Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Mortal Kombat 4 retains the classic one-on-one fighting formula that fans of the series expect, while introducing several notable mechanics to shake up the familiar formula. Combos and special moves remain at the core of each encounter, but for the first time in the franchise’s history you can pick up and wield stage weapons as part of your repertoire—not just as cinematic finishing moves. Whether it’s a staff, a bone saw or a bone axe, integrating weapons into your attack patterns adds a new layer of strategy to both offense and defense.

The movement system also takes advantage of the fully 3D arenas, allowing you to sidestep into and out of the plane of combat. This small but significant addition changes traditional zoning tactics: you can dodge projectiles by stepping to the side, or try to bait opponents into overextending before punishing them in the corner. These depth shifts feel intuitive after a few matches and help keep the action dynamic, especially when paired with each character’s unique special moves.

With 15 fighters available from the start—and several more unlockable—Mortal Kombat 4 offers a diverse roster that blends returning favorites like Scorpion, Sub-Zero and Sonya Blade with newcomers such as Fujin, Jarek and Kai. Each character has a distinct set of normals, throws and special attacks, and mastering the timing of fatalities and other finishers remains as rewarding as ever. The arcade ladder presents a steady difficulty curve, culminating in boss fights against Goro and Shinnok that test your skill and discipline.

Graphics

As the series’ first foray into true 3D character models, Mortal Kombat 4 represents a significant technical leap over its 2D predecessors. Polygonal fighters boast more defined silhouettes, and each stage features multiple tiers and interactive elements. Background animations—such as cascading waterfalls or clashing machinery—help bring the arenas to life, even if the frame rate occasionally dips during more elaborate sequences.

Character animations are smoother than ever, giving moves like Sub-Zero’s Ice Slide or Kitana’s fan throws a new cinematic flair. Blood effects and bone-shattering crunch sounds remain a staple, now enhanced by dynamic lighting that casts realistic shadows across each combatant. While jagged edges and lower-resolution textures occasionally reveal the hardware limitations of the era, the overall presentation still holds up as a groundbreaking effort for its time.

Different platforms deliver slightly varied graphical experiences: the arcade board pushes colors and effects to the limit, while the PlayStation and PC ports introduce brief load times and softer textures. On the Nintendo 64, you’ll notice a steadier frame rate and almost instantaneous loading, albeit with a reduced color palette. Regardless of platform, though, MK4’s visuals marked a turning point for the franchise and remain impressive compared to contemporaries of the late ’90s.

Story

Though Mortal Kombat has never been a narrative powerhouse, MK4 weaves a simple yet engaging tale that picks up after the events of Mortal Kombat 3. With the defeat of Shao Kahn, a new threat emerges: the fallen Elder God Shinnok, who seeks to corrupt Earthrealm from the shadows. As various warriors from both Earth and Outworld answer the call, each fighter’s motivations unfold in short cutscenes and arcade endings.

Returning champions such as Liu Kang and Johnny Cage are joined by fresh faces like the wind god Fujin and the vengeful Jarek, creating interesting rivalries and alliances along the way. The story culminates in battles against Shinnok and the hulking four-armed guardian Goro, whose status as mid-boss brings back fond memories of high-stakes showdowns. While the plot serves primarily as a framework for the fighting action, fans appreciative of Mortal Kombat lore will enjoy unlocking each character’s unique conclusion.

Cutscene quality varies by platform: the PlayStation version offers full-motion video intros for each kombatant, adding personality and context to your selection, while the arcade and PC ports lean on in-game engine sequences. Dialogue is minimal, often limited to on-screen text and title cards, but the dramatic presentation and foreboding soundtrack help convey the stakes without overstaying its welcome.

Overall Experience

Mortal Kombat 4 strikes a satisfying balance between tradition and innovation. It honors the brutality and fast-paced combat that defined the series, while modestly evolving its mechanics for a new generation of fighting game fans. Weapon pick-ups, 3D sidestepping and a diverse roster combine to create a package that is easy to pick up yet deep enough to reward mastery over time.

Local versus play remains the highlight, as the visceral impact of fatalities and bone-crushing combos is best enjoyed with a friend sitting across the screen. The single-player ladder offers replay value through hidden characters and secret fights, encouraging multiple playthroughs on varying difficulty levels. Unlockables such as Noob Saibot and Reiko add a layer of mystery for completionists aiming to see every ending.

While its graphics have aged in places and the story is lighter fare than modern brawlers, Mortal Kombat 4 endures as a pivotal entry in the franchise. Its innovations paved the way for subsequent 3D instalments, and its core fighting system remains engaging. For retro enthusiasts, competitive players exploring the series’ roots, or newcomers curious about Mortal Kombat’s transition into 3D, MK4 still delivers a memorable and satisfying combat experience.

Retro Replay Score

7/10