Mortal Kombat 4 (N64)

Game Overview

The storyline follows the fallen Elder God Shinnok as he wages war against the heavenly realms alongside his general, Quan Chi, prompting Earthrealm's protectors to assemble for a new tournament. Mechanically, Mortal Kombat 4 preserves the core speed and execution of past entries while introducing true 3D spatial movement, allowing fighters to sidestep background and foreground attacks.

A major gameplay addition was the Weapon System, enabling combatants to pick up and wield environment-specific items—such as clubs, swords, and boomerangs—mid-match or hurl projectiles at opponents. The N64 port benefits from cartridge technology by offering fast, seamless loading times between rounds compared to its disc-based competitors, while featuring customized character models, hidden secrets (like the secret character Meat), and brutal finishing moves rendered in 3D.

Quick Specifications

• Platform: Nintendo 64

• Developer: Eurocom

• Publisher: Midway Games

• Release Date: June 23, 1998 (North America), September 15, 1998 (Europe)

• Genre: 3D Fighting

• Modes: Single-Player Arcade, Team Battle, Versus, Practice

• Peripheral Support: Nintendo 64 Controller Pak, Rumble Pak

Key Features

• True 3D Polygonal Arena Combat: Step away from flat 2D planes with full 3D movement mechanics, letting you sidestep incoming attacks and circle opponents.

• Interactive Weapon System: Utilize melee weapons and projectiles discovered or dropped during matches to drastically change combat momentum.

• Classic and New Fighters: Command a diverse lineup combining series veterans (Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Raiden, Liu Kang) with fresh faces (Reiko, Fujin, Jarek, Tanya).

• Cartridge Optimization: Experience zero mid-match loading screens and rapid transitions between character rounds.

• Rumble Pak Force-Feedback: Feel the weight of bone-crushing throws, weapon impacts, and fatal special moves through physical controller vibration.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

How does Mortal Kombat 4 differ from previous entries in the series?

It is the first game in the franchise to use fully rendered 3D polygonal character models and environments instead of digitized sprites, while introducing the ability to sidestep and pick up physical weapons during rounds.

How does the N64 version compare to the PlayStation release?

While the PlayStation version includes full-motion video (FMV) character endings powered by CD-ROM storage, the N64 version features shorter load times, smoother cartridge-based streaming, and exclusive hardware adjustments.

Who is "Meat" and how do you play as him?

Meat is a bloody, skinless hidden character skeleton model included in the home ports. Players could select him by choosing a character in Group Mode under specific profile settings.

Does the game require a Controller Pak to save progress?

Yes, a Nintendo 64 Controller Pak is necessary to save game options, user preferences, high scores, and unlocked secrets.