Mortal Kombat II vs Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.


Mortal Kombat II is a classic arcade fighting game developed by Midway that expands upon its predecessor with enhanced mechanics and deeper mythos. Players travel to Outworld to battle formidable new combatants under the watchful eye of the brutal ruler Shao Kahn. Featuring expanded finishing moves and a roster of legendary characters like Kitana, Mileena, and Kung Lao, the game delivers intense competitive action. Earthrealm's defenders must overcome extreme danger to prevent Outworld from conquering their home.
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.
- Expanded and varied finishing moves
- Memorable iconic character roster
- Challenging boss fights against Shao Kahn
- Classic arcade atmosphere
- 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
- High difficulty curve for newcomers
- Dated retro graphics by modern standards
- Limited modern platform availability
- 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 II
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Experience intense 2D fighting action with new combos, run mechanics, and brutal fatalities.

Experience intense arcade fighting action with 23 playable characters and iconic finishers.
Alternatives to Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
View all โ
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 II offers the classic, iconic experience with signature finishers and a memorable boss, while Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 provides a larger character roster and more game modes, but with mixed reviews.
Key differences
- โขRoster size: MKII has a smaller, iconic cast; UMK3 offers 23 characters from the start.
- โขFinishing moves: MKII includes a wider variety of Fatalities and Babalities.
- โขGame modes: UMK3 adds tournament, team battles, and interactive levels.
- โขCritical reception: UMK3 received a mixed score of 60/100; MKIIโs reception not specified.
- โขRelease era: MKII (1994) predates UMK3 (1995), affecting graphics expectations.
Gameplay & fun factor
UMK3โs larger roster and interactive levels give more variety than MKIIโs smaller cast.
Platform availability
Both titles have limited modern platform availability; specifics not provided.
Pricing & value
MKII price not specified; UMK3 listed at $19.99, making direct comparison impossible.
Multiplayer / coโop
Both support singleโplayer and multiplayer modes; no coโop distinction noted.
Content & replayability
UMK3 includes unlockable bosses, hidden fighters, tournament and team modes, increasing replay value.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both games have steep learning curves for newcomers; difficulty noted for each.
Graphics & performance
Both are retroโera titles with dated graphics by modern standards; no clear advantage.
Choose Mortal Kombat II ifโฆ
Retro purist seeking iconic characters, classic finishers, and the definitive Shao Kahn boss fight.
Choose Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 ifโฆ
Player wanting a larger roster, extra modes, and more unlockable content despite mixed reviews.
Common questions
What is the price difference?
UMK3 is listed at $19.99; MKIIโs price is not specified in the provided facts.
Which game has more characters?
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 offers 23 playable characters from the start; Mortal Kombat II has a smaller, iconic roster.
Is the difficulty level similar?
Both games are noted as having steep learning curves for newcomers.


