This past week, GOG.com shadow-dropped a shocking title on its digital storefront -- Mortal Kombat 4. This 1998 installment in the popular fighting game series was well-received upon release and served as the series' last arcade title, but has never been available on a contemporary gaming platform until now.
Considering the plot relevance this game has to later titles, it is surprising it took this long to re-release Mortal Kombat 4. While it may not be remembered as fondly as other MK games, MK4 is a pivotal entry in the series and deserves this re-release.
The Story
Mortal Kombat 4's story directly relates to Mortal Kombat X, as it introduces the Fallen God Shinnok and the dark sorcerer Quan Chi -- two pivotal characters to the lore of Mortal Kombat. Shinnok is an Elder God who is corrupt and hellbent on dominating both the Netherrealm and Earthrealm. Shinnok serves as the ever-looming big bad who is always trying to break out of his prison.
Quan Chi is revealed to be an ally to Shinnok who seeks his amulet in order to free him from his banishment. However, he is stonewalled by elementals too powerful for him to handle. Quan Chi makes a deal with the Lin Kuei, Sub Zero's ninja clan. In exchange for the amulet, Quan Chi would eliminate the enemy Shirai Ryu, Scorpion's clan. The deal is done, though Quan Chi tricks Scorpion into thinking it was Sub Zero who killed his clan. This causes the yellow-clad ninja to go on a vengeance tour, killing his frosty foe. Following the events of Mortal Kombat 4, Quan Chi goes into business for himself, ultimately meeting up with Shang Tsung and forming the Deadly Alliance. This sets the stage for the next three main series MK games.
Quan Chi and Shinnok factor heavily into the plot of Mortal Kombat X, as the disgraced God again attacks Earthrealm with his army of demons, and Quan Chi is still trying to free him by any means necessary. The game reveals that Quan Chi is desperate to free his master because the sorcerer's power is beginning to fade without the Elder God's presence. Both get their just desserts, though, as Quan Chi is decapitated by Scorpion after learning the truth about his clan, and Shinnok is defeated by Cassie Cage, then is decapitated by Raiden.
The Gameplay
Mortal Kombat 4 introduced a number of gameplay staples that would become fixtures in future MK titles. Obviously, the switch to 3D is the most obvious change, and characters could now move on a Z-axis for the first time in a Mortal Kombat title. This changed the game drastically, as now players had to be mindful of sidesteps when formulating their game plan. MK4 is also the first in the series to feature weapon styles, a feature that would become commonplace in the following three titles: Deadly Alliance, Deception and Armageddon. In addition to the two demonic entities already discussed, MK4 introduced Fujin, another God and ally to Raiden, who is an integral part of the later MK games, as well as Tanya, who re-appeared in Mortal Kombat X.
Mortal Kombat 4 is definitely dated, but it's still an integral part of the franchise's history and that of fighting games in general. Game historians and those concerned with the preservation of games should be pleased to see MK4 return in any capacity after all these years. Any fan of Mortal Kombat should experience MK4 at least once if only to see how far gaming has come.