# Mortal Kombat 4 - The 1997 Arcade 3D Fighting Evolution *Mortal Kombat 4*, released in October 1997 by Midway Games for arcades, is the fourth main installment in the *Mortal Kombat* series, developed by Eurocom and led by Ed Boon. Transitioning from digitized sprites to 3D polygonal models, it follows Earthrealm’s warriors—Liu Kang, Raiden, Sonya Blade, and others—as they battle the fallen Elder God Shinnok, who aims to conquer Edenia with his sorcerer Quan Chi. Featuring 15 playable characters (including new fighters like Fujin, Reiko, and Tanya), it retains the series’ five-button controls (high/low punch, high/low kick, block) with a Run button and introduces weapon-based combat and a Maximum Damage system to limit combos. With 3D-rendered stages, a gritty soundtrack by Dan Forden, and new finishers like Fatalities and stage Fatalities, it was ported to N64, PlayStation, PC, and Game Boy Color (1998). It sold well but received mixed reviews (*IGN*: 8/10, *GameSpot*: 7.8/10) for its 3D shift and clunky controls. Re-released in *Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection* (2025). ## Why Play Mortal Kombat 4? *Mortal Kombat 4* brings the series into 3D with dynamic camera angles and weapon mechanics, letting each character draw a unique weapon (e.g., Liu Kang’s Dragon Sword, Sub-Zero’s Ice Scepter) for special attacks. Its 15-character roster includes returning favorites (Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Jax) and newcomers (Jarek, Kai), with secret characters like Noob Saibot and Goro (unlocked via codes). The game’s eight stages (e.g., Goro’s Lair, The Tomb) feature 3D movement and stage Fatalities (e.g., furnace incineration). New mechanics like sidestepping and a combo cap add strategy, though the 3D controls feel stiff compared to 2D predecessors. Gameplay lasts 1-2 hours per arcade run, with multiplayer extending replayability. Its gory charm and bold 3D leap make it a must-play for retro fighting fans, though its dated graphics and awkward animations may feel clunky today. The *Legacy Kollection* (2025) adds online multiplayer with rollback netcode. ## Game Features - Play as 15 characters (e.g., Liu Kang, Raiden, Tanya, Fujin) plus hidden Goro, Noob Saibot, Meat - Fight across 8 3D stages with stage Fatalities (e.g., The Prison, The Furnace) - Use 5-button controls plus Run; draw unique weapons for special moves - Perform Fatalities (two per character) and stage Fatalities; Maximum Damage limits combos - Battle bosses Quan Chi and Shinnok; unlock secrets with Kombat Kodes (e.g., Goro: 123-123) - Experience authentic arcade gameplay on our retro ROM platform or *Legacy Kollection* (2025) ## Play Mortal Kombat 4 Online Fight today! Our website, Classic Joy Games, lets you play *Mortal Kombat 4* instantly with no downloads, optimized for modern browsers using arcade emulators. Alternatively, enjoy it on N64, PlayStation, PC, or *Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection* (2025 on PC, Switch, PS4/5, Xbox). Physical copies are available on eBay/Amazon ($20-$60 for N64/PS1, $50-$100 for GBC). Ideal for fans of retro ROMs and fighting classics! Note: Use MAME for arcade emulation, Project64 for N64, or ePSXe for PS1; N64/PS1 ports have minor graphical downgrades but solid gameplay. For secrets, enter Kombat Kode “111-111” to unlock Meat. Join players worldwide and enjoy *Mortal Kombat 4* on Classic Joy Games. Start your fight now and stop Shinnok to save Edenia and forge your legacy!