Mortal Kombat vs Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Mortal Kombat is a side-scrolling fighting game where martial artists battle in one-on-one combat using punches, kicks, and special moves. Players must defeat their opponents across intense rounds, culminating in the iconic and blood-soaked Fatality finishing move. Seven fighters from Earth step into Shang Tsung's secret tournament to stop the reigning champion Goro and protect their realm. The roster features diverse combatants including Raiden, Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, Kano, Sub-Zero, and Scorpion, each with distinct motivations and unique abilities.
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 combines the best elements of the franchise into a single thrilling experience. Shao Kahn seeks revenge as his legions attempt to eliminate all Earthrealm souls, and Queen Sindel awaits her evil king to reunite and take control of both realms. Players can jump straight into the action with 23 immediately available characters like Reptile, Cyrax, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Jax, Katana, and Sonya. Enjoy various game modes including one-on-one, two-on-two, and the intense 8-fighter tournament against computer opponents.
- Iconic and memorable Fatality finishing moves
- Diverse roster of distinct martial artists
- Fast-paced and responsive one-on-one arcade combat
- Engaging lore and character-driven rivalries
- Large roster of 23 playable characters right from the start
- Exciting new interactive levels add variety to matches
- Multiple game modes including tournaments and team battles
- Unlockable boss characters and hidden fighters for extra replay value
- Can be overly violent for sensitive players
- Steep learning curve for advanced special moves
- Limited to side-scrolling fighting mechanics
- Critical reception was mixed with a score of 60 out of 100
- Limited modern online infrastructure compared to contemporary fighters
- Steep learning curve for casual players trying to master combos
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Mortal Kombat
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The first next-gen Mortal Kombat brings a revamped fight engine and full 3D graphics.
The ultimate portable fighting experience packed with exclusive content and modes.
Experience intense 2D fighting action with new combos, run mechanics, and brutal fatalities.
Defend Earthrealm as Liu Kang or Kung Lao in this action-packed beat 'em up.
Alternatives to Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
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Experience intense 2D fighting action with new combos, run mechanics, and brutal fatalities.
The legendary 1993 arcade fighting game featuring iconic finishers and the villain Shao Kahn.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataMortal Kombat offers iconic Fatalities and a classic arcade feel at a higher price, while Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 adds many more characters and modes for less money but with lower critical reception.
Key differences
- •Roster size: 7 distinct fighters in Mortal Kombat vs 23 playable characters in Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3.
- •Price: $49.99 for Mortal Kombat versus $19.99 for Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3.
- •Critical reception: Mortal Kombat scored 83/100, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 scored 60/100.
- •Game modes: Ultimate adds two‑player team battles, 8‑fighter tournament, and unlockable bosses; Mortal Kombat is limited to side‑scrolling one‑on‑one combat.
- •Release era: Mortal Kombat (1992) is the original arcade title; Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (1995) is a later expansion with newer levels and interactive elements.
Gameplay & fun factor
Ultimate offers more characters, team battles, and interactive levels, increasing variety over Mortal Kombat's limited one‑on‑one focus.
Platform availability
Both are listed as single‑player and multiplayer with no specific platform differences provided.
Price & value
Ultimate costs $19.99 versus $49.99 for Mortal Kombat, delivering more content for less money.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Ultimate supports two‑player team battles and an 8‑fighter tournament, whereas Mortal Kombat is limited to side‑scrolling fights.
Content & replayability
23 characters, unlockable bosses, hidden fighters, and varied modes give Ultimate higher replay value than Mortal Kombat's 7‑character roster.
Difficulty & accessibility
Mortal Kombat's simpler roster and classic arcade pacing may be easier for newcomers than Ultimate's larger move set complexity.
Graphics & performance
Both are early‑90s arcade titles; no specific graphics performance data provided.
Choose Mortal Kombat if…
Fans who prioritize iconic Fatalities and classic arcade feel over roster size and price.
Choose Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 if…
Players wanting more characters, modes, and value at a lower cost, accepting mixed reviews.
Common questions
Which game offers more characters?
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 includes 23 playable characters, compared to Mortal Kombat's 7.
Is the higher price of Mortal Kombat justified?
Mortal Kombat has a higher critic score (83) and iconic Fatalities, but offers fewer characters and modes for $49.99.
Can I play multiplayer in both games?
Yes, both support single‑player and multiplayer; Ultimate adds team battles and tournament modes.