Mortal Kombat 4 hits different when it boots instantly in your browser. Released in 1998 on the Sony PlayStation, this fighting classic from Midway is ready the second you press start — no downloads, no setup.
It is also the first title in the series to use 3D computer graphics, as well as the last in the series to have an arcade release. Mortal Kombat 4 is a 1997 fighting game developed and published by Midway for arcades.
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| Action | Keyboard | Controller |
|---|---|---|
| D-Pad Up | ↑ | D-Pad up |
| D-Pad Down | ↓ | D-Pad down |
| D-Pad Left | ← | D-Pad left |
| D-Pad Right | → | D-Pad right |
| ✕ Cross | G | Bottom face |
| ○ Circle | H | Right face |
| □ Square | T | Left face |
| △ Triangle | Y | Top face |
| L1 | E | Left shoulder |
| R1 | P | Right shoulder |
| L2 | R | Left trigger |
| R2 | O | Right trigger |
| Start | Enter | Start |
| Select | Space | Select |
| Left Stick Up | W | Analog up |
| Left Stick Down | S | Analog down |
| Left Stick Left | A | Analog left |
| Left Stick Right | D | Analog right |
| L3 (stick press) | X | Stick press |
| Right Stick Up | I | Right stick |
| Right Stick Down | K | Right stick |
| Right Stick Left | J | Right stick |
| Right Stick Right | L | Right stick |
| R3 (stick press) | , | Stick press |
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The Story Behind Mortal Kombat 4
The gameplay was planned to be similar to the predecessors although this would be the first game from the series to be made in 3D. To advertise the game, Midway organized a 35-stop road tour of the United States. The team opted to use an EPROM instead of a hard drive for the arcade hardware, due to the lower cost, and because it would allow the fast access time needed for familiar Mortal Kombat features such as changing backgrounds in mid-fight.
The arcade version of Mortal Kombat 4 was released in September 1997 in North America and later that same year in Europe. The Midway staff wanted to remove the comical elements from the previous Mortal Kombat titles, so they focused on making Fatalities. Art director Tony Goskie created a 3D model used when any character in the game got skinned, which he called "Meat".
How Mortal Kombat 4 Plays
It is also the first title in the series to use 3D computer graphics, as well as the last in the series to have an arcade release. Since its release, the game received generally positive response from critics, with the exception of the Game Boy Color port. MK4 introduces a limited weapon system, allowing each character to take out a special weapon using a set button combination.
If an opponent's weapon is dropped, the other character is able to pick it up and use it. The game also introduces alternate costumes, as opposed to the palette swaps in previous installments. In his plan, he first conquers the realm of Edenia with the aid of a traitor, Tanya, while preparing to attack the Elder Gods.
Why Players Still Load It Up
Similarly IGNs Peer Schneider criticized how limited the gameplay had become in this version and how defeating the opponent was easier. The PlayStation and PC ports have been said to have improvements over the arcade game such as having more responsive controls and the exclusive FMV scenes. Next Generation reviewed the Nintendo 64 version of the game, rating it three stars out of five, and stated that "Mortal Kombat 4 is a guilty pleasure; although it's unoriginal, the game is fast and rewarding.
MK4 is an excellent port and, though it's average in general, it is still one of the best fighters for the console." Next Generation reviewed the PlayStation version of the game, rating it two stars out of five, and stated that "Overall, MK4 is by no means incompetent, and it's a fine port of the arcade game. GameRankings had an average of 76.07% from 20 reviews for the Nintendo 64 version of the game, 75.75% with 16 reviews for the PlayStation version, and 72.14% with 14 reviews for the PC version. Both also opined that the game had sharp graphics and a pleasing blend of old characters with strong newcomers.
Mortal Kombat 4 — Frequently Asked Questions
What console was Mortal Kombat 4 released on?
Mortal Kombat 4 was released for the Sony PlayStation in 1998.
Can I save my progress in Mortal Kombat 4?
It does — with a free account you can snapshot the game at any point using save states, then pick it up later from exactly that spot.
How many players does Mortal Kombat 4 support?
Mortal Kombat 4 supports 2 player(s) in this browser version.
Can I play Mortal Kombat 4 online for free?
Absolutely. The full game loads in the player at the top of this page and runs right in your browser — no installs, no plugins, no waiting.