Starting this month at TRMK, we are going to start doing a new weekly feature called Mortal Movie Mondays. Every Monday we will take a look at some cool and interesting videos from the Mortal Kombat Universe. As well, we want you readers to submit us some ideas. Head on over to this thread to suggest a video to us.

This week we want to feature Retroware TV's Mortal Kombat Retrospective web-series. In this series, which was actually produced a while ago for Season 1 of their Retroware TV Web Series, the director/narrator Lance puts together what I consider one of the greatest comparisons of the various ports of Mortal Kombat through Mortal Kombat Trilogy. Lance compares everything from the common 16-bit ports of the games, to the 8-bit portable versions, and even takes a look at the later 32-bit Saturn and Playstation ports of the games. Each game is also compared for music, sound and animation completeness in comparison to the arcade version. He even offers insightful notes on the ports, like which games use the wrong music for some stages, and random tidbits.

You can watch Mortal Kombat Retrospective below.



Remember to check back next Monday, for another great Mortal Movie Monday feature. We have another great video treat ready for you!

not bad at all, although lots of ports are missing. he used mat footage so he could review them too, but still i enjoyed the vids, thanks for posting them. btw, the first video in part 3 is the second vid from mk2 review, you may fix that :D

Originally Posted by : ded_
not bad at all, although lots of ports are missing. he used mat footage so he could review them too, but still i enjoyed the vids, thanks for posting them. btw, the first video in part 3 is the second vid from mk2 review, you may fix that :D

Exactly, he used MAT because he had trouble capturing from his MK boards directly. Most capture cards can't handle the resolution this adapter both Lance and I have. As far as missing ports, he didn't cover any of the MAT releases because they are obviously just emulation. He also didn't cover the PC or Amiga ports of the games. As far as the old systems I don't think he missed any, GameGear is the same as the Master System. And has no notes of import versions though, like your mention of SNES MK2 in Europe being different. I'd have to see that personally yet though, have you confirmed this on a real SNES and not just an emulator? And I fixed the links, the top story video is now the entire piece in one file.

MK1 on the Master System... Had brought for us... X_X The ad for MK1 was seen over here, I remember it very well, though I only saw it ONCE. The MK2 ad, never made it here as far as I'm aware. I must confess I did play MK2, but not as much since there was no arcade machine for that one for ages in my local arcades. There was an option to buy the Master System MK2 for us, but me and my bro didn't go for it. I never knew there was a MS MK3. Though the endng made me chuckle... Yes you really can spell everything with a K.

Great video. Its interesting to look at all the versions of MK that I haven't played. I must say, I always stuck to the SNES, from MK1 to MK3, that was my choice ofcourse lol. Be it as it may, great vid, and long live mortal kombat ofcourse. lol.

Wuhoo! Spotlight on the classics, the games that made these series what it STILL is. I'll have my review up later when I watch it.....AFTER BAUER HOUR!!!

Awesome, thanks for posting this on the site Patrick. I really hope you guys enjoy it. Any questions post them here guys, let's discuss!!!!

Which MK4 version is better? PS1 or N64? Combined together, MK1-mk3, Is SNES the best version (bar arcade) What about the PC version of these games? (MK1 - MK3?) Thanks....

mk4 n64 is the best home version and for its time, the PC had the best ports of all mk games except mk4 obviosly. infact i still think that mk3 dos version is the best home port, even now, after MAT

Originally Posted by : Patrick McCarron
As far as missing ports, he didn't cover any of the MAT releases because they are obviously just emulation. He also didn't cover the PC or Amiga ports of the games. As far as the old systems I don't think he missed any, GameGear is the same as the Master System. And has no notes of import versions though, like your mention of SNES MK2 in Europe being different. I'd have to see that personally yet though, have you confirmed this on a real SNES and not just an emulator? And I fixed the links, the top story video is now the entire piece in one file.

MAT versions arent completely emulated. There are lots of stuff different than arcade, I writed an article only for MAT for one site few weeks ago. Except PC and Amiga, he missed Gameboy, Jakks, Hanhelds (lol), and GameGear, but yeah they are almost the same with only few differences between SMS (like pause, music and "on screen" display). I tested the gameplay differences only in emulators, but i know people who tested those on real consoles too.

Originally Posted by : Patrick McCarron
Exactly, he used MAT because he had trouble capturing from his MK boards directly. Most capture cards can't handle the resolution this adapter both Lance and I have. Most capture cards can't handle the resolution this adapter both Lance and I have.

So, it is possible to cap directly from Arcade, and if it is what equip is needed? I'm interested in capturing stuff from MK4 arcade lol

Wasn't the gamegear version more or less the same as the Master system version???

Originally Posted by : ded_
MAT versions arent completely emulated. There are lots of stuff different than arcade, I writed an article only for MAT for one site few weeks ago. MAT is emulation, but the level of emulation is based on the console itself. The differences are also due to the incomplete emulation. Like the flashing shadows problem that came from a MAME bug actually. (They say they don't use MAME but I don't believe them when I saw that glitch) [QUOTE=ded_;148293]Except PC and Amiga, he missed Gameboy, Jakks, Hanhelds (lol), and GameGear, but yeah they are almost the same with only few differences between SMS (like pause, music and "on screen" display). Well those consoles would obviously be different. He also went with the consoles he could easily record the real devices. [QUOTE=ded_;148293]So, it is possible to cap directly from Arcade, and if it is what equip is needed? I'm interested in capturing stuff from MK4 arcade lol

Yes it is possible, not super easy due to the sync rate of the MK games may not work with some capture cards. I haven't tested my two TV capture boards with the device. I currently have this device, which I want to sell so I can buy another. http://www.jrok.com/hardware/RGB.html This is the one I want to buy: http://www.jrok.com/hardware/RGBv4/index.html

Originally Posted by : Angel
Wasn't the gamegear version more or less the same as the Master system version???

Yes they should be the same. Only difference would be the screen resolution is slightly different, and the Game Gear can display more colors at a time. The Game Gear also does Stereo sound, where the SMS is Mono. But those factors shouldn't heavily influence how the game is.

Yep, thats what i meant. MAT: DE is the best version probably, but still they all suck imo, nothing can beat MAME (except the original arcades of course). I have pinnacle pctv 310i pal, but except the capture device, what other stuff is needed? someone told me there is dv out in the arcade (mk4) but its not standart...

Originally Posted by : Angel
Wasn't the gamegear version more or less the same as the Master system version???

the only differences are in sms that the characters are smaller (better resolution) and there is more distance between the lifebars. in mk2 the pit fatalities works for females and shang (in gamegear they dont) and there is a pause button and mk3 gamegear has no background music.

Interesting that the Saturn MKT's MK3 music had accurate sampling rate (and didn't sound like a slowed down LP like the PS1). Btw, I totally forgot that I still have the longbox PS1 MK3. There was a re-release in 97 as one of SCEA's first Greatest Hits titles in a smaller CD-sized cardboard box. Interested Pat?

Originally Posted by : ded_
I have pinnacle pctv 310i pal, but except the capture device, what other stuff is needed?

1) Arcade Board 2) JAMMA setup (cables, power supply etc) 3) JROK converter to PAL (for your device) 4) Lots of luck (as 3 may not sync well with MK games on your device)

Originally Posted by : ded_
someone told me there is dv out in the arcade (mk4) but its not standart...

Nope, MK4 has a Serial Port, not a video output. It's a common mistake people make. I think the port is useless for production boards, but I've never set it up to listen what is on the port during gameplay.

thanks for the info

Originally Posted by : Umon Daisuke
Interesting that the Saturn MKT's MK3 music had accurate sampling rate (and didn't sound like a slowed down LP like the PS1). Btw, I totally forgot that I still have the longbox PS1 MK3. There was a re-release in 97 as one of SCEA's first Greatest Hits titles in a smaller CD-sized cardboard box. Interested Pat?

like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/Mortal-Kombat-3-MK3-Sony-Playstation-PS1-Game_W0QQitemZ220348147053QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_PC_Video_Games_Games?hash=item220348147053&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50 http://cgi.ebay.com/PS1-PS2-MK3-MORTAL-KOMBAT-3-PLAYSTATION-1-GAME_W0QQitemZ110345802060QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_PC_Video_Games_Video_Games_JS?hash=item110345802060&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177 PS- is anyone here can buy one of these 2 for me, I will pay you extra for it. My ex-gf ****ed up my credit w/ bank and eBay account (LONG story) and I havent been able to restore it yet. And i really REALLY want this

Originally Posted by : Umon Daisuke
Interesting that the Saturn MKT's MK3 music had accurate sampling rate (and didn't sound like a slowed down LP like the PS1). Btw, I totally forgot that I still have the longbox PS1 MK3. There was a re-release in 97 as one of SCEA's first Greatest Hits titles in a smaller CD-sized cardboard box. Interested Pat?

I replied to you in my collection thread. http://www.trmk.org/forums/showthread.php?p=148321#post148321

Originally Posted by : Tim Static
like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/Mortal-Kombat-3-MK3-Sony-Playstation-PS1-Game_W0QQitemZ220348147053QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_PC_Video_Games_Games?hash=item220348147053&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50 http://cgi.ebay.com/PS1-PS2-MK3-MORTAL-KOMBAT-3-PLAYSTATION-1-GAME_W0QQitemZ110345802060QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_PC_Video_Games_Video_Games_JS?hash=item110345802060&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177 PS- is anyone here can buy one of these 2 for me, I will pay you extra for it. My ex-gf ****ed up my credit w/ bank and eBay account (LONG story) and I havent been able to restore it yet. And i really REALLY want this

Take this over to another thread, I am trying to keep this comment thread on topic and not about collecting.

Very great Video. I was planning on making a Mortal Kombat Trilogy Arcade with a N64, after I finish my MK Gold Arcade. But after seeing this video i wonder if the N64 version is the one I want to go with? Orginally I thought the N64 version would be better b/c of NO LOAD time. I own the PSX version as well and it just kills me to play more than a couple fights. The N64 version I actually enjoy, it runs fast and all the characters feel complete, and the classic Sub-Zero is really fun to play with b/c he has both Sub-Zeros special moves. And with the PSX version having only some of the classic characters it seems very unbalanced and broken. And in my opinion they should have never been in the game, just 1 version of the character and they need to be MK3 style sprints. But, The Sega Saturn version doesn't seem to bad, seems like loading is fast, and the graphics are better. I dont know much about it though b/c I never played this version. I wish someone could make a video on just MK Trilogy and to go into great detail about it. Id like to see which version truely is the best. Too bad Sega Dreamcast didn't make a MK Trilogy. Is the Saturn version put together like the PSX version just less load time and better graphics? How bad is the load time? And are the graphics better than the N64? And what about sound?

Originally Posted by : KornKombat
Very great Video. I was planning on making a Mortal Kombat Trilogy Arcade with a N64, after I finish my MK Gold Arcade. But after seeing this video i wonder if the N64 version is the one I want to go with? Orginally I thought the N64 version would be better b/c of NO LOAD time. I own the PSX version as well and it just kills me to play more than a couple fights. The N64 version I actually enjoy, it runs fast and all the characters feel complete, and the classic Sub-Zero is really fun to play with b/c he has both Sub-Zeros special moves. And with the PSX version having only some of the classic characters it seems very unbalanced and broken. And in my opinion they should have never been in the game, just 1 version of the character and they need to be MK3 style sprints. But, The Sega Saturn version doesn't seem to bad, seems like loading is fast, and the graphics are better. I dont know much about it though b/c I never played this version. I wish someone could make a video on just MK Trilogy and to go into great detail about it. Id like to see which version truely is the best. Too bad Sega Dreamcast didn't make a MK Trilogy. Is the Saturn version put together like the PSX version just less load time and better graphics? How bad is the load time? And are the graphics better than the N64? And what about sound?

I can capture some video of the Saturn once I get a better cable for it. What would you like to see? I'll order the S-video cable this week for it. I only have an RF cable right now. What were you going to do with the monitor on the MKT arcade machine? Because that is another thing, if you use an existing monitor the Saturn may be more friendly since it has an RGB cable that you can hack apart to connect directly to a real arcade machine. Now only if the Saturn MKT could support the Saturn RAM carts. http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-k8-49-en-70-152.html The N64 would not work with RGB out of the box, you'll need to modify the console. http://www.gamesx.com/rgbadd/rgbn64.htm

Originally Posted by : KornKombat
Very great Video. I was planning on making a Mortal Kombat Trilogy Arcade with a N64, after I finish my MK Gold Arcade. But after seeing this video i wonder if the N64 version is the one I want to go with? Orginally I thought the N64 version would be better b/c of NO LOAD time. I own the PSX version as well and it just kills me to play more than a couple fights. The N64 version I actually enjoy, it runs fast and all the characters feel complete, and the classic Sub-Zero is really fun to play with b/c he has both Sub-Zeros special moves. And with the PSX version having only some of the classic characters it seems very unbalanced and broken. And in my opinion they should have never been in the game, just 1 version of the character and they need to be MK3 style sprints. But, The Sega Saturn version doesn't seem to bad, seems like loading is fast, and the graphics are better. I dont know much about it though b/c I never played this version. I wish someone could make a video on just MK Trilogy and to go into great detail about it. Id like to see which version truely is the best. Too bad Sega Dreamcast didn't make a MK Trilogy. Is the Saturn version put together like the PSX version just less load time and better graphics? How bad is the load time? And are the graphics better than the N64? And what about sound?

MKT was disaster all around. The game is so broken, and so messed up, there is NO version worth making a cab for. And the N64 being the worst of the 3, by far.

the pc version is the best one, followed by psx. i could list some stuff if you want. as for psx arcade, has anyone watched the pacifier with vin diesel, if yes remember the scene where vin took the kids to some arcade place :D its the psx version btw

Originally Posted by : ded_
the pc version is the best one, followed by psx. i could list some stuff if you want. as for psx arcade, has anyone watched the pacifier with vin diesel, if yes remember the scene where vin took the kids to some arcade place :D its the psx version btw

Woah that's really neat! Didn't know about that, as I wouldn't watch the movie otherwise.

Originally Posted by : Patrick McCarron
I can capture some video of the Saturn once I get a better cable for it. What would you like to see? I'll order the S-video cable this week for it. I only have an RF cable right now. What were you going to do with the monitor on the MKT arcade machine? Because that is another thing, if you use an existing monitor the Saturn may be more friendly since it has an RGB cable that you can hack apart to connect directly to a real arcade machine. Now only if the Saturn MKT could support the Saturn RAM carts. http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-k8-49-en-70-152.html The N64 would not work with RGB out of the box, you'll need to modify the console. http://www.gamesx.com/rgbadd/rgbn64.htm

Well, My plan would be to use the 25" monitor thats already in a MK style cabinet. If at all possible Id like to connect the system to a J-Pac which would work just like a normall JAMMA. I know the N64 there is a SCART cable which puts out the right sync for the monitor, but I would have to modify it somehow to connect straight to the monitor.

Originally Posted by : ded_
the pc version is the best one, followed by psx. i could list some stuff if you want. as for psx arcade, has anyone watched the pacifier with vin diesel, if yes remember the scene where vin took the kids to some arcade place :D its the psx version btw

WOW, thats freakin kool, Im gonna watch that movie now. I personally dont like the PSX version at all. I could watch the "The Pacifier" between each match. "Patrick" On the Sega Saturn Version Id love to see the loading time to see how long it is. And Id like to see the levels and characters. Intro, and defeating Shao Khan. And anything that might be different. id also like to see that stuff on the PC version if someone has it.

here is a quick info: there are two psx versions of mkt, the first one we call "buggy" because of the ****ed up gravity and the second one is "greatest hits", which has fixed gameplay. there are early version of Mortal Kombat Trilogy for PC as well, which had some broken stuff in it and the collision boxes are a little different too. Be sure you got the version which says "Final" in the about dialog box. the saturn version has the excact same gameplay as the greatest hits and pc final versions. the loading times in saturn are longer than psx, and the pc version has the shortest. the level details are the best in psx version: you have animation in Wasteland, Armory and Dead Pool (in pc and saturn you dont). there are some slowdowns in saturn version, for example when fighting motaro (thats what i noticed playing it emulated), and the shadows of the characters are grainer. pc win version (there is dos version too) imo is the best, because it has almost no loadings, IPX - which i played back in days and it was awesome, and the game looks really good on some video cards even in full screen. i could record some clips from the pc version, but for the rest, i could play them only via emulators.

Originally Posted by : ded_
here is a quick info: there are two psx versions of mkt, the first one we call "buggy" because of the ****ed up gravity and the second one is "greatest hits", which has fixed gameplay. there are early version of Mortal Kombat Trilogy for PC as well, which had some broken stuff in it and the collision boxes are a little different too. Be sure you got the version which says "Final" in the about dialog box. the saturn version has the excact same gameplay as the greatest hits and pc final versions. the loading times in saturn are longer than psx, and the pc version has the shortest. the level details are the best in psx version: you have animation in Wasteland, Armory and Dead Pool (in pc and saturn you dont). there are some slowdowns in saturn version, for example when fighting motaro (thats what i noticed playing it emulated), and the shadows of the characters are grainer. pc win version (there is dos version too) imo is the best, because it has almost no loadings, IPX - which i played back in days and it was awesome, and the game looks really good on some video cards even in full screen. i could record some clips from the pc version, but for the rest, i could play them only via emulators.

Yea, Id love to see some footage of the PC version. emulators dont really help b/c there not played at there best potential alot of the time.

Yeah I would have to say the PC version of MK Trilogy is the version to go with if your going to make an arcade machine out of it. Only problem is that I actually have troubles running that game on any newer machine but I do hear there are things to get it to work on newer machines. I personally have been tempted to make a MK Gold machine but I just recentley got an MK 4 Rev 3 board so I think i can live without the extra characters, eh maybe one day I will do it. That MK Trilogy Machine in the Pacifier is actually pretty cool. I still wish Midway released the MK games on PC. They would be great for Mame type setup machines. I am glad Capcom is eventually going to release Street Fighter IV on PC. Oh btw to answer an earlier question yeah the Gamegear and master system versions of the MK games are pretty much identical, both systems basically use the same hardware.

Still, I would go with a UMK3 cab. While its cool that MKT has more characters, etc, the game sucks and is terriblely boken, so much so that its not very fun (at least for me) anymore. Back to the video, I watched it the other night. It was very good, well done, and its quality stuff........BUT...I look a these game more from a gameplay level, and a higher level at that. While your reviews are good for the details in and about the games, and how they are different from the arcade version to each port, I want to explode the gameplay issues, such as the gravity issues, the frames, techincal issues that make or more often break the game. I enjoyed what you did, but I wanna take it to the next level. I know ded knows that I am talking about. I also invited my buddy Phil (9.95/chirotob) to sign up here for these very discussions. Also, (Ito aka Lance) you really need to do the MK4's and MKG to complete the arcade era It feels somewhat empty without it lol Much kudos to you and your work. I enjoyed it

Originally Posted by : KornKombat
Well, My plan would be to use the 25" monitor thats already in a MK style cabinet. If at all possible Id like to connect the system to a J-Pac which would work just like a normall JAMMA. I know the N64 there is a SCART cable which puts out the right sync for the monitor, but I would have to modify it somehow to connect straight to the monitor.

So you'd need a console that can output in pure RGB to get that CGA arcade monitor to work. J-Pac wont get you anything but controls and passed-in video, and N64 you'd need a PAL N64 console to use SCART cable and even then I've read you can't get RGB output from that easily. You'd need to modify a US console to get true arcade RGB output, even which people say is very "fuzzy." A PC or Saturn would give you better results. PC version you can probably rig up to not even do loading off the CD, so it'd be much faster. I have a PC copy, but I haven't tried it in years to see how it'd work, etc. There are a few versions and patches out there too, so hard to tell what one I have as well.

Originally Posted by : Tim Static
Still, I would go with a UMK3 cab. While its cool that MKT has more characters, etc, the game sucks and is terriblely boken, so much so that its not very fun (at least for me) anymore. Back to the video, I watched it the other night. It was very good, well done, and its quality stuff........BUT...I look a these game more from a gameplay level, and a higher level at that. While your reviews are good for the details in and about the games, and how they are different from the arcade version to each port, I want to explode the gameplay issues, such as the gravity issues, the frames, techincal issues that make or more often break the game. I enjoyed what you did, but I wanna take it to the next level. I know ded knows that I am talking about. I also invited my buddy Phil (9.95/chirotob) to sign up here for these very discussions. Also, (Ito aka Lance) you really need to do the MK4's and MKG to complete the arcade era It feels somewhat empty without it lol Much kudos to you and your work. I enjoyed it

Tim I suggest you to put together a detailed "broken" MK guide, as each version is fairly different and not many people posses the level of knowledge required to put that together. We'll even host it as a feature here to get the readership it requires. Lance's view is more of the audio & video comparisons that "most" people care about. The broken level of detail is more of a concern to those looking to compete in tournaments on those platforms, which isn't often because honestly they should be on the real arcade cabinets only, with exception of games that are not available in the arcade. The reason I say that is because you can easily inspect and validate arcade boards to be legit and working properly, which will then give the expected results. We all know UMK3 is the best for this as well.

Yea, I know MK Trilogy is very broken and unbalanced and UMK3 is better. But Im going for a novelty aspect of it. Im going to have in my MK Gameroom: Dedicated MK Dedicated MK2 Dedicated MK3 Dedicated UMK3 Dedicated MK4 Custom MK Gold Custom MK Trilogy this would cover all the arcade style games, as Deadly Allicance, Deception and Armageddon where made for a home system controller more than an arcade control panel. Ive also been toying with the idea of taking a side down Cruis'n USA Arcade and installing a PS2 for Motor Kombat, and adding Motor Kombat Artwork to the cabinet. As I really enjoyed Motor Kombat, just wish it was a bigger game. I wish the Nintendo Wii would release the N64 version of Mortal Kombat Trilogy, but with enhanced graphics and sound. B/c I really like the N64 version, its less broken.

I think the N64 version of MKT is the most broken, but the two versions are very similar. I just gave MKT on the Saturn a play, and it's definately similar to the PSX/PC version. Once I get the better cables for both N64 and Saturn I'll do a video for you, anything you'd like to see other than the typical menus, few rounds, etc? I think a PSX Emulated or PC version in a cabinet is your best bet. As both will have much better load times, or almost none at all.

Originally Posted by : itobandito
I personally have been tempted to make a MK Gold machine but I just recentley got an MK 4 Rev 3 board so I think i can live without the extra characters...

you def can. mk4 arc > mkgold all the way. props for getting that board tim, of course i like your idea, but i think it will be better to make reviews like this in articles with extra clips that shows broken stuff, instead everything to be fitted in a vid, its just what i think :D