Mortal Kombat (Sega)

Mortal Kombat, a groundbreaking fighting game developed by Midway Games, offers players a roster of unique characters, each with their own special moves, fatalities, and backstory. The game is famous for its intense one-on-one combat system where players battle opponents in a best-of-three match setup across various mythologically inspired arenas. The mechanics are built around a combination of high and low attacks, throws, and blocks, complemented by a distinctive feature: the Fatality—a dramatic finishing move that ends the match in a gruesomely spectacular fashion. Mortal Kombat also introduced a challenge tower, where players must complete a series of battles under specific conditions to advance.

Rich Backstory and Mythological Setting

The plot of Mortal Kombat revolves around an ancient tournament held between the warriors of Earthrealm and those of the threatening Outworld. Victory in the tournament decides the fate of Earth, as per the rules set by the Elder Gods, the overseers of this and other realms. Each character is drawn into the tournament for reasons that reflect their personal stories or the larger needs of their realms. From Liu Kang, who seeks to protect Earthrealm, to Sub-Zero and Scorpion, who are driven by deep-seated vendettas and clan loyalties, the narratives enrich the game by adding depth and motivation behind each fight. This backstory is woven through the realms’ visually distinct arenas, from the dank dungeons of Shang Tsung’s island to the fiery pits of the Netherrealm, enhancing the immersive experience of the mythological world of Mortal Kombat.