Who inspired Mortal Kombat?

Who Inspired Mortal Kombat?

Mortal Kombat, a legendary fighting game franchise, has been thrilling gamers for over three decades. But where did this iconic game draw its inspiration from? Ed Boon, the creator of Mortal Kombat, revealed that the game was heavily influenced by films, martial arts, and professional wrestling. In this article, we’ll dive into the inspirations behind Mortal Kombat’s creation and explore the cinematic and martial arts influences that shaped the game.

Films that Inspired Mortal Kombat

Boon cited several films that inspired the creation of Mortal Kombat. The first one is Enter the Dragon (1973), a martial arts classic starring Bruce Lee. The game’s creator acknowledged that the film’s characters, particularly Lee’s Liu Kang, were a major influence on the game’s development.

Another significant inspiration was Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain (1983), a Hong Kong martial arts film known for its magical and mystical elements. Boon stated that the game’s concept of a supernatural tournament, where fighters clash in a mystical realm, was heavily influenced by this film.

Professional Wrestling and Street Fighter

Boon also drew inspiration from professional wrestling, specifically Bloodsport (1988), a film starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. The film’s portrayal of a deadly, no-holds-barred fighting tournament was a major influence on Mortal Kombat’s concept.

Furthermore, Boon revealed that Street Fighter II, a popular fighting game, was another significant influence. He mentioned that the game’s popularity and innovative fighting mechanics inspired the creation of Mortal Kombat’s own unique fighting style and characters.

Martial Arts Influence

Mortal Kombat’s characters and fighting styles were also heavily influenced by martial arts. For example, Kano, a main character in the game, was inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character in The Terminator (1984). Kano’s cybernetic enhancements and brutal fighting style were reflective of the Terminator’s Terminator-like abilities.

Real-Life Inspirations

In addition to films and martial arts, Boon also drew inspiration from real-life people and events. Luke Cage, a Marvel Comics character, was an inspiration for the game’s protagonist, Liu Kang. Cage’s superhuman strength and resilience were traits that Boon wanted to incorporate into Liu Kang’s character.

Table: Mortal Kombat Inspirations

Conclusion

Mortal Kombat’s creation was a culmination of various influences from films, martial arts, professional wrestling, and real-life events. The game’s concept, characters, and fighting mechanics were all shaped by these inspirations. Boon’s willingness to explore different mediums and incorporate them into the game’s creation resulted in a unique and iconic gaming franchise that continues to entertain gamers to this day.

Key Takeaways:

• Enter the Dragon inspired the game’s characters and martial arts influences.
• Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain influenced the game’s concept of a supernatural tournament.
• Bloodsport inspired the game’s concept of a deadly, no-holds-barred fighting tournament.
• Street Fighter II influenced the game’s fighting mechanics and characters.
• Martial Arts influenced the game’s characters and fighting styles.
• Real-Life People, such as Luke Cage, inspired characters and traits in the game.