Watch on TikTok
Mortal Kombat 4 marks a significant shift in the history of the series, as it was the first entry in the franchise to embrace 3D graphics. Released in 1997, it successfully translated the brutal and iconic 2D gameplay into a three-dimensional arena, allowing for a new level of visual depth and movement. The game introduced a more dynamic combat system, including the ability to move in and out of the foreground and background, which added an extra layer of strategy to the traditional 2D fighter mechanics.
One of the standout features of Mortal Kombat 4 is the continuation of the franchise's signature style, including the iconic characters, over-the-top fatalities, and gore-filled combat that made the series famous. Characters like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Liu Kang returned, along with a few new faces such as Shinnok and Jarek. The roster was diverse, giving players the opportunity to experience a variety of fighting styles and special moves. The 3D graphics, while groundbreaking at the time, did not always hold up as well as other fighting games from the same era, and some of the character models feel a bit blocky and outdated by today's standards.
Despite its technical shortcomings, Mortal Kombat 4 succeeded in maintaining the essence of the franchise, offering fast-paced action, strategic depth, and a memorable cast of characters. However, it didn’t quite make the same cultural impact as its predecessors, which could be due to the mixed reception of its transition to 3D. Still, the game remains a solid entry in the series, and its re-releases on modern platforms have introduced it to new generations of players, allowing it to retain its place in fighting game history.
