Mortal Kombat on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is a topic of interest for many retro gamers. Released in Japan as "Shinken Kourin Densetsu" (, lit. "Legend of the True Dragon King"), this game is an adaptation of the popular fighting game franchise. In this article, we will delve into the world of Mortal Kombat on the SNES, its gameplay mechanics, and the age rating it received.

Background

The original Mortal Kombat was released in 1992 by Midway Games for arcades, followed by a port to the Sega Genesis console. The game's success led to the creation of multiple sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations across various platforms. In 1994, Nihon Data, a Japanese video game developer, collaborated with Midway Games to bring Mortal Kombat to the SNES.

Gameplay Mechanics

Shinken Kourin Densetsu is an action-fighting game that features six playable characters: Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Sonya Blade, Johnny Cage, Kano, and Liu Kang. The gameplay mechanics are similar to those found in the original Mortal Kombat arcade version, with some adjustments made for the SNES.

Players can choose from various stages, each featuring unique opponents and hazards. The objective is to defeat your opponent by executing a special "Fatality" move, which involves pressing specific buttons at the right moment during the match. There are 15 Fatality moves available in Shinken Kourin Densetsu, ranging from gruesome executions to simple attacks.

The gameplay itself is turn-based, with players taking turns landing blows on each other. Each character has a unique set of special moves and combos that can be executed by pressing the corresponding buttons during the match. The game's difficulty level increases as the player progresses through the stages, making it challenging for even the most experienced gamers.

Graphics and Sound

The SNES version of Shinken Kourin Densetsu features 16-bit graphics, which were a significant improvement over the original arcade version. The characters are depicted in detailed, pixelated form, with each stage featuring unique backgrounds and animations. While not as flashy as some modern fighting games, the graphics hold up surprisingly well even by today's standards.

The sound design is equally impressive, with catchy, if somewhat dated, music tracks that add to the game's overall atmosphere. The voice acting, however, leaves much to be desired, with gruff, robotic sound effects that fail to immerse players in the game world.

Reception and Legacy

Shinken Kourin Densetsu received mixed reviews upon its release in Japan. While some critics praised the game's faithfulness to the original Mortal Kombat formula, others found it lacking in terms of graphics and sound quality.

Despite its initial reception, Shinken Kourin Densetsu has developed a cult following over the years, with many retro gamers seeking out the game for its nostalgic value. The SNES version is considered one of the best Mortal Kombat games ever made, due to its faithful adaptation of the arcade version and improved gameplay mechanics.

Age Rating

In Japan, Shinken Kourin Densetsu was rated "B" by the Entertainment Software Rating Organization (ESRB), indicating that it contained scenes of violence. The game's mature themes and graphic content led some retailers to recommend it only for players aged 18 and above.

In the West, however, Shinken Kourin Densetsu was not officially released due to concerns over its content. Midway Games, the original publisher of Mortal Kombat, refused to release the game in Western markets, citing its graphic violence and mature themes as reasons for the decision.

Conclusion

Shinken Kourin Densetsu is a unique addition to the Mortal Kombat franchise, offering fans of the series a faithful adaptation of the original arcade version. While it may not have been well-received upon its release, the game has developed a loyal following over the years and remains one of the best SNES fighting games.

The age rating for Shinken Kourin Densetsu is "B" by the ESRB in Japan, indicating that it contains scenes of violence. While this may not be as severe as some modern games, the game's mature themes and graphic content make it unsuitable for younger players.

For fans of retro gaming and Mortal Kombat, Shinken Kourin Densetsu is definitely worth checking out. Its faithful adaptation of the original arcade version, combined with its improved gameplay mechanics, make it a must-play for anyone looking to experience the early days of the fighting game genre.