Episode 447: Mortal Kombat (Patreon)

We've had a lot to say about Street Fighter II since it turned 30 last year (more SF 'casts are coming soon, BTW) but in 1992 Midway's answer to Capcom's fighting franchise made its debut and video games haven't been the same since. Yes, Mortal Kombat first appeared in arcades 30 years ago and shocked the world with its "realistic" violence due to its use of digitized actors instead of cartoon characters. Oh, and the fighters can murder each other, I should have led with that.

Where did Mortal Kombat come from? What pop culture milestones (besides Street Fighter II) inspired its creation? Who were the people behind the game, both on-screen and off? Host Diamond Feit, frequent host Stuart Gipp, and first-time guest David L. Craddock (author of the upcoming book Long Live Mortal Kombat) answer all these questions—and more!—in this week's heart-wrenching podcast. Think of us as you look at the moon!

Screaming edits by Greg Leahy, and bloody-good artwork by Nick Wanserski. Soulful songs in this episode (all from the original MK, unless otherwise noted):

• 10:48 - Journey: "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)"
• 24:07 - Enter the Dragon (1973) OST: Sampans
• 38:07 - The Courtyard
• 44:58 - Continue? | Choose Your Fighter
• 1:00:54 - The Warrior Shrine
• 1:07:51 - The Palace Gates
• 1:18:19 - Goro's Lair
• 1:27:16 - The Pit
• 1:33:25 - The Pit Bottom / Throne Room
• 1:43:44 - SNES Version (1993): Throne Room
• 1:50:45 - Arcade Kollection (2011): Theme from Mortal Kombat
• 2:02:31 - Victory (Ending Theme)
• Closing - Austin Jons & The Immortals: "Techno Syndrome (Mortal Kombat)"