The Most Popular Mortal Kombat Game, Ranked

Choose the game you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:44
Among fans of fighting games, debates about the best Mortal Kombat game can grow as heated as a showdown in the Netherrealm. Each installment has its champions and detractors, arguing over everything from graphics and gameplay mechanics to storylines and character rosters. A crowd-sourced ranking holds the power to settle these disputes, creating a clear snapshot of community preferences at any given time. By voting for your favorite Mortal Kombat games, you contribute to a bigger picture that helps new and veteran players alike see which titles resonate most with the community. This ongoing tally is not only fun, but also illuminates trends and preferences that might not be visible through reviews and sales data alone. It’s a dynamic way to engage with the franchise and influence how these games are perceived and remembered.

What Is the Most Popular Mortal Kombat Game?

  1. 1
    35
    votes

    Mortal Kombat X

    NetherRealm Studios
    Mortal Kombat X is the most popular game in the series, with improved graphics, new characters, and a revamped gameplay system. The game also introduced new mechanics such as the variation system, which allows players to customize their characters' movesets.
    Mortal Kombat X is a popular fighting game released in 2015 as the tenth installment in the Mortal Kombat series. Developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, it offers an intense fighting experience with a wide range of characters and brutal fatalities.
    • Release Date: April 14, 2015
    • Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Android, iOS
    • Game Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
    • Genre: Fighting
    • Rating: Mature 17+
    Mortal Kombat X in other rankings
  2. 2
    35
    votes

    Mortal Kombat 11

    NetherRealm Studios
    Mortal Kombat 11 is one of the most recent games in the series, and it has been well-received by both fans and critics. The game features a cinematic story mode, new characters, and improved graphics. It also introduced the "fatal blow" mechanic, which allows players to perform powerful attacks when their health is low.
    Mortal Kombat 11 is a highly popular and visually stunning fighting game that brings intense combat and a gripping storyline to players. It is the latest installment in the long-running Mortal Kombat series.
    • Release Date: April 23, 2019
    • Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
    • Genre: Fighting
    • Game Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
    • Story Mode: A compelling and well-written narrative that continues the epic saga of Mortal Kombat
    Mortal Kombat 11 in other rankings
  3. 3
    12
    votes

    Mortal Kombat 2

    Midway Games
    Mortal Kombat 2 is considered one of the best games in the series, with improved graphics and gameplay compared to the original. The game also introduced new characters such as Kitana and Mileena.
    Mortal Kombat 2 is a popular fighting video game released in 1993 as the second installment in the Mortal Kombat series. It features intense bloody battles between a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique fighting styles and fatalities.
    • Release Date: 1993
    • Genre: Fighting
    • Platform: Arcade, various home consoles
    • Number of Characters: 12 playable characters
    • Game Modes: Single-player, two-player versus
  4. 4
    8
    votes

    Mortal Kombat 3

    Ed Boon and John Tobias
    Mortal Kombat 3 introduced new gameplay mechanics such as the run button and the ability to perform chain combos. The game also added new characters such as Cyrax and Sektor.
    Mortal Kombat 3 is a popular fighting video game developed by Midway Games and released in 1995. It is the third installment in the Mortal Kombat franchise and features a combination of 2D graphics and digitized character sprites. The game is known for its brutal fatalities and intense fighting gameplay.
    • Release Date: 1995
    • Platform(s): Arcade, Sega Genesis, SNES, PlayStation, PC
    • Genre: Fighting
    • Number of Characters: 22
    • Number of Stages: 15
  5. 5
    17
    votes

    Mortal Kombat (2011)

    NetherRealm Studios
    Mortal Kombat (2011) is a reboot of the series, with improved graphics and a revamped storyline. The game also introduced new gameplay mechanics such as the X-ray moves, which show the internal damage caused by attacks.
    Mortal Kombat (2011) is a fighting game released in 2011 as a reboot of the original Mortal Kombat series. It combines elements of the first three games while introducing new gameplay mechanics and a fresh retelling of the original story.
    • Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
    • Release Date: April 19, 2011
    • Genre: Fighting
    • Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
    • Graphics: 2D and 3D
  6. 6
    9
    votes
    Deception introduced new gameplay mechanics such as interactive environments and puzzle-like minigames. The game also added new characters such as Ashrah and Kobra.
    Mortal Kombat: Deception is a fighting video game developed and published by Midway Games. It is the sixth installment in the Mortal Kombat series. The game features a diverse roster of fighters, intense combat gameplay, and a story-driven adventure mode.
    • Release Date: October 4, 2004
    • Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube
    • Genre: Fighting
    • Number of Characters: 26
    • Game Modes: Single-Player, Multiplayer
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    Armageddon is the final game in the original series, and it features a huge roster of over 60 characters. The game also introduced the create-a-fighter mode, which allows players to create their own characters.
    Mortal Kombat: Armageddon is a popular installment in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series. It was released in 2006 for various gaming platforms, including PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Wii. The game features an extensive roster of over 60 playable characters, including both classic characters from previous games and new additions. It is known for its intense one-on-one battles, graphic violence, and signature fatalities. Mortal Kombat: Armageddon also introduces the Kreate-A-Fighter mode, allowing players to customize their own characters with unique fighting styles and attributes. The game includes various single-player modes, such as Arcade, Konquest, and Motor Kombat, as well as multiplayer modes for competitive gameplay.
    • Release Date: October 17, 2006
    • Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, Wii
    • Genre: Fighting
    • Players: 1-2 players (offline)
    • Game Modes: Arcade, Konquest, Motor Kombat, Versus
  8. 8
    3
    votes
    Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is a crossover game that pits Mortal Kombat characters against DC Comics characters such as Batman and Superman. The game introduced new gameplay mechanics such as the freefall Kombat system.
    Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is a crossover fighting video game that combines characters from the Mortal Kombat series with those from the DC Comics universe. The game features a unique storyline that brings these iconic characters together in a battle for the fate of their worlds.
    • Release Date: November 16, 2008
    • Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
    • Genre: Fighting
    • Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
    • Number of Playable Characters: 22
  9. 9
    8
    votes

    Mortal Kombat 4

    Ed Boon, John Tobias
    Mortal Kombat 4 introduced 3D graphics and new gameplay mechanics such as weapon-based combat. The game also added new characters such as Fujin and Quan Chi.
    Mortal Kombat 4 is a fighting video game developed by Midway Games and released in 1997. It is the fourth installment in the Mortal Kombat series, introducing 3D graphics and a weapon-based combat system.
    • Release date: 1997
    • Platform: Arcade, PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Microsoft Windows
    • Genre: Fighting
    • Graphics: 3D
    • Number of playable characters: 15
  10. 10
    8
    votes
    Shaolin Monks is a spin-off game that features cooperative gameplay and a new storyline. The game also introduced new characters such as Liu Kang and Kung Lao.
    Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks - Mortal Kombat is an action-adventure beat 'em up game developed by Midway Studios Los Angeles. It was released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox consoles. The game offers a cooperative gameplay experience where players control two characters, Liu Kang and Kung Lao, as they complete various levels and engage in intense combat against hordes of enemies.
    • Genre: Action-adventure, beat 'em up
    • Release Year: 2005
    • Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox
    • Game Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
    • Cooperative Play: Yes

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Ranking factors for popular game

  1. Sales figures
    Analyzing the number of copies sold for each game can give an indication of its popularity among gamers.
  2. Critic reviews
    Professional reviews from gaming websites and magazines can provide insight into the game's quality and overall reception.
  3. User reviews and ratings
    Collecting user reviews and ratings from various platforms, such as Metacritic, Amazon, and Steam, can give a broader perspective on how the game was received by individuals.
  4. Game features and content
    Comparing the features offered by each game, like characters, storylines, and game modes, can help gauge their overall appeal.
  5. Graphics and presentation
    Considering the visual and audio aspects of each game can demonstrate which titles went above and beyond in delivering a captivating gaming experience.
  6. Innovation and impact
    Analyzing the extent to which each game introduced new concepts or uniquely influenced the series and fighting games in general.
  7. Longevity and replayability
    Determining each game's lifespan and the likelihood that players keep coming back to play it over an extended period.
  8. Competitive scene and esports
    Reviewing the interest and success of each game in the competitive gaming scene, such as tournaments and sponsored events.
  9. Awards and accolades
    Considering any industry awards or honors a game may have received during its release period or subsequent legacy.
  10. Nostalgia and historical significance
    Taking into account how well the game is remembered and revered by fans, as well as its cultural impact and relevance over time.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Mortal Kombat game. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or game is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1727 views
  • 140 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each game once every 24 hours. The rank of each game is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular mortal kombat game

Mortal Kombat is a popular video game franchise that has been around since 1992. Developed by Midway Games, the series features a cast of characters who engage in intense martial arts battles. The game quickly gained a following due to its violent and gory gameplay, which was controversial at the time of its release. Over the years, Mortal Kombat has evolved and expanded, with numerous sequels and spin-offs released on various gaming platforms. With each new installment, fans eagerly anticipate the new characters and fatalities that will be introduced. But which Mortal Kombat game is the most popular? Let's take a closer look at the contenders.

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