What was Mortal Kombat originally called?

What was Mortal Kombat originally called?

The iconic fighting game Mortal Kombat, known for its over-the-top violence and "fatalities," has a fascinating history. The game was first conceptualized in the late 1980s, and its original title was actually Mortal Combat. However, the story of how it got its final name is just as interesting.

The Inspiration

The game’s creators, Ed Boon and John Tobias, were heavily influenced by Hong Kong action films, martial arts movies, and fantasy games like Street Fighter and Samurai Shodown. They wanted to create a game that combined these elements with a unique storyline and characters. The game’s setting, a mystical realm called Outworld, was inspired by the works of author Richard Wagner and the fantasy novels of Robert E. Howard.

The Original Name

The original title of the game was Mortal Combat, but there was a problem. Boon and Tobias discovered that the name was already registered by a company that made a board game called Mortal Combat. The game was about combat, but it had nothing to do with martial arts or fantasy.

A Pinball Connection

Steve Ritchie, a pinball designer who worked at Midway Games, played a crucial role in the game’s development. Boon and Tobias were having trouble coming up with a new title, and Ritchie suggested Mortal Kombat. Kombat was a play on the word Combat, and it seemed like the perfect solution. The game’s creators loved the new title, and it stuck.

A Different Kind of Combat

But why the K instead of the C? According to Ed Boon, the creator of Mortal Kombat, the K was chosen to make the game stand out. In an interview, Boon explained: "K was a little more unique, a little more special. It was a bit more… extreme." This decision would prove to be a defining characteristic of the Mortal Kombat franchise.

A New Beginning

In 1992, Mortal Kombat debuted as a two-dimensional fighting game, featuring a unique blend of martial arts, magic, and fantasy elements. The game’s innovative "fatalities" feature, which allowed players to perform gruesome finishing moves on their opponents, became a huge hit. The game’s success spawned a franchise, with numerous sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise.

The Legacy

Today, Mortal Kombat is considered one of the most iconic and influential fighting game franchises of all time. The game’s unique blend of violence, humor, and fantasy has made it a beloved cult classic. With its roots in the world of pinball and the innovative storytelling of Ed Boon and John Tobias, Mortal Kombat has become a staple of gaming culture.

In Conclusion

The original title of Mortal Kombat was Mortal Combat, but the game’s creators couldn’t use it due to trademark issues. Steve Ritchie, a pinball designer, suggested Mortal Kombat, which became the game’s iconic title. The K was chosen to make the game stand out, and the rest is history. With its unique blend of martial arts, magic, and fantasy, Mortal Kombat has become a beloved franchise that continues to entertain and inspire gamers around the world.

Key Points

• The original title of Mortal Kombat was Mortal Combat, but it was already registered by a board game company.
• Steve Ritchie, a pinball designer, suggested Mortal Kombat as an alternative title.
• The K was chosen to make the game stand out and be more unique.
• The game was first released in 1992 as a two-dimensional fighting game.
• The franchise has become iconic and influential in the world of gaming.

Timeline

Mortal Kombat Trivia

• The original Mortal Kombat game had a development team of only 12 people.
• The game’s famous "fatality" feature was inspired by the Hong Kong action film Iron Monkey.
• The game’s characters were inspired by various mythologies and cultures, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Norse mythology.
• The game’s soundtrack was composed by Dan Forden, who has worked on numerous other game soundtracks.

I hope this article provides a comprehensive overview of the origins of Mortal Kombat’s title.