What was Mortal Kombat originally made for?

What was Mortal Kombat Originally Made For?

Mortal Kombat, one of the most iconic and controversial fighting game franchises in the world, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1990s. The game was first released in 1992 and has since become a cultural phenomenon, with a dedicated fan base and a reputation for its over-the-top violence and gore. But what was Mortal Kombat originally made for? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the game and explore the reasons behind its creation.

A Reaction to Street Fighter II

Mortal Kombat was originally developed as a reaction to the popular Capcom fighting game, Street Fighter II. The creators of Mortal Kombat, Ed Boon and John Tobias, were inspired by the success of Street Fighter II and wanted to create a game that would rival it in terms of gameplay and popularity. According to Boon and Tobias, Midway Games, the company that published Mortal Kombat, tasked them with developing a combat game that could compete with Street Fighter II.

To differentiate their game from Street Fighter II, Boon and Tobias focused on creating a more gritty and realistic fighting game experience. They drew inspiration from martial arts films and comic books, and designed the game’s characters and storylines to be more mature and violent than those of Street Fighter II.

A Ninja-Themed Game

Before it became Mortal Kombat, the game was originally conceived as a ninja-themed game called Mortal Combat. The title was later changed to Mortal Kombat due to trademark issues. The game’s storyline was inspired by the concept of a "Tournament of Mortal Combat," where fighters from different realms and dimensions would compete against each other in a series of battles.

A Game that Pushed the Envelope

Mortal Kombat was not only a reaction to Street Fighter II, but also a game that pushed the envelope in terms of violence and gore. The game’s developers were determined to create a game that would be more violent and mature than Street Fighter II, and they succeeded in doing so. The game’s "fatalities" feature, which allowed players to perform gruesome and bloody finishing moves on their opponents, was a major innovation in the fighting game genre.

Controversy and Censorship

Mortal Kombat’s violence and gore sparked controversy and censorship issues in many countries. The game was banned in several countries, including the United States, where it was initially given a "Teen" rating by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The game’s developers were forced to modify the game to remove some of its more violent content, and the game was later re-rated as "Mature" by the ESRB.

Impact on the Gaming Industry

Despite the controversy surrounding its release, Mortal Kombat had a significant impact on the gaming industry. The game’s success spawned a franchise that has included numerous sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise, and it helped to establish the fighting game genre as a major force in the gaming industry.

In conclusion, Mortal Kombat was originally made as a reaction to Street Fighter II, a game that pushed the envelope in terms of violence and gore, and a game that sparked controversy and censorship issues. Despite its controversy, Mortal Kombat has had a significant impact on the gaming industry, and it remains one of the most iconic and beloved fighting game franchises in the world.

Key Points:

• Mortal Kombat was originally developed as a reaction to Street Fighter II
• The game was designed to be more gritty and realistic than Street Fighter II
• The game’s storyline was inspired by the concept of a "Tournament of Mortal Combat"
• The game’s "fatalities" feature was a major innovation in the fighting game genre
• The game sparked controversy and censorship issues in many countries
• The game’s success spawned a franchise that has included numerous sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise

Table: Mortal Kombat’s Impact on the Gaming Industry

References:

• "The History of Mortal Kombat" by IGN
• "Mortal Kombat: The Official Book" by Ed Boon and John Tobias
• "The Evolution of Mortal Kombat" by GameSpot