Midway Manufacturing Company's 1994 classic — its history, how the press received it, how it plays today, and what a copy costs.
- Released
- 1994 · PC (DOS / Windows)
- Developer
- Midway Manufacturing Company
- Publisher
- Acclaim Entertainment
- MobyScore
- ★ 8.21
- Players today
- Very Positive on Steam (82% of 74)
The history
Developed by Midway Manufacturing Company, Mortal Kombat II continues the narrative of the original tournament. Following the defeat of Shang Tsung, the antagonist persuades Emperor Shao Kahn to host a new contest in the realm of Outworld. Earthrealm fighters are invited to compete, unaware that the event is a trap designed to facilitate an Outworld invasion.
The title mattered as a cultural phenomenon and a massive commercial success. It became America's highest-grossing arcade game of 1994, according to the Amusement & Music Operators Association (AMOA), and established a level of commercial scale that saw its console launch, dubbed "Mortal Friday," become the largest introduction of a video game in history at the time.
How it plays
The game is a side-view, best-of-three-round fighting game where players use a combination of punches, kicks, blocks, and jump maneuvers. The loop involves battling through a roster of warriors—including returning favorites like Liu Kang and Scorpion, and newcomers such as Kitana and Jax—to reach a final confrontation with Shao Kahn. Each character possesses unique special moves, such as teleportations and fireballs, executed via precise button inputs.
A hallmark of the experience is the return of "Fatalities," elaborate finishing moves performed after the final round. Mortal Kombat II expanded this concept with multiple Fatalities per character, stage-specific finishers that utilize environmental hazards like acid pits, and hidden moves such as Babalities and Friendships in later revisions.
How it was received
Initial critical reception was overwhelmingly positive. Nintendo Power called it "the hottest fighter ever," while Sega Visions described the direction as "sheer brilliance." Tony Brusgul of The Daily Gazette called the hype "well deserved," noting a "perfect blend of great graphics, action and violence." Commercially, the game was a juggernaut; the arcade version sold 27,000 units, and the home versions generated estimated gross sales exceeding $400 million by 2002. It was recognized as an arcade game of the year.
Then vs now: While period critics lauded its violence and graphics, modern Steam sentiment remains Very Positive, with 61 out of 74 positive reviews.
In the magazines
The period press.
GMaster gave the SMD version a 94%, and the AMI version received scores of 90% and 95% in different reviews. Other scores include 86% for the SNES and SMD via GR, and 7/10 for the SSAT from GI.
What players say today
Modern sentiment on Steam is Very Positive, though some recent user feedback focuses on DLC expansions like Kombat Pack 2, which adds characters such as Mileena, Rain, and Rambo to the series' later iterations.
“★★★★★ Mortal Kombat 11 – Kombat Pack 2 is a premium DLC that expands the roster with three fully playable fighters: Mileena, Rain, and Rambo. Each character comes with a completely unique moveset, Fa…”
Screenshots
The box & the art
Cover art, and real copies photographed in the wild.
Legacy
Midway Manufacturing Company's work on the series cemented the fighting game genre's appetite for cinematic violence and expanded rosters. The game is worth seeking out today for its historical significance as a cultural phenomenon and its refinement of the one-on-one fighting loop.
What it's worth
A second-hand market that moves over time — a loose disc is pocket-money, while sealed or complete-with-manual copies drive the top end. For today's exact listings, check the live search.
See current copies on eBay →Copies in the wild
Real listing photos — the range of condition you'll meet.
Photographed examples from past listings — illustrative of condition, not a live inventory.
How to play it in 2026
Easiest today: Steam or GOG (DRM-free) on modern Windows. Either way the core game is intact.
Verdict
Mortal Kombat II holds up as a masterclass in arcade design, offering a challenging escalation of difficulty that culminates in the overwhelming strength of Shao Kahn. Its expansion of the Fatality system and a diverse roster of fighters ensure the gameplay remains engaging.
Despite the simplicity of its 2D scrolling combat compared to modern titles, the precise execution of special moves and the visceral satisfaction of its finishers keep it relevant for fans of the genre.
Sources: MobyGames, Steam, and period/web coverage. Prices reflect the second-hand market and change over time.