The impact of Mortal Kombat on the fighting game genre is undeniable, with its brutal combat, iconic characters, and infamous fatalities setting a new standard. Naturally, its success inspired a wave of imitators looking to capture some of that magic. While not all these “knockoffs” reached the same heights, some managed to carve out their own niche and even develop a cult following. Here are the ten best Mortal Kombat knockoffs of all time.

1. Killer Instinct (1994)

Developed by Rare and published by Midway (the same company behind Mortal Kombat), Killer Instinct brought its own flair with combo-based gameplay and distinctive characters like Jago and Orchid. Its fluid animations and unique combo system set it apart, making it a beloved title in the fighting game community.

2. Primal Rage (1994)

Primal Rage replaced humans with prehistoric beasts and gods, offering a unique twist on the fighting genre. Players could control dinosaurs and other mythical creatures in battles that featured over-the-top violence and fatalities reminiscent of Mortal Kombat.

3. ClayFighter (1993)

This game took a humorous approach, featuring characters made of clay and a distinctive claymation art style. With zany fighters like Bad Mr. Frosty and Blob, ClayFighter stood out for its comedic tone while still delivering solid fighting mechanics.

4. Eternal Champions (1993)

Sega’s Eternal Champions aimed to compete directly with Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter. It featured a diverse cast of characters from different time periods and offered unique stage-specific finishing moves, adding depth to its combat system.

5. Time Killers (1992)

Time Killers brought a unique element to the fighting game genre with its limb-dismemberment mechanic. Players could lose arms and still continue fighting, which added a strategic layer to the brutal combat reminiscent of Mortal Kombat‘s gore.

6. Tattoo Assassins (1994)

Developed by Data East, Tattoo Assassins aimed to outdo Mortal Kombat with over 2,000 fatalities and a roster of tattooed fighters. Though it never saw a full release, its over-the-top violence and quirky characters have given it a cult status.

7. BloodStorm (1994)

Marketed as a spiritual successor to Time Killers, BloodStorm offered a similar level of gore and dismemberment. With interactive environments and multiple fatalities per character, it tried to capture the shock value that made Mortal Kombat famous.

8. Way of the Warrior (1994)

Developed by Naughty Dog, Way of the Warrior featured digitized actors and a heavy metal soundtrack by White Zombie. Its violent combat and unique characters, like Major Gaines and Ninja, drew clear inspiration from Mortal Kombat.

9. Mace: The Dark Age (1997)

This 3D fighting game set in a dark medieval world featured weapon-based combat and gruesome fatalities. Mace: The Dark Age combined the brutality of Mortal Kombat with the strategic depth of weapon combat, creating a memorable experience.

10. Kasumi Ninja (1994)

Released on the Atari Jaguar, Kasumi Ninja offered digitized graphics and brutal finishing moves. With its diverse roster of fighters, including a Scottish highlander and a ninja, it aimed to capture the essence of Mortal Kombat‘s diverse and violent combat.

While these Mortal Kombat knockoffs may not have reached the same legendary status as their inspiration, each brought something unique to the table. From prehistoric brawls in Primal Rage to the comedic antics of ClayFighter, these games carved out their own niche in the fighting game genre. They remind us of a time when the battle for supremacy in arcades was fierce, and innovation was at an all-time high.

Feel free to share your thoughts and favorite Mortal Kombat knockoffs in the comments below. Happy fighting!