when certain objects are seen in the Pit stage.
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{InfoRow
 
−
| title=Shang Tsung
 
−
| image=MK MD ShangTsung portrait.png
 
−
| desc=Final enemy; non-playable.
 
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
===Stages===
 +
The stages are played in order (and loop around after the last one). The Goro's Lair stage is always used for the boss fights with Goro and Shang Tsung.
 +
 +
The Pit stage has a stage-specific Fatality where the opponent is uppercutted into a bed of spikes at the bottom of the pit. If found, Reptile is fought at the bottom of the Pit.
 +
{{gallery|widths=200|screens=yes|
 +
{{gitem|MK MD Courtyard.png|The Courtyard}}
 +
{{gitem|MK MD PalaceGates.png|Palace Gates}}
 +
{{gitem|MK MD WarriorShrine.png|Warrior Shrine}}
 +
{{gitem|MK MD ThePit.png|The Pit}}
 +
{{gitem|MK MD ThroneRoom.png|Throne Room}}
 +
{{gitem|MK MD GorosLair.png|Goro's Lair}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
===Release===
 
===Release===
−
Sega's success with the Mega Drive version of the game prompted [[Nintendo]] to change their somewhat strict policies put forward in the late 1980s, and the SNES version of the sequel, ''[[Mortal Kombat II]]'' features red blood. Sega's [[Videogame Rating Council]] was also criticised for rating the Mega Drive version of the game a MA-13, implying that the game's content in its non-censored state was suitable for 13-year-olds. ''Mortal Kombat'' and other games such as ''[[Night Trap]]'' would inspire the creation of the [[ESRB]], which would cover all game consoles in North America and remains in place to this day.
+
Sega's success with the Mega Drive version of the game prompted [[Nintendo]] to change their somewhat strict policies put forward in the late 1980s, and the [[Super NES]] version of the sequel, ''[[Mortal Kombat II]]'', features red blood. Sega's [[Videogame Rating Council]] was also criticised for rating the Mega Drive version of the game a MA-13, implying that the game's content in its non-censored state was suitable for 13-year-olds. ''Mortal Kombat'' and other games such as ''[[Night Trap]]'' would inspire the creation of the [[ESRB]], which would cover all game consoles in North America and remains in place to this day.
  
 
The release of the game caused big controversy in Germany. Initially, all versions of the game went on sale in Germany due to the fact that they were censored. USK detected that the Sega version of the game have a code to unlock the blood so it was decided to withdraw all copies of the game from Germany and banning the game. In 2005, the game disappeared from the list of banned games.
 
The release of the game caused big controversy in Germany. Initially, all versions of the game went on sale in Germany due to the fact that they were censored. USK detected that the Sega version of the game have a code to unlock the blood so it was decided to withdraw all copies of the game from Germany and banning the game. In 2005, the game disappeared from the list of banned games.
Line 169: Line 234:
  
 
===Mega-CD version===
 
===Mega-CD version===
−
The Mega-CD version was rated MA-17 in North America and was therefore subject to less criticism. In fact, there is actually a code to turn the gore ''down'' in the Mega-CD port - {{Down}}{{Up}}{{Left}}{{Left}}{{A}}{{Right}}{{Down}}.
+
The Mega-CD version was rated MA-17 in North America and was therefore subject to less criticism. It has the violence enabled by default (and in fact has a cheat code to turn it down, the inverse of the Mega Drive version).
  
 
As well as a CD audio soundtrack (which is essentially a recording of the arcade version), the game contains a grainy version of the famous "Mortal Monday" TV commercial. Some tracks play in the wrong stages, though there are some bonus remixes that can be heard if the game is played on a regular CD player.
 
As well as a CD audio soundtrack (which is essentially a recording of the arcade version), the game contains a grainy version of the famous "Mortal Monday" TV commercial. Some tracks play in the wrong stages, though there are some bonus remixes that can be heard if the game is played on a regular CD player.
  
−
The Mega-CD version is otherwise identical to the Mega Drive version, though load times can mean that Shang Tsung is open to attack while transforming. Curiously this version uses fighting music track from Amiga port when fighting Shang Tsung.
+
The Mega-CD version is otherwise identical to the Mega Drive version, though load times can mean that Shang Tsung is open to attack while transforming. Curiously, this version uses fighting music track from [[Amiga]] port when fighting Shang Tsung.
−
 
 
−
===Master System version===
 
−
Predictably the Master System version is toned down for the weaker hardware, and is censored until a cheat code is inputted. Kano and Reptile have been omitted from this version, presumably to save space. It includes only Goro's Lair and The Pit stages, the latter having stage fatality removed. The music is based on [[Allister Brimble]]'s arrangement, the arrangement shared with PC Floppy and [[Game Boy]] ports.
 
−
 
 
−
Like all Master System games post 1991, this version was not released in North America.
 
−
 
 
−
===Game Gear version===
 
−
The Game Gear version is almost identical to the Master System port, but suffers from a smaller screen size.
 
−
 
 
−
===Screenshots===
 
−
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Comparisons}}
 
  
 
==Production credits==
 
==Production credits==
Line 216: Line 270:
 
*'''Special Thanks to:''' Eric, Alex and Tony, Ed and John at Williams
 
*'''Special Thanks to:''' Eric, Alex and Tony, Ed and John at Williams
 
| source=In-game credits
 
| source=In-game credits
 +
| pdf=Mortal Kombat MD credits.pdf
 
| console=MD
 
| console=MD
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
 
 
===Mega-CD version===
 
===Mega-CD version===
 
{{multicol|
 
{{multicol|
Line 254: Line 308:
 
*'''Special Thanks to:''' Eric Samulski, Wang Lee, -
 
*'''Special Thanks to:''' Eric Samulski, Wang Lee, -
 
| source=In-game credits
 
| source=In-game credits
−
| pdf=MortalKombat_MCD_JP_SSEnding.pdf
+
| pdf=MortalKombat MCD JP SSEnding.pdf
 
| console=MCD
 
| console=MCD
−
}}
 
−
}}
 
−
 
−
===Master System and Game Gear versions===
 
−
{{multicol|
 
−
{{creditstable|
 
−
{{creditsheader|Mortal Kombat Cast of Characters}}
 
−
*Daniel Pesina as Johnny Cage
 
−
*Carlos Pesina as Rayden
 
−
*Ho Sung Pak as Liu Kang
 
−
*Daniel Pesina as Scorpion
 
−
*Daniel Pesina as Sub Zero
 
−
*Elizabeth Malecki as Sonya
 
−
*'''Goro Character Design by:''' John Tobias
 
−
*'''Stop Motion Miniature by:''' Curt Chiarelli
 
−
*Ho Sung Pak as Shang Tsung
 
−
 
−
*'''Programming by:''' Keith Burkhill
 
−
*'''Backgrounds by:''' Lee Ames
 
−
*'''Other Graphics by:''' Keith Burkhill
 
−
*'''Music by:''' [[Allister Brimble]]
 
−
*'''Produced by:''' Gary Liddon
 
−
*'''Quality Assurance by the Probe Quality Assurance Department Who Are:''' Simon Bland, Barg, James Stewart, Tim Bradstock
 
−
{{creditsheader|Acclaim Development by the Grey Team}}
 
−
*'''Producer:''' Rob Leingang
 
−
*'''Associate Producer:''' Stacy Hendrickson
 
−
*'''Analysts:''' Tyrone Miller, Joe Libertella, Tom Rademacher, Jim MK Fink
 
−
*'''Special Thanks to:''' Eric
 
−
| source=In-game credits
 
−
| pdf=Mortal Kombat SMS credits.pdf
 
−
| console=SMS
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
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}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
−
| region=PT
+
| region=FR
−
| cover=MK MD PT cover.jpg
+
| manual=Mortal Kombat MD FR Manual.pdf
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=SE (rental; [[Hent Gruppen|Hent]]; orange)
 +
| cover=Mortal Kombat MD SE Rental Box.jpg
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
−
| region=FR
+
| region=PT
−
| manual=Mortal Kombat MD FR Manual.pdf
+
| front=MK MD PT cover.jpg
 +
| back=MK MD PT box back.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| cart=MK MD EU Cart.jpg
 +
| manual=MK MD PT manual.jpg
 +
| item1=Mortal Kombat MD EU Manual.jpg
 +
| item1name=EU Manual
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
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| spinemissing=yes
 
| spinemissing=yes
 
| manual=Mortal Kombat MCD BR Manual.pdf
 
| manual=Mortal Kombat MCD BR Manual.pdf
−
}}
 
−
 
−
===Master System version===
 
−
{{ratings
 
−
| icon=SMS
 
−
| consolesplus=60
 
−
| t2=52
 
−
| t2_source=
 
−
}}
 
−
{{Scanbox
 
−
| console=Master System
 
−
| region=EU
 
−
| cover=MK SMS EU Box.jpg
 
−
| cart=MK SMS EU Cart.jpg
 
−
| manual=Mortal Kombat SMS EU Manual.pdf
 
−
}}{{Scanbox
 
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| console=Master System
 
−
| region=PT
 
−
| cover=MortalKombat SMS PT cover.jpg
 
−
}}{{Scanbox
 
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| console=Master System
 
−
| region=AU
 
−
| cover=MortalKombat SMS AU Box.jpg
 
−
| cart=MortalKombat SMS AU Cart.jpg
 
−
}}{{Scanbox
 
−
| console=Master System
 
−
| region=AU (Hotline sticker)
 
−
| cover=MortalKombat SMS AU hotline cover.jpg
 
−
| cart=MortalKombat SMS AU Cart.jpg
 
−
}}{{Scanbox
 
−
| console=Master System
 
−
| region=BR
 
−
| cover=MK SMS BR Box.jpg
 
−
| cart=MortalKombat SMS BR Cart.jpg
 
−
| manual=Mortalkombat sms br manual.pdf
 
−
}}
 
−
 
−
===Game Gear version===
 
−
{{ratings
 
−
| icon=GG
 
−
| consolesplus=60
 
−
| gameplayers=82
 
−
| pu=90
 
−
| t2=73
 
−
| t2_source=
 
−
}}
 
−
{{Scanbox
 
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| console=Game Gear
 
−
| region=JP
 
−
| front=MK GG JP Box Front.jpg
 
−
| back=
 
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| spinemissing=
 
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| square=yes
 
−
| cart=MortalKombat GG JP Cart.jpg
 
−
}}{{Scanbox
 
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| console=Game Gear
 
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| region=US
 
−
| front=MK GG US Box Front.jpg
 
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| back=MK GG US Box Back.jpg
 
−
| spinemissing=yes
 
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| cart=MK GG US Cart.jpg
 
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| manual=Mortalkombat gg us manual.pdf
 
−
}}{{Scanbox
 
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| console=Game Gear
 
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| region=EU
 
−
| front=MK GG EU Box Front.jpg
 
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| back=MK GG EU Box Back.jpg
 
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| spine=Mortal Kombat GG EU BoxSpine.jpg
 
−
| cart=MortalKombat GG EU Cart.jpg
 
−
| manual=Mortal Kombat GG EU Manual.jpg
 
−
}}{{Scanbox
 
−
| console=Game Gear
 
−
| region=FR (Blister pack)
 
−
| front=MK GG FR blister front.jpg
 
−
| back=MK GG FR blister back.jpg
 
−
}}{{Scanbox
 
−
| console=Game Gear
 
−
| region=PT
 
−
| front=
 
−
| back=
 
 
}}
 
}}
  

Revision as of 07:38, 11 October 2024

For the Sega Master System and Sega Game Gear game, see Mortal Kombat (8-bit).

n/a

  • Mega Drive
  • Mega-CD

MortalKombat title.png

MortalKombat MCD JP SSTitle.png

Mortal Kombat
System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Sega Mega-CD
Publisher: Arena Entertainment (US/EU)

Acclaim Japan (JP)

Developer:
Distributor:
Sega Mega Drive
Ecofilmes (PT)
Sega Mega Drive
Hent Gruppen (SE rental)
Sega Mega Drive
Sega Mega-CD
Tec Toy (BR)
Licensor: Midway Manufacturing
Original system(s): Arcade boards
Sound driver:
Sega Mega Drive
Krisalis sound driver
Peripherals supported: Six Button Control Pad
Genre: Action[1][2][3][4]

















Number of players: 1-2
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
JP 		¥8,800 (9,064)8,800e[5] T-81013
Sega Mega Drive
US 		T-81186
Videogame Rating Council: MA-13
Sega Mega Drive
EU 		T-81186-50
Sega Mega Drive
DE 		DM 140140[12] T-81186-50
Sega Mega Drive
PT 		14.200$14.200[13] MD81186
Sega Mega Drive
UK 		£49.9949.99[7][11] T-81186-50
Sega Mega Drive
SE
(Rental)
Sega Mega Drive
AU 		FMOR00SMC
Sega Mega Drive
BR 		047030
Sega Mega-CD
JP 		¥6,800 (7,004)6,800e[5] T-81014
Sega Mega-CD
US 		T-81025
Videogame Rating Council: MA-17
Sega Mega-CD
EU 		T-81025-50
Sega Mega-CD
PT 		CDJ300
Sega Mega-CD
UK 		£49.9949.99[16][17] T-81025-50
Sega Mega-CD
AU 		FMOR00SMR
OFLC: MA15
Sega Mega-CD
BR 		063240
Non-Sega versions

Mortal Kombat (モータルコンバット), also known as Mortal Kombat Kanzen-ban (モータルコンバット完全版) on the Mega-CD in Japan, is a 1992 arcade fighting game by Midway Manufacturing. At the time, it was considered revolutionary for its use of digitized graphics, though it was also met with controversy thanks to its high levels of violence.

Following its release in the arcades, home versions were created and released in September 1993 on a date that became known as "Mortal Monday." The Sega Mega Drive version was published by Arena Entertainment simultaneously in North America and Europe, with releases in Japan and Brazil some months later. An enhanced Sega Mega-CD version followed in 1994.

Story

Mortal Kombat CD, Introduction.png

Goro

The game takes place in Earthrealm, where a tournament is being held on Shang Tsung's Island. Shang Tsung was banished to Earthrealm 500 years previously and, with the help of the monstrous Goro, is able to seize control of the Mortal Kombat tournament in an attempt to doom the realm. For 500 years straight, Goro has been undefeated in the tournament and won nine consecutive tournaments. If Goro wins again, Shao Kahn, Emperor of Outworld, will be allowed to take Earthrealm. In order to prevent this, a new generation of warriors must challenge Goro.

Gameplay

MortalKombat1GenCharSelect.png

Choose Your Fighter

Mortal Kombat MD, Test Your Might.png

Test Your Might

Mortal Kombat is a fighting game in which players battle opponents in one-on-one matches. The fighter that drains the opponent's health bar first wins the round, and the first to win two rounds wins the match. Each round is timed; if both fighters still have health remaining when time runs out, the one with more health wins the round. At the end of the final round, the losing character is dazed, and the winning fighter has a short amount of time to perform a Fatality, a finishing move performed against a defeated opponent to execute them in a gruesome fashion. Two players can start a game together, or a second player can join in during a single player's game by pressing  START  to fight against them. If a game was in progress at the time, the winner continues it alone; if not, the winner begins a new game.

In the single-player game, the player faces each of the seven playable characters in a series of one-on-one matches against computer-controlled opponents, ending in a "Mirror Match" against a duplicate of the player's chosen character and then three endurance matches against two opponents. As soon as the player defeats the first opponent, the second one enters the arena and the timer resets, but the player's health meter does not regenerate. After the third endurance match, the player fights the sub-boss Goro, followed by a final match against Shang Tsung.

Between certain levels, players can compete in a mini-game called "Test Your Might" for bonus points, breaking blocks of various materials by filling a meter past a certain point through rapid button presses. The first material the player must break is wood, followed by stone, steel, ruby, and finally diamond, with each successive material requiring more of the meter to be filled up and thus awarding more points. Two players can compete in the mini-game at once; the last two materials are only accessible through two-player mode.

Characters move with Left and Right and crouch with Down. They jump with Up and jump back and forth with Up-left and Up-right. All characters have punches and kicks that can either be aimed high or low. Characters perform a low punch with A, a high punch with X, a low kick with C, and a high kick with Z. Characters block by holding B or Y. Blocking can be done while standing or crouching. Some attacks cannot be blocked while standing (such as sweeps). All attacks do a small amount of damage even when blocked.

When using a standard three-button control pad, characters perform a low punch with A, a high punch with Left+A or Right+A, a low kick with B, and a high kick with C, and  START  blocks.

All characters have a shared set of attacks performed by holding the D-Pad in various directions, such as the roundhouse kick, leg sweep, and uppercut. Uppercuts knock the enemy high into the air and cause a large amount of damage. The game introduced the concept of "juggling," knocking an opponent into the air and following up with a combination of attacks while the enemy is still airborne and defenseless. Normal moves are mostly the same between characters, with variations in range and speed, but characters differ in their special moves. Most special moves are performed by moving the D-Pad in certain directions, usually ending with an attack button. Unlike most one-on-one fighting games, few moves involve semicircular directional motions. The game's blocking system also distinguished itself from other fighting games, as it uses a dedicated block button, and characters take a small amount of damage from regular moves while blocking. However, the dedicated block button allows characters to defend against attacks without retreating, so blocking characters lose very little ground when struck, making counterattacks much easier after a successful block.

There are five difficulty settings for computer-controlled opponents (Very Easy, Easy, Medium, Hard, and Very Hard) and allow the player to change the number of starting credits in the options. Violent finishing moves are censored and blood is disabled by default in the Mega Drive version (but not the Mega-CD version). By entering a special code, blood is enabled and some finishing moves are more graphic.

Characters

Note: Move lists assume that the character is facing right. When facing left, Left and Right should be reversed.

P Any punch button
 LP  Low punch
 HP  High punch
K Any kick button
 LK  Low kick
 HK  High kick
 BL  Block

All characters can perform roundhouse kicks with Left+ HK  (which knock the opponent away), leg sweeps with Left+ LK  (which cause the opponent to fall down), and uppercuts with Down+ LP  or Down+ HP  (which knock the opponent high into the air). Throws are performed by pressing  HK  when next to the opponent.

When using a standard three-button control pad, the  LP  button can generally substitute for either  LP  or  HP  when performing special moves.

Fatalities often require being a certain distance from the opponent in order to execute. All finishing moves can be performed while holding the  BL  button, which is sometimes useful to avoid accidentally moving or hitting the opponent before the button combination is fully pressed. The Pit stage has a unique stage-specific Fatality, performed by simply finishing with an uppercut. The "blood code" must be entered to see the Fatalities as described.

Playable

Mortal Kombat MD, Characters.png
Mortal Kombat MD, Sprites.png




 Johnny Cage
A famous martial artist and movie star who entered the tournament for the publicity.
Move list
Name Command Description
Green Flame Left Right  LP  or Left Right  HP  Johnny Cage throws a fireball across the screen.
Shadow Kick Left Right  LK  Johnny Cage slides forward while kicking.
Split Punch Down+ HK  Johnny Cage does the splits and punches his opponent in the crotch.
Fatality Right Right Right  HP  (close) Johnny Cage does an uppercut that decapitates his opponent.
Mortal Kombat MD, Characters.png
Mortal Kombat MD, Sprites.png




 Kano
A mercenary and member of the notorious Black Dragon organized crime cartel. He enters the tournament with the hopes of looting Shang Tsung's palace.
Move list
Name Command Description
Knife HOLD  BL Left Right Kano throws a knife across the screen.
Cannonball D-Pad in a 360° rotation clockwise Kano hurls himself toward his opponent like a flying cannonball.
Fatality Left Left  LP  (close) Kano rips his opponent's still-beating heart from their chest.
Mortal Kombat MD, Characters.png
Mortal Kombat MD, Sprites.png




 Liu Kang
A Shaolin monk, once a member of the secretive White Lotus Society. He has entered the tournament to represent the Shaolin temples and defeat the despised Shang Tsung.
Move list
Name Command Description
Fireball Right Right  LP  or Right Right  HP  Liu Kang shoots a fireball across the screen.
Flying Kick Right Right  HK  Liu Kang launches himself across the screen in a kicking pose.
Fatality D-Pad in a 360° rotation clockwise (half screen away or closer) Liu Kang does a cartwheel and then uppercuts his opponent.
Mortal Kombat MD, Characters.png
Mortal Kombat MD, Sprites.png




 Rayden
A mystical thunder god believed to have been personally invited to the tournament by Shang Tsung.
Move list
Name Command Description
Lightning Down Right  LP  or Down Right  HP  Rayden shoots a bolt of lightning across the screen.
Flying Thunderbolt Left Left Right Rayden flies across the screen, grabbing and slamming his opponent against the wall.
Teleport Down Up Rayden teleports in front of his opponent.
Fatality Right Left Left Left  HP  (close) Rayden sends a lightning bolt that causes his opponent's head to explode.
Mortal Kombat MD, Characters.png
Mortal Kombat MD, Sprites.png




 Scorpion
A mysterious ninja believed to have been defeated by members of the Lin Kuei clan and seeking revenge.
Move list
Name Command Description
Harpoon Left Left  LP  or Left Left  HP  Scorpion throws a harpoon across the screen, then uses it to pull his opponent toward him. The opponent is momentarily stunned.
Decoy Punch Down Down-left Left  HP  Scorpion teleports to the other side of the screen, flying in with a punch.
Fatality HOLD  BL Up Up (half screen away) Scorpion removes his mask, revealing a demonic skull, and incinerates his opponent with his fire breath.
Mortal Kombat MD, Characters.png
Mortal Kombat MD, Sprites.png




 Sonya Blade
A member of a top-secret special forces unit. She was pursuing the criminal Kano when she was ambushed by the forces of Shang Tsung, who has taken her compatriots hostage, and forced into the tournament.
Move list
Name Command Description
Sonic Rings  HP  Left  HP  Sonya Blade throws sonic rings across the screen.
Leg Grab Down+ LP + LK  (sweep distance) Sonya Blade does a handstand and uses her legs to grab and slam her opponent against the ground.
Square Wave Punch Right Left  HP  Sonya Blade jumps into the air and shoots across the screen with her fist extended.
Fatality Right Right Left Left  BL  Sonya Blade blows a kiss that incinerates her opponent.
Mortal Kombat MD, Characters.png
Mortal Kombat MD, Sprites.png




 Sub-Zero
A male ninja who possesses cryokinesis. His identity is unknown, but he is believed to be a member of the Lin Kuei clan, a legendary clan of ninja assassins.
Move list
Name Command Description
Deep Freeze Down Right  LP  or Down Right  HP  Sub-Zero shoots a burst of ice across the screen, freezing his opponent on contact. Hitting an already frozen opponent "backfires" and freezes Sub-Zero while unfreezing his opponent.
Slide Left+ LK + HK  Sub-Zero slides forward with a leg sweep.
Fatality Right Down Right  HP  (close) Sub-Zero tears off his opponent's head, ripping out the spine with it.

Bosses

Mortal Kombat MD, Characters.png
Mortal Kombat MD, Sprites.png




 Goro
A 2,000-year-old half-human, half-dragon with four arms and a massive stature. He has been the undefeated champion of the Mortal Kombat Tournament for 500 years. He is the game's penultimate boss.
Mortal Kombat MD, Characters.png
Mortal Kombat MD, Sprites.png




 Shang Tsung
An evil sorcerer who steals the souls of his opponents. He can shapeshift into the form of any other fighter. He has hosted the tournament for 500 years, and he is the game's final boss.

Hidden

Main article: Mortal Kombat/Hidden content.
Mortal Kombat MD, Sprites.png
 Reptile
A green ninja who has the movesets of Scorpion and Sub-Zero. Reptile can be fought if the player gets double flawless victories, never blocks, and finishes with a Fatality against the computer when certain objects are seen in the Pit stage.

Stages

The stages are played in order (and loop around after the last one). The Goro's Lair stage is always used for the boss fights with Goro and Shang Tsung.

The Pit stage has a stage-specific Fatality where the opponent is uppercutted into a bed of spikes at the bottom of the pit. If found, Reptile is fought at the bottom of the Pit.

MK MD Courtyard.png

The Courtyard
MK MD Courtyard.png

MK MD PalaceGates.png

Palace Gates
MK MD PalaceGates.png

MK MD WarriorShrine.png

Warrior Shrine
MK MD WarriorShrine.png

MK MD ThePit.png

The Pit
MK MD ThePit.png

MK MD ThroneRoom.png

Throne Room
MK MD ThroneRoom.png

MK MD GorosLair.png

Goro's Lair
MK MD GorosLair.png

History

Release

Sega's success with the Mega Drive version of the game prompted Nintendo to change their somewhat strict policies put forward in the late 1980s, and the Super NES version of the sequel, Mortal Kombat II, features red blood. Sega's Videogame Rating Council was also criticised for rating the Mega Drive version of the game a MA-13, implying that the game's content in its non-censored state was suitable for 13-year-olds. Mortal Kombat and other games such as Night Trap would inspire the creation of the ESRB, which would cover all game consoles in North America and remains in place to this day.

The release of the game caused big controversy in Germany. Initially, all versions of the game went on sale in Germany due to the fact that they were censored. USK detected that the Sega version of the game have a code to unlock the blood so it was decided to withdraw all copies of the game from Germany and banning the game. In 2005, the game disappeared from the list of banned games.

Legacy

Mortal Kombat was followed by Mortal Kombat II in the following year, and continues to see sequels to this day.

Versions

Mega Drive version

The Mega Drive version was a mini-success story for Sega. This is because the Super Nintendo version, at the time in direct competition with Sega's console, opted for strict censorship, removing blood, toning down fatalities and creating a far less "violent" product. The Mega Drive version was considerably more faithful to the arcade original, and was the preferred choice at the time by consumers.

The music was also rearranged by Matt Furniss, this arrangement being unique to this port.

Mega-CD version

The Mega-CD version was rated MA-17 in North America and was therefore subject to less criticism. It has the violence enabled by default (and in fact has a cheat code to turn it down, the inverse of the Mega Drive version).

As well as a CD audio soundtrack (which is essentially a recording of the arcade version), the game contains a grainy version of the famous "Mortal Monday" TV commercial. Some tracks play in the wrong stages, though there are some bonus remixes that can be heard if the game is played on a regular CD player.

The Mega-CD version is otherwise identical to the Mega Drive version, though load times can mean that Shang Tsung is open to attack while transforming. Curiously, this version uses fighting music track from Amiga port when fighting Shang Tsung.

Production credits

Mega Drive version

Mortal Kombat Cast of Characters
  • Daniel Pesina as Johnny Cage
  • Richard Divizio as Kano
  • Carlos Pesina as Rayden
  • Ho Sung Pak as Liu Kang
  • Daniel Pesina as Scorpion
  • Daniel Pesina as Sub-Zero
  • Elizabeth Malecki as Sonya
  • Goro Character Design: John Tobias
  • Stop Motion Miniature: Curt Chiarelli
  • Ho Sung Pak as Shang Tsung
Mortal Kombat Design Team
  • Software: Paul Carruthers
  • Additional Software: Richard Costello
  • Graphics: Lee Ames
  • Producer: Gary Liddon
  • Music and Sound: Matt Furniss, Shaun Hollingworth
  • Testing: James, Simon, Barg and Tim
  • Special Thanks to: Dave Spangle
Acclaim Development by the Grey Team
  • Producer: Rob Leingang
  • Associate Producer: Stacy Hendrickson
  • Analysts: Tyrone Miller, Joe Libertella, Tom Rademacher, Jim MK Fink
  • Special Thanks to: Eric, Alex and Tony, Ed and John at Williams
Source:
In-game credits
Mortal Kombat MD credits.pdf
[18]

Mega-CD version

Mortal Kombat Cast of Characters
  • Daniel Pesina as Johnny Cage
  • Richard Divizio as Kano
  • Carlos Pesina as Rayden
  • Ho Sung Pak as Liu Kang
  • Daniel Pesina as Scorpion
  • Daniel Pesina as Sub-Zero
  • Elizabeth Malecki as Sonya
  • Goro Character Design: John Tobias
  • Stop Motion Miniature: Curt Chiarelli
  • Ho Sung Pak as Shang Tsung
Mortal Kombat Design Team
  • Design and Software: Ed Boon
  • Design and Graphics: John Tobias
  • Music and Sounds: Dan Forden
  • Background Graphics: John Vogel
  • Software: Paul Carruthers
  • Graphics: Lee Ames
  • Producer: Adrian Curry
  • Sound Effects: Andy Brock
  • QA Technicians: Tim Bradstock, Simon Bland, James Stewart, Ashley Fawkes
  • QA Manager: Barg
  • Special Thanks to: Greg Michael, Bob Armour, Richard Costello, Gary Liddon, Dave Dootson, Dave Spangle, Rusty Chestnut, Dr Helmutt Moss, Mr Fish
Acclaim Development by the Grey Team
  • Producer: Rob Leingang
  • Associate Producer: Stacy Hendrickson
  • Analysts: Alex DeLucia, Joe Libertella, James Johnson
  • Special Thanks to: Eric Samulski, Wang Lee, -
Source:
In-game credits
MortalKombat MCD JP SSEnding.pdf
[19]

Magazine articles

Main article: Mortal Kombat/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Main article: Mortal Kombat/Promotional material.

Physical scans

Mega Drive version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
90
92 №8, p34-36
95 №13, p28-31
92
Sega Mega Drive
 92
Based on
4 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
70
[20]
Aktueller Software Markt (DE) NTSC-U
76
[21]
Beep! MegaDrive (JP) NTSC-J
60
[22]
Consoles + (FR)
92
[23]
Cool Gamer (RU)
80
[24]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
90
[7]
Electronic Games (1992-1995) (US) NTSC-U
92
[25]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
83
[26]
Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1 (RU)
80
[27]
Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 10 (RU)
100
[28]
Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
90
[29]
Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J
73
[30]
GameFan (US) NTSC-U
87
[31]
Game Power (IT) PAL
91
[32]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
88
[33]
Gamers (DE)
60
[34]
GamesMaster (UK)
81
[35]
Game Informer (US) NTSC-U
92
[36]
Hippon Super (JP) NTSC-J
50
[37]
Hobby Consolas (ES)
93
[38]
Hyper (AU)
88
[39]
Joker (SI)
93
[40]
Joypad (FR)
93
[41]
MAN!AC (DE) PAL
74
[12]
Mega (UK) PAL
82
[42]
Mega Action (UK) PAL
90
[43]
Megablast (DE)
73
[44]
Mega Force (FR)
94
[45]
Mega Fun (DE) PAL
85
[46]
Mega Power (UK) PAL
80
[47]
MegaTech (UK) PAL
90
[48]
Micromanía (segunda época) (ES)
92
[49]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
79
[50]
Player One (FR)
93
[51]
Power Up! (UK)
85
[52]
Power Play (DE)
73
[53]
Sega Magazin (DE)
85
[54]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
83
[55]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
93
[56]
Sega Zone (UK) PAL
81
[57]
Sega Force Mega (UK) PAL
94
[58]
Sega Mega Drive Review (RU)
86
[59]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
66
[60]
Todo Sega (ES) PAL
89
[61]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
87
[62]
Video Games (DE) PAL
80
[63]
VideoGames (US) NTSC-U
70
[64]
Sega Mega Drive
 83
Based on
47 reviews

Mortal Kombat

Mega Drive, JP
MK MD JP Box.jpg
Cover
MortalKombat MD JP CartTop.jpg
MortalKombat MD JP Cart.jpg
Cart
MK MD JP Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, US
MK MD US Box.jpg
Cover
MK MD US Cart.jpg
Cart
Mortalkombat md us manual.pdf
Manual
MK MD US pcb.jpg
PCB
Mega Drive, EU
MK MD EU Box.jpg
Cover
MK MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Mortal Kombat MD EU Manual.jpg
Manual
Mega Drive, FR

Mortal Kombat MD FR Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, SE (rental; Hent; orange)
Mortal Kombat MD SE Rental Box.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, PT
MK MD PT box back.jpgNospine.pngMK MD PT cover.jpg
Cover
MK MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
MK MD PT manual.jpg
Manual
Mortal Kombat MD EU Manual.jpg
EU Manual
Mega Drive, AU
MK MD AU cover.jpg
Cover
MK MD AU Cart.jpg
Cart
Mortal Kombat Megadrive AUS Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, BR
MK MD BR Box.jpg
Cover

Mega-CD version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
67 [65]
Sega Mega-CD
 67
Based on
1 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Beep! MegaDrive (JP) NTSC-J
73
[66]
Consoles + (FR)
92
[67]
Digitiser (UK)
78
[68]
Electronic Games (1992-1995) (US) NTSC-U
25
[69]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
63
[70]
Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J
73
[71]
FLUX (US)
80
[72]
Game Players (US) NTSC-U
72
[73]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
35
[74]
Hobby Consolas (ES)
91
[75]
Joypad (FR) PAL
86
[76]
MAN!AC (DE) PAL
78
[77]
Mega (UK) PAL
78
[78]
MegaTech (UK) PAL
69
[79]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
80
[15]
Player One (FR)
89
[80]
Sega Magazine (UK) PAL
58
[81]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
85
[16]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
93
[82]
Sega Zone (UK) PAL
65
[83]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
80
[84]
Todo Sega (ES)
90
[85]
Video Games (DE) PAL
81
[86]
VideoGames (US) NTSC-U
60
[87]
Sega Mega-CD
 74
Based on
24 reviews

Mortal Kombat

Mega-CD, JP
MK MCD JP Box Back.jpgMK MCD JP Box Front.jpg
Cover
MortalKombatCD MCD JP Spinecard.JPG
Spinecard
MortalKombatCD MCD JP Disc.jpg
Disc
MortalKombat MCD JP manual.pdf
Manual
Mega-CD, US
MK MCD US Box Back.JPGMK MCD US Box Front.JPG
Cover
MK MCD US Disc.jpg
Disc
Mortalkombat mcd us manual.pdf
Manual
Mega-CD, EU
MK MCD EU Box Back.jpgMK MCD EU Box Front.jpg
Cover
MortalKombat MCD EU Disc.jpg
Disc
Mortal Kombat MCD EU Manual.jpg
Manual
Mega-CD, UK
MK MCD UK case front.jpg
Cover
MortalKombat MCD EU Disc.jpg
Disc
Mortal Kombat MCD EU Manual.jpg
Manual
Mega-CD, PT

Mega-CD, AU
MK MCD AU back.jpgNospine-small.pngMK MCD AU front.jpg
Cover
Mega-CD, BR
MK MCD BR Box Back.jpgNospine.pngMK MCD BR Box Front.jpg
Cover
Mortal Kombat MCD BR Manual.pdf
Manual

Technical information

Main article: Mortal Kombat/Technical information.

References

  1. ↑ File:MK MD JP Box.jpg
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-02 23:21)
  3. ↑ File:MK MCD JP Box Back.jpg
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 https://sega.jp/fb/segahard/mcd/soft_licensee.html (Wayback Machine: 2019-06-10 17:56)
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Beep! MegaDrive, "June 1994" (JP; 1994-05-07), page 11
  6. ↑ GamePro, "September 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 7
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Computer & Video Games, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-07-15), page 48
  8. ↑ File:DailyExpress UK 1993-09-09 11.jpg
  9. ↑ File:DailyMirror UK 1993-09-13 16.jpg
  10. ↑ File:DailyMirror UK 1993-09-10 13.jpg
  11. ↑ Mega, "October 1993" (UK; 1993-09-16), page 47
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 MAN!AC, "11/93" (DE; 1993-xx-xx), page 58
  13. ↑ Jogos Vídeo, "Dezembro de 1993; Ano 1, Nº 2'"`UNIQ--ref-0000000C-QINU`"'" (PT; 1993-12-xx), page 27
  14. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "May 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 177
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Mean Machines Sega, "June 1994" (UK; 1994-04-30), page 74
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Sega Power, "July 1994" (UK; 1994-05-05), page 44
  17. ↑ Sega Pro, "July 1994" (UK; 1994-06-16), page 47
  18. ↑ File:Mortal Kombat MD credits.pdf
  19. ↑ File:MortalKombat MCD JP SSEnding.pdf
  20. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 134
  21. ↑ Aktueller Software Markt, "November 1993" (DE; 1993-10-11), page 38
  22. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "July 1994" (JP; 1994-06-08), page 16
  23. ↑ Consoles +, "Septembre 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 18
  24. ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 128
  25. ↑ Electronic Games (1992-1995), "September 1993" (US; 1993-08-24), page 59
  26. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "September 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 34
  27. ↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1, "" (RU; 1999-xx-xx), page 333
  28. ↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 10, "" (RU; 2003-10-08), page 83
  29. ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 73
  30. ↑ Famitsu, "1994-06-03" (JP; 1994-05-20), page 1
  31. ↑ GameFan, "Volume 1, Issue 10: September 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 14
  32. ↑ Game Power, "Ottobre 1993" (IT; 1993-xx-xx), page 56
  33. ↑ GamePro, "September 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 58
  34. ↑ Gamers, "August/September 1993" (DE; 1993-07-23), page 46
  35. ↑ GamesMaster (UK) "Series 3, episode 1" (1993-09-09, 24:00) (+9:15)
  36. ↑ Game Informer, "September/October 1993" (US; 1993-0x-xx), page 36
  37. ↑ Hippon Super, "June 1994" (JP; 1994-04-30), page 62
  38. ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Septiembre 1993" (ES; 1993-xx-xx), page 36
  39. ↑ Hyper, "December 1993" (AU; 1993-xx-xx), page 32
  40. ↑ Joker, "Januar 1994" (SI; 1994-xx-xx), page 19
  41. ↑ Joypad, "Septembre 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 38
  42. ↑ Mega, "October 1993" (UK; 1993-09-16), page 46
  43. ↑ Mega Action, "October 1993" (UK; 1993-09-09), page 18
  44. ↑ Megablast, "4/93" (DE; 1993-09-29), page 38
  45. ↑ Mega Force, "Septembre 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 82
  46. ↑ Mega Fun, "10/93" (DE; 1993-09-22), page 30
  47. ↑ Mega Power, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-19), page 60
  48. ↑ MegaTech, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-20), page 76
  49. ↑ Micromanía (segunda época), "Septiembre 1993" (ES; 1993-0x-xx), page 44
  50. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-07-30), page 70
  51. ↑ Player One, "Septembre 1993" (FR; 1993-08-xx), page 75
  52. ↑ Power Up!, "Friday, September 17, 1993" (UK; 1993-09-17), page 1
  53. ↑ Power Play, "11/93" (DE; 1993-10-13), page 136
  54. ↑ Sega Magazin, "November/Dezember 1993" (DE; 1993-11-03), page 24
  55. ↑ Sega Power, "November 1993" (UK; 1993-10-07), page 66
  56. ↑ Sega Pro, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-12), page 36
  57. ↑ Sega Zone, "October 1993" (UK; 1993-09-xx), page 20
  58. ↑ Sega Force Mega, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-07-22), page 10
  59. ↑ Sega Mega Drive Review, "1" (RU; 1995-04-03), page 99
  60. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 87
  61. ↑ Todo Sega, "Octubre 1993" (ES; 1993-xx-xx), page 32
  62. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 116
  63. ↑ Video Games, "11/93" (DE; 1993-10-27), page 110
  64. ↑ VideoGames, "October 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 40
  65. ↑ GamesMaster, "May 1994" (UK; 1994-04-28), page 66
  66. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "July 1994" (JP; 1994-06-08), page 19
  67. ↑ Consoles +, "Juin 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 148
  68. ↑ Digitiser (UK) (1994-06-15)
  69. ↑ Electronic Games (1992-1995), "October 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 110
  70. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "June 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 34
  71. ↑ Famitsu, "1994-06-03" (JP; 1994-05-20), page 39
  72. ↑ FLUX, "Issue #1" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 78
  73. ↑ Game Players, "Vol. 7 No. 5 May 1994" (US; 1994-0x-xx), page 36
  74. ↑ GamePro, "July 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 64
  75. ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Junio 1994" (ES; 1994-xx-xx), page 74
  76. ↑ Joypad, "Juin 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 114
  77. ↑ MAN!AC, "07/94" (DE; 1994-06-08), page 64
  78. ↑ Mega, "July 1994" (UK; 1994-06-16), page 46
  79. ↑ MegaTech, "July 1994" (UK; 1994-06-16), page 60
  80. ↑ Player One, "Juin 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 96
  81. ↑ Sega Magazine, "July 1994" (UK; 1994-06-16), page 92
  82. ↑ Sega Pro, "July 1994" (UK; 1994-06-16), page 46
  83. ↑ Sega Zone, "July 1994" (UK; 1994-06-xx), page 28
  84. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 85
  85. ↑ Todo Sega, "Julio 1994" (ES; 1994-0x-xx), page 42
  86. ↑ Video Games, "7/94" (DE; 1994-06-29), page 80
  87. ↑ VideoGames, "June 1994" (US; 1994-0x-xx), page 72


Mortal Kombat

MortalKombat title.png

Main page | Comparisons | Hidden content | Magazine articles | Video coverage | Reception | Promotional material | Region coding | Technical information | Bootlegs


Sega Mega Drive
Prototypes: Prototype B



Mortal Kombat II, Dragon.png
Mortal Kombat games for Sega systems
Sega Mega Drive
 Mortal Kombat (1993) | Mortal Kombat II (No results?) | Mortal Kombat 3 (1995) | Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (1996)
Sega Master System
Sega Game Gear
 Mortal Kombat (1993) | Mortal Kombat II (1994) | Mortal Kombat 3 (1996)
Sega Mega-CD
 Mortal Kombat (1994)
Sega 32X
 Mortal Kombat II (No results?)
Sega Saturn
 Mortal Kombat II (No results?) | Mortal Kombat 3 (unreleased) | Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (1996) | Mortal Kombat Trilogy (1997)
Sega Dreamcast
 Mortal Kombat Gold (1999)
Unlicensed Mortal Kombat games for Sega systems
Mortal Kombat 5 (1999)
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