There are 22 main Mortal Kombat games, with additional spin-offs.
Ever wondered about the vast world of brutal battles and iconic characters? The question often arises: how many mortal kombat games are there? It’s a journey through arcades, consoles, and even mobile platforms.
The franchise boasts a rich history, expanding beyond the core titles with various side games. This series continues to evolve, keeping fans eager for more fights and fatalities.
How Many Mortal Kombat Games Are There? A Deep Dive into the Franchise
The world of Mortal Kombat is vast and full of bone-crunching action! If you’ve ever wondered just how many games there are in this iconic fighting series, you’ve come to the right place. It’s more than just a few titles; it’s a long and exciting journey through different platforms and stories. Let’s break down the entire list and explore all the different parts of the Mortal Kombat universe. Get ready for a fun trip into the realms!
The Main Series: The Core Fighting Experience
When people talk about Mortal Kombat, they usually mean the core fighting games. These are the ones that tell the main story and introduce new characters and gameplay mechanics. The main series is where the most intense fights and dramatic plotlines happen. Here’s a closer look:
Mortal Kombat (1992)
It all started here! This is where we first met characters like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Raiden. The original Mortal Kombat was a huge hit with its digitized graphics and over-the-top violence. It introduced the tournament on Shang Tsung’s Island and set the stage for everything to come.
Mortal Kombat II (1993)
The second game in the series ramped things up with more characters, more moves, and even more fatalities! We saw new faces like Jax and Kung Lao, and it expanded on the lore of Outworld. Mortal Kombat II is considered by many to be one of the best in the series.
Mortal Kombat 3 (1995)
Mortal Kombat 3 brought even more changes to the gameplay with run buttons and combo attacks. This title also saw the introduction of new cyborg ninjas, like Cyrax, Sektor, and Smoke. We also saw the Earthrealm heroes fight against Shao Kahn’s invasion.
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (1995)
Just a year after MK3, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 added even more characters, stages, and gameplay tweaks. It’s essentially an enhanced version of MK3, bringing back fan-favorite characters like Kitana, Reptile, and Scorpion. Many consider this the definitive version of the third game.
Mortal Kombat Trilogy (1996)
Mortal Kombat Trilogy is a compilation game that includes almost every character from the first three games, making for a huge roster of fighters. It included characters from both MK3 and UMK3. It also added a few new moves, making it a fun experience for die-hard fans.
Mortal Kombat 4 (1997)
The jump to 3D graphics was huge for the series with Mortal Kombat 4. This title brought new storylines and new characters like Shinnok. It was a big change in gameplay, moving away from the 2D style to a 3D arena.
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (2002)
Deadly Alliance brought together two of the series’ biggest villains, Shang Tsung and Quan Chi. This game also marked a move to a new style and introduced new fighting systems. The gameplay was much different than the previous titles in the series.
Mortal Kombat: Deception (2004)
In Deception, the main story focused on Onaga, the Dragon King. It introduced a Konquest mode, which was like a big adventure game. This title continued to evolve the gameplay mechanics and add depth to the series’ lore.
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon (2006)
Armageddon is known for having the biggest roster of fighters in the series, featuring almost every character from the previous games. It was meant to be the epic conclusion to the original story arc, with a huge battle royale format.
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (2008)
A crossover game that pitted Mortal Kombat characters against DC Comics heroes and villains. Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe was a fun and unique experience, bringing together two vastly different universes.
Mortal Kombat (2011)
Often called Mortal Kombat 9, this game was a reboot of the series, retelling the events of the first three games with a modern spin. It brought back the classic 2D fighting style, updated for modern consoles. It brought a fresh start to the series’ core narrative.
Mortal Kombat X (2015)
Mortal Kombat X expanded the roster with new fighters and introduced variations for each character, offering a deep fighting system. It continued the storyline from the reboot, with a focus on the next generation of fighters.
Mortal Kombat 11 (2019)
The latest installment in the main series, Mortal Kombat 11, brought new ways to customize your characters and more plot twists. It’s known for its detailed graphics and deep storytelling, with a focus on time manipulation.
Mortal Kombat 1 (2023)
This is another reboot of the franchise. Mortal Kombat 1 started the storyline from ground zero with a new era built by Fire God Liu Kang. This entry is another strong addition to the core franchise, introducing new mechanics.
Spin-Off Titles: Exploring Different Genres and Stories
Besides the main fighting games, there are also some spin-off titles that explore the Mortal Kombat universe in different ways. These games have offered different styles of gameplay and explored more parts of the rich lore:
Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero (1997)
This was an action-adventure game that explored the backstory of Sub-Zero. Instead of 1 vs 1 fighting, you navigate through levels and battle enemies and bosses. Mythologies: Sub-Zero was a bit different from the traditional Mortal Kombat games.
Mortal Kombat Special Forces (2000)
Another action-adventure title, Special Forces focused on Jax’s story and his fight against the Black Dragon Clan. It had a unique gameplay style, but was not well-received by most fans.
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (2005)
This was a cooperative action-adventure game where players controlled Liu Kang and Kung Lao. Shaolin Monks let players explore the world of Mortal Kombat and engage in lots of beat-em-up combat. It’s considered by many to be one of the better spin-off titles.
Compilation and Remastered Games
Throughout the years, there have also been compilation games and re-releases of older titles. These are ways to experience the classic games on newer consoles. They bring the nostalgia of playing the early classics.
- Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection (2011): This collection includes the original Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat II, and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, making it easy to play these classics on modern platforms.
- Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate (2020): This is the ultimate edition of Mortal Kombat 11 that includes all the DLC content. This version provides the most complete experience of the game.
The Mobile Games
Mortal Kombat has also made its way to mobile devices, with a few games designed for gameplay on phones and tablets:
Mortal Kombat (Mobile)
A free-to-play game with card-based combat and character collecting, this mobile game brings a different way to play Mortal Kombat. Mortal Kombat Mobile is frequently updated with new content, keeping the game fresh for players.
Mortal Kombat: Onslaught
Mortal Kombat: Onslaught is a new mobile RPG, which is based on team collection and strategic battles, rather than 1-on-1 combat of the core franchise.
Other Notable Appearances
Besides the games, Mortal Kombat has made appearances in other forms of media, like pinball, but these don’t count as separate “games” in the traditional sense. But it’s interesting to see where the series has reached. These include:
- Mortal Kombat Pinball which was released in 1993
- Various Mortal Kombat arcade machines that are not considered as standalone games.
Putting It All Together: The Complete List
So, when we add up all the different games, including the main series, spin-offs, compilations, and mobile titles, it is quite a bit of games. Here’s a quick recap list:
- Mortal Kombat (1992)
- Mortal Kombat II (1993)
- Mortal Kombat 3 (1995)
- Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (1995)
- Mortal Kombat Trilogy (1996)
- Mortal Kombat 4 (1997)
- Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero (1997)
- Mortal Kombat Special Forces (2000)
- Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (2002)
- Mortal Kombat: Deception (2004)
- Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (2005)
- Mortal Kombat: Armageddon (2006)
- Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (2008)
- Mortal Kombat (2011)
- Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection (2011)
- Mortal Kombat X (2015)
- Mortal Kombat Mobile (2015)
- Mortal Kombat 11 (2019)
- Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate (2020)
- Mortal Kombat 1 (2023)
- Mortal Kombat: Onslaught (2023)
With all these titles, the Mortal Kombat world offers something for everyone! Whether you’re a fan of the original 2D games, the 3D adventures, or the mobile experience, there’s a lot to explore and enjoy.
The Mortal Kombat franchise has had a long history of delivering intense fights and thrilling storylines. With so many games, there’s no shortage of content to dive into. From the original arcade machines to modern consoles and mobile devices, Mortal Kombat continues to be a gaming experience to be remembered.
Evolution Mortal Kombat Games (1992-2022)
Final Thoughts
In total, there are 22 main Mortal Kombat games, including ports and remasters. This includes the core fighting titles and spin-offs. The franchise maintains its popularity. It continues to expand with new entries.
Several other versions exist on different platforms. This adds to the number of ways players can experience the game. These variations include mobile and handheld options. Therefore, it’s complex to answer simply, how many mortal kombat games are there exactly.
