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- Mortal Kombat 9 prioritized memorable characters over a massive roster.
- The game retold the events of the original trilogy with cinematic cutscenes and seamless battles.
- The return to 2D fighting was also an incredible decision.
Mortal Kombat is still going strong today. With Mortal Kombat 11 making millions in profit and Mortal Kombat 1 selling over 3 million units, there’s little doubt about the IP’s staying power. Reflecting on this IP’s legacy, games like Shaolin Monks stand out due to their current popularity.
However, I believe the series truly hit its stride with Mortal Kombat 9. Released in 2011, this brutal fighting game revived Mortal Kombat from a creative low and established NetherRealm Studios as a major player in the genre.
Mortal Kombat 9 stands out as one of the best games in the series, thanks to its wide range of classic characters and unique story mode.
Why it matters: Looking at the modern release from NetherRealm Studios, very few can even come close to what this entry did for the studio and Mortal Kombat.
A Roster Fit for the Gods
A great Mortal Kombat game isn’t defined by the sheer number of fighters but by the quality of those included. Mortal Kombat: Armageddon featured 62 playable characters, but I found 2011’s iteration to have a better roster.
Having many characters doesn’t always guarantee a memorable or exciting gameplay experience. Mortal Kombat 9 boasted 31 playable characters with fun move sets and fatalities.
It came with nearly everyone from the original trilogy, with characters like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, and Liu Kang. My favorites, such as Kitana, Mileena, and Smoke, were also included.
Each character’s moves were designed to fit the classic 2D fighter style, bringing the game back to its roots after several titles experimented with 3D fighting mechanics several years earlier.
While later games cut out essential characters, this was not the case here. Mortal Kombat X launched without the cyber ninjas, Mortal Kombat 11 skipped major characters like Mileena, and Mortal Kombat 1 removed Sonya and Kano from the roster.
This was not the case with Mortal Kombat 9 since practically everyone was included in the base roster. Adding Kratos from God of War as an exclusive DLC character for PlayStation 3 was also interesting.
This unexpected crossover proved that NRS was willing to take risks and push boundaries with its new title. That’s what makes this game so special to me. The diverse roster let me enjoy both classic nostalgia and updated gameplay mechanics.
The Story Mode was Ahead of its Time
Mortal Kombat 9 introduced a revolutionary story mode that gave NRS a blueprint for its next titles. It featured an extensive and cinematic storyline that retold the events of the first three Mortal Kombat games, effectively restarting the series.
The story mode received acclaim for its unique narrative, high-quality cutscenes, and seamless integration of battles into the story. This approach set a new standard in fighting games and influenced later titles such as Injustice: Gods Among Us and Mortal Kombat X.
In a game with many characters, it can be hard for players to connect deeply with each one. The well-rounded story ensured every character got a chance to shine, making it easier for players to choose their favorite without feeling overwhelmed.
Even characters like Stryker received their own chapters, and it helped me discover their stories and build a bond with my favorite characters. Meanwhile, Shao Kahn was an excellent villain, standing tall as the IP’s big bad.
While basic on paper, this story mode juggled important narratives like the rivalry between Scorpion and Sub Zero, Raiden’s development into a wiser protector, and more.
Mortal Kombat 9 isn’t Just About Nostalgia
This game wasn’t just a trip down memory lane; it also brought several features to the series. The game introduced a new tag team mode where players could switch characters mid-fight.
Additionally, the X-ray attacks were brutal and visually impressive, showing the internal damage inflicted on opponents. This feature was particularly important as it has shown up in every Mortal Kombat release since 2011.
Returning to 2D combat was a significant change for the series. It felt right at home in this format and was a homage to the series’ origins. The refined 2D combat mechanics offered a more precise, fluid fighting experience with tighter controls.
This made pulling off advanced techniques like wave dashing and instant air moves more satisfying. Sure, the game had plenty of downright broken stuff, but it was weirdly balanced out by every character having something absurd.
More than a decade after its launch, Mortal Kombat 9 remains an evergreen title in the franchise. It raised the standards for fighting gameplay and storytelling, influencing future titles and maintaining Mortal Kombat’s global popularity among fans.
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Passionate gamer and content creator with vast knowledge of video games, and I enjoy writing content about them. My creativity and ability to think outside the box allow me to approach gaming uniquely. With my dedication to gaming and content creation, I’m constantly exploring new ways to share my passion with others.
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