We were recently discussing our favourite Mortal Kombat games and comparing them to lists online… It’s clear to see that nostalgia plays a big part when you decide what game is your favourite!
My brother was a massive MK4 fan, as was I. We sank more hours than we care to admit into this game when it came out, so it will always hold a very special place for us. I must admit though, as much as we are massive fans of the franchise, we didn’t know that there was a Dreamcast exclusive version of the game called Mortal Kombat Gold that was essentially MK4 characters, but with even more characters!
Well, as soon as we found out, you better believe that we dived straight in to play this version, which started our journey through all of the Mortal Kombat games on this page!
The best Mortal Kombat game ever to exist is subjective, but if you want to know mine? It would have to be MK9 (2011).
Let’s explore all of the Mortal Kombat games there have been so far. Let me know what your favourite game is!
Mortal Kombat (1992)
Some claim this as the greatest game ever made! When this came out, you could tell this was something special. The unnecessary violence, the setting, the characters… Genius!
Mortal Kombat II (1993)
Only 1 year later, the second Mortal Kombat game was upon us. Improving on the first game with more characters and finishing moves!
Mortal Kombat 3 (1995)
Another successful game in the series that brought in running and combos alond with more finishing moves, including animalities.
Although the game did well, it was criticised for leaving out some of the beloved characters!
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (1995)
Released as a standalone update to Mortal Kombat 3 (in the arcade to begin with), was essentially the same game (some extra features), but brought back beloved characters that were missing, including Reptile, Kitana, Jade and Scorpion.
Mortal Kombat Trilogy (1996)
The final update to Mortal Kombat 3. This version added Brutality, introduces the ‘Aggressor’ bar (gives faster speed and more damage when full) and added new characters and stages.
Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero (1997)
Mortal Kombat’s first action-adventure game, following the story of Sub Zero on his quest to find Shinnok’s amulet. This game was HARD and unfortunately was a flop and for many, it is considered the worst Mortal Kombat game of all time! Although it was a flop, it served as a prequel to the Mortal Kombat 4 game.
Mortal Kombat 4 (1997)
Mortal Kombat 4 was the first 3D Mortal Kombat game created, with interactive arenas, objects and introduced weapons to the series. Mortal Kombat 4 was also the last Mortal Kombat game to have an arcade release (end of an era!)
Mortal Kombat Gold (1999)
Released as a Dreamcast exclusive, this game was basically an update of Mortal Kombat 4. Although the game received average ratings, this version of the game added several additional characters (Kitana, Cyrax, Kung Lao & Barraka!) and stages, as well as introducing a new weapon selection mechanism.
Mortal Kombat: Special Forces (2000)
The second attempt at an action-adventure game for Mortal Kombat, this time a 3D version released on PS1. In this game, you control Jax as he tracks down Kano and his gang! This game also tanked because of its repetitive gameplay and poorly designed maps (along with trimmings to the game, that took away Sonya as a playable character!)
Mortal Kombat Advance (2001)
Essentially a rerelease of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, exclusively for the Gameboy Advance. Unfortunately, this didn’t land well with the fans with the poor controls and the poor character AI.
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (2002)
The fifth main instalment of Mortal Kombat that received positive reviews and revived the franchise on the PS2 and Xbox. This was the first game not to include Lui Kang as a playable character!
Mortal Kombat: Tournament Edition (2003)
An updated release of Deadly Alliance, exclusive to the Gameboy Advance, adding extra characters like Sektor, Noob Saibot, and Sareena.
Mortal Kombat: Deception (2004)
The sixth main game of the Mortal Kombat franchise, a sequel to Deadly Alliance, focuses on the revival of the dragon kind Onaga. This game has 26 playable characters and introduces new features like Chess and puzzle games
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (2005)
Mortal Kombat’s third attempt at an action-adventure game, retelling the events of Mortal Kombat II. This game was considered to be released since the early 00s, but because of the poor performance of the other two action-adventure games, they were put off until 2005. This game was a comercial sucess!
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon (2006)
The seventh main installment of the Mortal Kombat franchise and sequel to 2004’s Deception. This game features nearly every character from the previous games and introduced the ‘Kreate a Fighter’ mode and Motor Kombat. This game was also released for the PSP under the name Mortal Kombat: Unchained.
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (2008)
The Mortal Kombat and DC universes are merged and under threat from Dark Khan (a combo of Shao Khan and Darkseid). The game was fun to play but was criticized for its lack of violence that was expected of the franchise.
Mortal Kombat (2011)
The ninth installment of the Mortal Kombat series, beginning during the events of Armageddon. This game was a very successful reboot and won several awards (it also sold 1 million copies in the first month alone!). The game was banned in Australia due to its extreme violence, but the ban was later lifted.
You can grab this game for cheap on PC here
Mortal Kombat X (2015)
Mortal Kombat’s 10th main game (Hence the X) in the franchise and sequel to Mortal Kombat 2011. This game was praised for its excellent controls and sold more than 10 million copies!
You can grab this game for cheap on PC here
Mortal Kombat 11 (2019)
A sequel to Mortal Kombat X, this was another commercial success for the franchise. The game did get some heat for its microtransactions, which left a bit of a sour taste with fans.
You can grab this game for cheap on PC here
Mortal Kombat 1 (2023)
The twelfth installment of the Mortal Kombat franchise and the second reboot after 2011’s Mortal Kombat game. In addition to being a reboot, the game is a sequel to 2019’s Mortal Kombat 11, taking place in a new timeline.
This game’s graphics were outstanding and the story mode blended cinematic and gameplay seamlessly. Unfortunately, the microtransactions were too much for a lot of fans, causing a lot of anger and calls to boycott the franchise.
You can grab this game for cheap on PC here
John Gorevan built GeekyGorevan.co.uk to be the UK’s go-to hub for nostalgic geek culture and no-nonsense energy drink reviews. His in-depth guides and collector deep-dives have helped over 18,000 readers uncover hidden gems, dodge marketing hype, and reconnect with the best parts of their childhood.
