Mortal Kombat – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Mortal Kombat

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

game1992

22%

WISE Score

69%

IGDB

The game so violent it created the video game rating system—a historical artifact of gore that's mostly unplayable by modern standards.

Mortal Kombat

game

1992

22%

WISE Score

69%

IGDB

The game so violent it created the video game rating system—a historical artifact of gore that's mostly unplayable by modern standards.

Jump to

Also rated on

IGDB69

View →

Where to Play

Platform availability info not available. Search for "Mortal Kombat" on your preferred gaming platform.

Screenwise Verdict

Let's be real: Mortal Kombat is a piece of gaming history, but it's mostly terrible by 2025 standards. The graphics are laughably pixelated, the gameplay is clunky, and the violence—while shocking in 1992—now looks like a weird, grotesque puppet show.

This game literally created the ESRB because parents were horrified that kids could rip spines out of opponents in an arcade. That's its legacy: it was so violent that Congress got involved and the entire industry had to create a rating system.

If you're a gaming historian or a nostalgic 40-something who pumped quarters into this at the mall, sure, it's a curiosity. But for kids? Absolutely not. For modern gamers? It's basically unplayable. The Fatalities are still disturbing in concept even if they look ridiculous now.

There are dozens of better fighting games that don't center graphic violence as the main attraction. Skip this relic unless you're teaching a course on gaming history.

Age Fit

This is adults-only content, and even then, mostly for gaming historians or nostalgic Gen-Xers. The graphic violence is extreme and gratuitous. Not appropriate for anyone under 18, and honestly, there are much better fighting games available today.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Graphic violence and blood-soaked Fatalities that let players rip spines out and decapitate opponents are the entire point. This game literally sparked the creation of the ESRB rating system because parents were horrified. Zero emotional health value, models brutality as entertainment.

Imaginative

Revolutionary for its time—digitized actors, martial arts tournament concept mixing mysticism and supernatural elements, unique character designs. Each fighter has distinct special moves and Fatalities. It was genuinely creative in 1992, blending fantasy martial arts with horror gore in ways no one had seen in arcades.

Safe

Extreme graphic violence is the selling point. Fatalities include decapitations, spine-ripping, immolation, and other gore. This literally caused Congressional hearings about video game violence and created the ESRB. The game is designed to shock with blood and brutality.

Enriching

Teaches basic fighting game mechanics—timing, pattern recognition, combo execution. Competitive play requires skill and reflexes. But the enrichment is minimal compared to the glorification of extreme violence. No meaningful narrative, character development, or moral framework.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely revolutionary in 1992—changed fighting games forever with its digitized graphics and over-the-top violence
Historical significance: this is literally why we have ESRB ratings on video games today
Competitive fighting game mechanics that require genuine skill, timing, and pattern recognition
Cultural touchstone that defined a generation of arcade gaming (for better or worse)

⚠

What to Watch For

Extreme graphic violence is the entire point—decapitations, spine-ripping, immolation, and blood everywhere
Absolutely not for kids or teens, period. This sparked Congressional hearings for a reason
Pixelated 1992 graphics make the gore look absurd now, but the intent is still disturbing
Incredibly dated gameplay and visuals make it mostly unplayable for anyone who didn't grow up with it

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think this game caused such a huge controversy when it came out?"
"How do you think violence in games has changed since 1992?"
"What's the difference between fantasy violence and realistic violence in media?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic