Skip to Content

Mortal Kombat 4

(Note: Hold Block during the input to prevent your character from jumping/ducking while entering the code, then release Block to execute).

  • Sub-Zero Fatality 1 (Ice Grenade): Down, Forward, Down, Forward + HP (Close).
  • Liu Kang Fatality 1 (Dragon): Forward, Forward, Down, Down + HK (Sweep).
  • The core of any fighting game is its mechanics, and this is where Mortal Kombat 4 draws the most fire. The move from 2D to 3D was not a graceful leap. Unlike Tekken, which used a sidestep mechanic to enable full 3D movement, Mortal Kombat 4 employed a "3D plane" that was essentially a 2D fighting line with a slightly wider corridor. You could sidestep in and out of the background, but the combat remained fundamentally linear.

    The control scheme was classic Mortal Kombat: five main buttons—High Punch, Low Punch, High Kick, Low Kick, and a dedicated Run button. The return of the Run button (absent in MK3) was a controversial choice. In MK4, running allowed for juggle combos and rush-down tactics, but it felt stiff and unnatural compared to the fluid movement of its competitors. Mortal Kombat 4

    Key Gameplay Innovations:

    Released in 1997 for arcades (using the Zeus II hardware) and later ported to home consoles (PlayStation, Nintendo 64, PC, and Game Boy Color) in 1998, Mortal Kombat 4 was a gamble. After the overwhelming success of the 2D trilogy, fans were skeptical about the jump to 3D polygons. However, this entry introduced revolutionary mechanics (weapons, "Fatalities are back," and full 3D movement) while retaining the core soul of the franchise. (Note: Hold Block during the input to prevent

    This guide covers everything from basic controls and roster secrets to advanced combos, walkthroughs, and the often-overlooked lore.


    Upon home release, Mortal Kombat 4 sparked fierce debate among console owners. Sub-Zero Fatality 1 (Ice Grenade): Down, Forward, Down,

    Mortal Kombat 4 features the following characters:

    Hold the block button while inputting a special move. Costs 1 bar of Super Meter.


    | Platform | Pros | Cons | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Arcade | Fastest gameplay, original graphics, no loading. | Hard to find. No Goro/Noob. | | PlayStation | Good music. All Fatalities intact. | Long loading times. Pixelated textures. Missing 3D backgrounds (2D pre-rendered). | | Nintendo 64 | Full 3D arenas. Goro is playable via code. Smooth framerate. | Censored Fatalities (No blood pools). Cartridge limits audio. No FMV endings. | | PC (DOS/Windows 98) | Highest resolution (640x480). Fast load times. | Requires Glide or DirectX wrapper. Horrible MIDI music. | | Dreamcast (Gold) | Best roster. Arcade-perfect visuals. CD Quality audio. | Rare. Emulation requires tweaks. |