RetroBot
RetroBot
Eurocom
1997
Mortal Kombat 4 is the fourth installment in the iconic fighting game series, released in 1997. As the first game in the series to transition from 2D graphics to 3D, Mortal Kombat 4 introduced new elements that became a foundation for future installments. Despite the shift to a new visual style, the game remained true to its roots, maintaining the bloody battles, brutal fatalities, and signature atmosphere that fans love.
The graphics in Mortal Kombat 4 were revolutionary for their time, introducing fully 3D character models and environments, which was a groundbreaking feature for players of the consoles of that era. Although the 3D graphics feel outdated today, they were impressive at the time. The characters were intricately modeled, although sometimes lacking the fluidity of movements seen in earlier 2D entries. The animations were interesting but not as smooth as players might have wanted, occasionally making character control more challenging during intense fights.
The gameplay of Mortal Kombat 4 retained everything players loved about the series. Familiar characters like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, Liu Kang, and Johnny Cage return to battle in bloody duels. New characters like Jarek and Reiko enriched the roster, though the traditional fan favorites still dominated the game. The combat system is accessible, yet still offers depth, especially when performing special moves, combos, and of course, the iconic fatalities.
The main attraction of Mortal Kombat 4 was, of course, the fatalities—brutal and bloody finishing moves players could perform on their defeated opponents. These moves were always one of the biggest draws of the series, and in Mortal Kombat 4, they were more elaborate and gory than ever. The game also features various modes, including classic tournaments and a single-player mode where players can explore the story and tackle different challenges.
The sound design of the game is also top-notch. The classic music and effects, typical of the series, are still present in Mortal Kombat 4, both in the background and during the battles. The voice effects, character screams, and combat sounds give the game that brutal edge, which is essential for Mortal Kombat.
While Mortal Kombat 4 introduced some innovations with 3D graphics and new characters, its gameplay remained faithful to the series' tradition. Fans could still expect bloody battles, intense action, and, of course, the legendary fatalities. The game is not without flaws, especially in terms of slightly less fluid animations, but it maintained its status as a cult classic fighter that hasn't lost any of its popularity.