In my early childhood, around the age of eight, I vividly recall my first encounter with the infamous video game, “Mortal Kombat.” This one-on-one fighting game, which stirred controversy among parents and politicians in the early 1990s, was a game-changer. The moment that etched in my memory forever happened while playing with my cousins at Toronto’s Pearson airport. I triggered a hidden finishing move as the ninja character I controlled, Scorpion, unmasked to reveal a skull and unleashed a fireball, turning his adversary into a charred skeleton, with the word “FATALITY” flashing on the screen in bold green letters.
The allure of “Mortal Kombat” in 1992 stemmed from such shocking moments, making it an essential game to play. The latest release, “Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection” by Digital Eclipse, offers a comprehensive compilation of 23 “Mortal Kombat” games released between 1992 and 2003. The collection spans arcade releases, home console versions like Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo, and even portable adaptations such as the Game Boy editions and spin-offs like “MK Mythologies: Sub-Zero.”
The package not only includes the games but also features an interactive documentary shedding light on the series’ creation and history, including interviews with key developers like Ed Boon and John Tobias. It delves into the game’s origins, acknowledging that “Mortal Kombat” wasn’t the first of its kind, drawing inspiration from titles like “Street Fighter II” and “NARC.” The documentary provides insights into the game’s impact while addressing the moral panic it sparked among parents and policymakers, leading to the establishment of the Entertainment Software Rating Board.
While the archival material in the collection offers a nostalgic trip for fans, showcasing behind-the-scenes footage and promotional content, it falls short on providing a comprehensive exploration of the game’s societal impact. The games themselves, reminiscent of Jack Daniel’s whiskey—bold and distinct but lacking depth—retain their iconic status, yet some versions show signs of aging, especially the home console adaptations with their technical limitations and aging graphics.
Despite its imperfections, “Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection” remains a valuable ode to a pivotal era in Western entertainment history. It allows fans to revisit the intense world of “Mortal Kombat” and witness the evolution of a cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate today.