"Mortal Kombat" for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is a fighting game developed by Midway Games and released in 1993. It is the first installment in the Mortal Kombat series, known for its unique characters, digitized sprites, and controversial violent content.
Here are some key details about "Mortal Kombat" on the SNES:
1. **Gameplay**:
   - **Fighting Mechanics**: Players choose from a roster of characters, each with unique special moves and abilities. Fights take place in best-of-three matches where players aim to deplete their opponent's health bar using a combination of punches, kicks, and special moves.
   - **Fatalities**: The series is infamous for its "Fatality" finishing moves, which allow players to execute their opponents in a gruesome manner. However, the SNES version significantly toned down the violence, replacing blood with sweat and altering Fatalities to be less graphic compared to the arcade and Sega Genesis versions.
2. **Characters**:
   - The game features seven playable characters, each with distinct fighting styles and special moves:
     - **Liu Kang**: A martial artist with a bicycle kick and fireball attack.
     - **Johnny Cage**: A Hollywood actor with a green fireball and shadow kick.
     - **Kano**: A mercenary with a cannonball roll and knife throw.
     - **Raiden**: The Thunder God with teleportation and lightning attacks.
     - **Scorpion**: A ninja specter with a spear attack and teleport punch.
     - **Sub-Zero**: A cryomancer with ice attacks and a slide kick.
     - **Sonya Blade**: A Special Forces agent with energy rings and a leg grab.
3. **Modes**:
   - **Single Player**: Players progress through a series of matches against AI-controlled opponents, culminating in battles against the game's bosses, Goro and Shang Tsung.
   - **Two-Player Mode**: Players can compete head-to-head against each other.
4. **Graphics and Sound**:
   - The SNES version uses digitized sprites of real actors for the characters, providing a realistic look for its time.
   - The sound includes iconic music tracks and sound effects, though the SNES version's sound quality was generally considered inferior to the arcade version.
5. **Differences from Other Versions**:
   - The SNES version is notable for its censorship, which was a significant departure from the arcade and Sega Genesis versions. The removal of blood and the modification of Fatalities led to criticism from fans who felt the game lost some of its edge.
6. **Reception**:
   - Despite the censorship, "Mortal Kombat" on the SNES was still praised for its gameplay and graphics. However, it was often compared unfavorably to the Sega Genesis version, which retained the original blood and Fatalities through a cheat code.
7. **Legacy**:
   - "Mortal Kombat" sparked significant controversy and debate over violence in video games, contributing to the creation of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
   - The game established the Mortal Kombat franchise, leading to numerous sequels and adaptations across various media.
"Mortal Kombat" remains a landmark title in video game history, remembered for its innovative approach to fighting games and its role in discussions about video game content. If you have any specific questions or need more details about "Mortal Kombat" on the SNES, feel free to ask!