Mortal Kombat Games Ranked: Best To Worst

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The Mortal Kombat series has been a staple of the gaming industry for over two decades, delivering intense fighting action, gruesome finishing moves, and a rich history of characters and storylines. With over 20 games in the series, it can be challenging to determine which ones are worth playing and which ones are best left forgotten. In this article, we will rank the Mortal Kombat games from best to worst, taking into account factors such as gameplay, story, characters, and overall impact on the series.

Introduction to the Series

The Mortal Kombat series debuted in 1992, created by Ed Boon and John Tobias. The first game was a huge success, thanks to its unique blend of fighting gameplay, special moves, and the infamous "fatalities" that allowed players to gruesomely kill their opponents. Since then, the series has expanded to include numerous sequels, spin-offs, and updates, with each game building upon the previous one.

Ranking the Mortal Kombat Games

Here is our ranking of the Mortal Kombat games from best to worst:

Top 5: The Best Mortal Kombat Games

1. Mortal Kombat 11 (2019) - The latest installment in the series, Mortal Kombat 11 is a masterclass in fighting game design. With a robust roster of characters, improved gameplay mechanics, and a rich storyline, this game is a must-play for fans of the series.

2. Mortal Kombat X (2015) - The game that revitalized the series, Mortal Kombat X introduced new characters, stages, and gameplay mechanics that set a new standard for the franchise.

3. Mortal Kombat: Deception (2004) - This game is often considered one of the best in the series, with a unique "konquest" mode and a large roster of characters.

4. Mortal Kombat 2 (1993) - The sequel to the original, Mortal Kombat 2 improved upon the gameplay and added new characters, stages, and special moves.

5. Mortal Kombat: Armageddon (2006) - The final game in the original series, Mortal Kombat: Armageddon featured a massive roster of characters and a unique "konquest" mode.

The Middle Tier: Good but Not Great

6. Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (2008) - A crossover game featuring characters from the DC Comics universe, this game was a fun but ultimately forgettable entry in the series.

7. Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (2002) - The first 3D game in the series, Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance introduced new characters and gameplay mechanics but was ultimately disappointing.

8. Mortal Kombat: Special Forces (2000) - A spin-off game that focused on action-adventure gameplay, Mortal Kombat: Special Forces was a departure from the series' fighting game roots.

9. Mortal Kombat: Tournament Edition (2003) - An updated version of Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, this game added new characters and stages but did little to improve the overall experience.

10. Mortal Kombat: Komplete Edition (2011) - A compilation of the first three games in the series, Mortal Kombat: Komplete Edition was a solid but unremarkable release.

The Bottom Tier: The Worst Mortal Kombat Games

11. Mortal Kombat: Mythologies Sub-Zero (1997) - A spin-off game that focused on action-adventure gameplay, Mortal Kombat: Mythologies Sub-Zero was a disappointment.

12. Mortal Kombat: Advance (2002) - A handheld game that was released for the Game Boy Advance, Mortal Kombat: Advance was a watered-down version of the console games.

13. Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (2005) - A beat-em-up game that featured characters from the series, Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks was a lackluster release.

14. Mortal Kombat: Kollection (2008) - A compilation of the first three games in the series, Mortal Kombat: Kollection was a lazy release with poor emulation.

15. Mortal Kombat: Onslaught (2000) - A cancelled game that was meant to be a spin-off, Mortal Kombat: Onslaught was ultimately scrapped due to poor quality.

Conclusion

The Mortal Kombat series has a rich history, with some games standing out as exceptional and others falling short. While opinions may vary, our ranking provides a comprehensive look at the series, from the best to the worst. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, there's never been a better time to experience the intense fighting action and gruesome finishing moves that Mortal Kombat has to offer.