When did Mortal Kombat 3 come out?
Released in 1995, Mortal Kombat 3 is one of the most iconic and beloved fighting game franchises of all time. But what made it so special, and what kind of impact did it have on the gaming industry?
A Brief Introduction
Before diving into the nitty-gritty details of Mortal Kombat 3, it’s important to understand the context in which the game was developed. The first Mortal Kombat game was released in 1992 to critical acclaim and commercial success, primarily due to its bloody and violent gameplay, dark storyline, and cryptic cutscenes.
Developed by Midway Games, Mortal Kombat was an instant hit, known for its over-the-top finishers, known as "fatalities". But the success of the game didn’t last long, as it faced heavy opposition from Sen. Joseph Lieberman, who criticized the game’s -graphic violence and lethargic pace.
<table>
| <Year | <Reason>
| 1993 | – The Senate Hearing-
|- | Sen. Lieberman criticizes Mortal Kombat’s violence – Edict for retailers to not sell it to minors
|- 1996 | – Mortal Kombat III release-
|</table**>
To counter this negative publicity, Midway Games decided to take a new direction with their follow-up, Mortal Kombat 3. The game’s focus shifted towards a more balanced combat system, with the introduction of a new characters, fresh gameplay mechanics, and multi-tiered stages.
Launch and Reception
Mortal Kombat 3 was released in 1995 for arcades, the original console release date varies depending on the region, ranging from February to June 1995.
Gaming publications praised Mortal Kombat 3 for its refined combat mechanics, breathtaking visuals, and fearsome sound effects.
- GamePro‘s reviewer noted that, "MK3’s moves are smoother, the attacks are more diverse, and the finishing combos are more spectacular."
- GameSpot‘s editor wrote, "The gameplay has evolved, with a new level of tactical depth that rewards skill and punishment".
- Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) praised the game, calling it, "a step-up from its predecessor, with excellent graphics, great music, and loads of gameplay variety".
Despite the critical acclaim, Mortal Kombat 3 did experience some backlash, with criticism directed at its complex combination of special moves and slower-paced gameplay compared to earlier games.
Impact on Gaming Industry
Mortal Kombat 3‘s release had a significant impact on the gaming industry in several ways:
- Establishment of Fighting Game Genre: The introduction of Fatalities, an over-the-top finishing move mechanic, cemented Mortal Kombat as one of the pioneers of the fighting game genre.
- Inspiration: Mortal Kombat 3‘s gameplay mechanics have been borrowed and expanded upon in other popular fighting games, such as the Street Fighter and Marvel vs. Capcom series.
- Mainstream Pop Culture Appeal: Mortal Kombat‘s violent content became a sensation among teenagers, and its iconic fatalities became a part of 90s pop culture.
- Impact on Industry Confrontation: The game’s violence level became a point of contention for many and inspired the creation of age- restriction systems, to determine which games are suitable for specific ages.
A New Chapter Begins
In conclusion, Mortal Kombat 3 marked a turning point for the series, refocusing the attention from gore and violence back to balance and refinement, laying the groundwork for the games’ future development.