Digital Eclipse’s attempts at video game preservation have been impressive, with games like Atari 50 and the TMNT: Cowabunga Collection being real standout releases. Now they tackle another beloved property, bringing 11 different Mortal Kombat games (many with multiple versions) together for the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection. Complete with a detailed documentary and plenty of bonus features, this is yet another strong compilation by the studio.
The biggest draw of the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection is being able to play the first four games in their arcade forms. There’s even SNES, Genesis, and Game Boy releases when applicable. These games have been lovingly ported over accurately, so it feels just like you’re back in the arcade looking to defeat Shao Kahn but getting destroyed by Goro early on instead. The classic MK games will always hold a soft spot in my heart, and it was amazing to replay the Genesis version of Mortal Kombat again as that is what I owned growing up. These games are still a blast to play, and it’s easy to see why they became a phenomenon in the 90s.
Beyond the main games, there’s also many deep cuts collected within this compilation. From the Sub-Zero and Jax spin-off games to a trio of Mortal Kombat Game Boy Advance titles, almost everything from the time period besides the Dreamcast’s Mortal Kombat Gold is included. There’s even an incredible piece of lost media included as they’ve brought over the WaveNet version of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, a true grail release for hardcore fans. These games also have meaningful bonuses, such as training modes, the ability to rewind (pretty much required if you want to not have a miserable time beating the bad spin-off games), plus the ability to display an on-screen move list (very handy if you like to play as different characters).
Similar to the Gold Master Series games, there’s an extensive interactive documentary that has been divided into five chapters. The sections going over the early games are incredible, with wonderfully done video features, plenty of rare developer documents, and a lovely timeline that provides context and goes over development. Everything from the game’s iconic spelling to Kombat to how its many secrets made the game a phenemonon is covered. Digital Eclipse always does a great job with their docs and this is no exception.
However, with the game focusing on the older Mortal Kombat titles, the documentary and timeline really rush through everything after Mortal Kombat 4. PS2 games like Deception and Armageddon are barely mentioned, and 20 years of history. Now obviously, this was inevitable with the game’s focus, but it makes the documentary feel not as complete as you’d want. Hopefully, we’ll get a collecton with the PS2 games down the line that can go into their development, which is just as interesting, but until then we’ll have to just appreciate the years that are thoroughly covered here.
The lone real disappointment in the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection is how half-baked the online play is. Not only did I experience audio issues playing multiple games online, but only quick match play is available. There are no lobbies or even just a way to invite a friend to play together. It’s very disappointing. While it’s thankfully being addressed (check out the post below), it should’ve launched in better shape.
Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection Review: Final Verdict
Online qualms aside, the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection is a true love letter to the iconic fighting game franchise. With some incredible deep-cut inclusions and all of the classic arcade versions you’d want to revisit, there’s a ton of value. Just don’t forget to check out the documentary portion, which is an informative and entertaining way to learn about how the series was made.
SCORE: 8.5/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 8 equates to “Great.” While there are a few minor issues, this score means that the art succeeds at its goal and leaves a memorable impact.
Disclosure: The publisher provided a PlayStation 5 copy for our Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection review. Reviewed on version 1.000.002.
