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Mortal Kombat vs Mortal Kombat 4

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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Mortal Kombat
Mortal KombatEnter the brutal one-on-one fighting tournament to save Earth from Outworld.
Mortal Kombat 4
Mortal Kombat 4The first 3D installment of the iconic fighting game franchise.
Overview
Description

Mortal Kombat is a side-scrolling fighting game where martial artists battle in one-on-one combat using punches, kicks, and special moves. Players must defeat their opponents across intense rounds, culminating in the iconic and blood-soaked Fatality finishing move. Seven fighters from Earth step into Shang Tsung's secret tournament to stop the reigning champion Goro and protect their realm. The roster features diverse combatants including Raiden, Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, Kano, Sub-Zero, and Scorpion, each with distinct motivations and unique abilities.

Mortal Kombat 4 brings the legendary 1 vs 1 fighting franchise into the third dimension while maintaining its signature brutal combat and classic mechanics. Players can choose from a roster of fifteen initial fighters, featuring both returning favorites like Scorpion and Sub-Zero alongside fresh challengers. Set after the escape of the fallen Elder God Shinnok from the Netherrealm, Earthrealm's warriors must once again unite to prevent total universal conquest. With the introduction of weapon usage in combat and classic fatalities, the game delivers an intense arcade fighting experience.

Pricing
Paid (One-time)
Paid (One-time)
Category
Fighting Games
Fighting Games
Best for
Fighting game fans and retro arcade enthusiasts
Fans of retro fighting games and arcade classics
Specifications
General
msrp
$49.99
release date
1992-08-02
1997-09-11
Specifications
developer
Midway Games, Midway
Midway Games, Eurocom Entertainment Software
publisher
Midway Games, Midway, Acclaim Entertainment, Virgin Interactive Entertainment
Midway Games, Gradiente
age rating
ESRB M
ESRB M
multiplayer
Single player, Multiplayer
Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative
critic score
83/100
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Iconic and memorable Fatality finishing moves
  • Diverse roster of distinct martial artists
  • Fast-paced and responsive one-on-one arcade combat
  • Engaging lore and character-driven rivalries
  • First title in the series with 3D character models
  • Great roster mixing classic and new fighters
  • Introduction of weapon usage in combat
  • Classic brutal fatalities and finishers
Cons
  • Can be overly violent for sensitive players
  • Steep learning curve for advanced special moves
  • Limited to side-scrolling fighting mechanics
  • Graphics have aged significantly since 1997 release
  • Balance issues among certain character matchups
  • Port lacks some features of the arcade original
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

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Alternatives to Mortal Kombat

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Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance

The first next-gen Mortal Kombat brings a revamped fight engine and full 3D graphics.

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Mortal Kombat: Unchained
Mortal Kombat: Unchained

The ultimate portable fighting experience packed with exclusive content and modes.

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Mortal Kombat 3
Mortal Kombat 3

Experience intense 2D fighting action with new combos, run mechanics, and brutal fatalities.

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Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks

Defend Earthrealm as Liu Kang or Kung Lao in this action-packed beat 'em up.

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Alternatives to Mortal Kombat 4

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Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3

Experience intense arcade fighting action with 23 playable characters and iconic finishers.

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Tekken 4
Tekken 4

The ultimate 3D fighting showdown returns with new tactics and brutal combos.

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Dead or Alive 4
Dead or Alive 4

High‑octane 3D fighting with fast‑paced combos and stunning visuals.

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Virtua Fighter 4
Virtua Fighter 4

Experience the pinnacle of 3D martial arts combat with deep mechanics and legendary fighters.

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Mortal Kombat (1992) offers classic 2D arcade combat with iconic Fatalities, while Mortal Kombat 4 (1997) adds 3D graphics and weapons but shows its age.

Key differences

  • Mortal Kombat uses 2D side‑scroll fighting; Mortal Kombat 4 uses 3D character models.
  • MK4 adds weapon usage in combat; original MK has no weapons.
  • Roster size: MK has 7 distinct fighters; MK4 starts with 15 plus unlockables.
  • Multiplayer modes: MK is single‑player/multiplayer; MK4 adds co‑operative play.
  • Release era: MK released 1992 with higher retro appeal; MK4 released 1997 and its graphics are now dated.
DimensionWinner

Gameplay & fun factor

MK4 adds 3D movement and weapons, expanding combat options beyond MK's pure 2D fights.

Mortal Kombat 4

Platform availability

Platform details not provided for either title.

Tie

Price & value

Only MK lists MSRP ($49.99); MK4 price not specified.

Tie

Multiplayer / co‑op

MK4 supports co‑operative multiplayer, whereas MK only offers standard multiplayer.

Mortal Kombat 4

Content & replayability

MK4's larger roster (15+ fighters) and unlockables give more variety than MK's 7 characters.

Mortal Kombat 4

Difficulty & accessibility

MK's simpler 2D mechanics have a lower learning curve than MK4's 3D controls and weapon system.

Mortal Kombat

Graphics & performance

MK's 2D pixel art remains timeless; MK4's 3D graphics have noticeably aged since 1997.

Mortal Kombat

Choose Mortal Kombat if…

Fans who prefer classic 2D arcade fighting and iconic Fatalities without modern complexities.

Choose Mortal Kombat 4 if…

Players wanting a larger roster, 3D movement, weapons, and co‑op despite dated graphics.

Common questions

Which game is cheaper?

Mortal Kombat lists an MSRP of $49.99; Mortal Kombat 4 price is not specified.

Do both games support co‑op play?

Only Mortal Kombat 4 includes co‑operative multiplayer; Mortal Kombat offers only single‑player and standard multiplayer.

Is the original Mortal Kombat more suitable for beginners?

Yes; its 2D combat is simpler, while Mortal Kombat 4 adds 3D controls and weapons that increase complexity.