It’s hard to find a franchise that’s had more impact both within the gaming industry and outside of it than Mortal Kombat. It wasn’t just a pioneer for the fighting game genre. It also pushed the bounds for what was acceptable within the realm of gaming.
Its violent and gory content caused a lot of controversy upon its release, but that didn’t slow down its growing popularity. Decades later, Mortal Kombat is still as popular as ever and has a tremendous fan base awaiting every future installment and adaptation. Here’s a list of other games that Mortal Kombat fans may enjoy.
10 Dead Or Alive
In terms of fighting games, Dead Or Alive is definitely a solid entry into the genre. Unlike Mortal Kombat, which puts a heavy emphasis on fantasy and the supernatural for its characters and story, Dead Or Alive grounds its fighting a lot more. It was an early adopter of the three-dimensional style of fighting game that took Mortal Kombat several entries to get right.
It’s also notable for its sexy female characters, who starred in their own spin-off volleyball game. Although its martial arts style of fighting is commendable, the game’s characters aren’t as memorable as other games, granting it the last spot on the list.
- Tag team format
- Interactive levels
- 3D pioneer
9 Primal Rage
Once it became clear that Mortal Kombat wasn’t going to be pushed aside by the controversy and that the fighting game genre was here to stay, other games started exploring other directions for the concept. Primal Rage is a great example of this. Exactly as the name implies, the game goes prehistoric by utilizing dinosaurs and other exotic creatures as fighters.
The game hasn’t withstood the test of time like most, but for fighting game aficionados, its release came at a time when experimentation in the genre made for some very fun and intense experiences.
- Retro
- Wide character variety
8 Dragon Ball FighterZ
It’s always fun when a popular show or IP is turned into a fighting game. It’s even more fun when that show already revolves around fighting, which is probably why Dragon Ball Z is perfect for the genre. Characters within the franchise revel in combat, going so far as to actually fight among themselves to prove who is stronger.
This creates a perfect scenario for even allies to face off in the game, which other games have to come up with logistical hula-hoops to justify. Also, Dragon Ball Z has built in signature attacks that work perfectly in a fighting game setting.
- Popular anime franchise
- Recognizable characters
- Trademark moves
7 Skullgirls
Eliza looking back at camera
Sometimes games try to push the envelope of what’s possible as technology improves but they lose what remains special about gaming in the first place. The fighting game genre is not immune to this, which is why Skullgirls is so special. It’s an indie game that brings the fighting genre back down to basics with a Marvel Vs. Capcom art and gameplay style.
It focuses on stringing combos together while also tag-teaming multiple fighters. The game’s story mode also features an interesting approach as it plays out across multiple timelines. It may not be a solid franchise, but it’s still a worthy addition to a long tradition of fighting games.
- Retro feel
- Unique art style
6 Tekken
Although Tekken came along with a new generation of difficult fighting games, it has still survived the test of time. Its fan base may not rival other franchises, but those that enjoy the game still await new releases.
This is partly due to the fact that it was an early pioneer in the realm of 3D fighting games. Mortal Kombat was just exploring the concept while Tekken fully embraced it. The series does have a couple of fun and colorful characters, but not enough memorable ones to rank higher up on the list.
- 3D pioneer
- Numerous installments
5 Marvel Vs. Capcom
Fans love a good crossover game and with good reason. It’s a chance for various characters that exist in their own worlds to interact in ways that they wouldn’t normally. In the world of gaming, it’s hard to find a crossover game that’s had more of a lasting effect than Marvel Vs. Capcom.
It’s made such a splash that it’s gone way beyond a crossover of separate franchises and has become a franchise in and of itself. The various Marvel characters featured in the game now have their own staple art style that fans can instantly recognize as something unique to the franchise.
- Recognizable characters
- Trademark moves
- Crossover opportunities
4 Killer Instinct
Killer Instinct was a franchise that never rose to the popularity of a Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat, but it was more than worthy of doing so. It had a strong backstory, entertaining music and themes, and a very colorful roster of characters. These fighters were unique with compelling motivations and extremely strong designs.
It also represents a simpler time when fighting games were streamlined. Today, fighting games have so many different features that it can be an overwhelming experience. If fighting game fans never got a chance to play Killer Instinct back in the day, then they should revisit the franchise to get back to basics.
- Retro
- Wide character variety
- Compelling storyline
3 SoulCalibur
Most fighting games traditionally focus on hand-on-hand combat. There might be a character or two that utilizes weapons, but for the most part, the majority of characters use punches and kicks. SoulCalibur is notable as it’s primarily a weapon-based fighting game.
It also heavily promotes its historical fantasy setting, which is unique compared to other games on the list. Its sharp graphics and original approach to gameplay has earned it a very loyal fan base across its numerous installments. Plus, the game doesn’t shy away from guest appearances from characters outside the franchise, only adding to its appeal.
- Crossover opportunities
- Numerous installments
2 Injustice
Turning comic book superheroes into a fighting game seems like a no-brainer. After all, these characters fight each other all the time in comic books. Even the heroes face off occasionally. These types of games have had various forms of success over the years, but arguably none has had a more lasting impact than Injustice.
This isn’t just because it’s a great fighting game with signature moves and awesome action. This remarkable superhero game has also spawned from a very compelling story involving twisted heroes and a dystopian world. It has even been firmly rooted in the comics, which gives fans another reason to love it.
- Recognizable characters
- Trademark moves
- Compelling storyline
1 Street Fighter
When it comes to fighting game franchises, two games sit atop the list. There’s Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter. These are the two titles that reign supreme with every other fighting game under them. It’s a rivalry similar to Marvel and DC Comics and Star Wars and Star Trek in terms of science fiction.
Like Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter has a dense mythology with colorful characters that make it perfect for live-action adaptations. Given its vocal fan base, Mortal Kombat may win the battle as to which one has been more successful, but there’s no denying that Street Fighter is a close second.
- Rival franchise
- Numerous installments
- Film adaptations