Mortal Kombat: Ranking All The Main Games From Worst To Best
9. Mortal Kombat 4 (1997)
Mortal Kombat 4 was the franchises very first step into 3D gaming, and as such, was highly anticipated leading up to its release in 1997. After having been limited to 2D for so long, many hoped that this technological leap would be just the jolt needed to create the best and most visually stunning entry so far. Instead what we ended up getting was more of a mixed bag. The transition to 3D was difficult for the development team, and you can feel it in the final game. It feels like it is a bit confused about what it wants to be, like it cant decide whether to stay 2D or to completely embrace 3D, the result of which is a mishmash of different design choices that dont quite work together. Its use of a 2D fighting style on a 3D plane feels clunky, and the action overall has a slower pace compared to earlier games. However, MK 4 can be credited for expanding the mythology and introducing some interesting new characters like Quan Chi and Shinnock, alongside a good assortment of classic fighters. Its incorporation of weapons is also an inspired addition. In the end though, while not a completely terrible fighter, Mortal Kombat 4 was a disappointment relative to the hype due it its inability to reconcile its past with the future, something the series would achieve to much greater effect going forward.
