The Three Icons of the Fighting Genre: Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, and Tekken

The Birth of Legends
"Street Fighter" is the granddaddy of fighting games, debuting in arcades in 1987. Developed by Capcom, the original game introduced players to Ryu and Ken, two martial artists who would become iconic figures in gaming. However, it was "Street Fighter II: The World Warrior" (1991) that revolutionized the genre. With its diverse roster of characters, each with unique fighting styles and special moves, "Street Fighter II" set the standard for all future fighting games. The game’s balance, deep mechanics, and competitive nature made it a massive hit, spawning numerous sequels and establishing a global competitive scene.
In 1992, Midway Games released "Mortal Kombat," a game that would become famous for its brutal violence and realistic digitized graphics. Created by Ed Boon and John Tobias, "Mortal Kombat" introduced the world to Fatalities—gruesome finishing moves that shocked and fascinated players. The controversy surrounding the game’s violence played a significant role in the creation of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Despite (or perhaps because of) its notoriety, "Mortal Kombat" became a commercial success, leading to a franchise known for its deep lore, memorable characters, and continuous innovation in gameplay mechanics.
Namco’s "Tekken," launched in 1994, brought a new dimension to fighting games—literally. Utilizing 3D graphics, "Tekken" allowed players to move in and out of the foreground and background, adding a layer of strategic depth. The game featured a unique control scheme where each button corresponded to a different limb of the character, offering precise control and varied fighting styles. "Tekken" quickly gained a following, known for its complex character relationships, intricate storylines, and innovative gameplay mechanics that would influence future titles.
Evolution and Innovation
Over the decades, the "Street Fighter" series has continued to evolve, each installment building on the success of its predecessors. Key innovations include:
Super Combos and EX Moves: Introduced in "Super Street Fighter II Turbo" (1994) and "Street Fighter III: New Generation" (1997), these moves added layers of strategy and excitement to the gameplay.
Parry System: "Street Fighter III: Third Strike" (1999) introduced the parry system, allowing players to deflect attacks with precise timing, which added a high skill ceiling.
Cinematic Story Mode: "Street Fighter V" (2016) incorporated a cinematic story mode, providing a deeper narrative experience and expanding the game’s lore.
"Mortal Kombat" has never shied away from pushing the boundaries of the genre. Significant milestones include:
3D Combat: "Mortal Kombat 4" (1997) transitioned to 3D graphics, while retaining the series’ signature brutal combat.
Interactive Environments: Starting with "Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance" (2002), the series introduced interactive environments and multiple fighting styles for each character.
Story Mode Excellence: "Mortal Kombat 9" (2011) and subsequent games featured highly praised story modes, intertwining character arcs and rich lore with cinematic presentation.
"Tekken" has consistently refined its 3D fighting mechanics, setting high standards for the genre. Key developments include:
Bound System: Introduced in "Tekken 6" (2007), the Bound system allowed for extended juggle combos, adding depth to the combat system.
Rage System: "Tekken 7" (2015) introduced the Rage Art and Rage Drive, powerful moves that could turn the tide of battle when a character’s health was low.
Customization: Starting with "Tekken 5" (2004), players could extensively customize their characters’ appearances, adding a personal touch to the gameplay.
Competitive Play and Esports
"Street Fighter" has been a cornerstone of the competitive fighting game community since the 1990s. The franchise is a regular feature at major tournaments like EVO (Evolution Championship Series), where legendary players like Daigo Umehara and Justin Wong have made their mark. The game's balance, depth, and strategic complexity ensure it remains a favorite among professional players and fans alike.
"Mortal Kombat" has carved out its niche in the esports scene, particularly with the launch of the Mortal Kombat Pro Series. The series’ visceral combat and strategic depth make it a thrilling competitive spectacle. High-profile tournaments and events have showcased top-tier talent and unforgettable moments, solidifying "Mortal Kombat" as a major player in the esports arena.
"Tekken" has a robust competitive scene, with the Tekken World Tour drawing top players from around the globe. The series’ complex mechanics and character variety offer a high skill ceiling, making it a favorite among serious fighters. Iconic matches and rivalries have helped "Tekken" maintain a vibrant and dedicated community, both offline and online.
Cultural Impact
The influence of "Street Fighter" extends beyond gaming. Characters like Ryu, Chun-Li, and Guile have become cultural icons, appearing in various media, including animated series, movies, and comic books. The game’s catchphrases and moves, such as "Hadouken" and "Shoryuken," are instantly recognizable, cementing "Street Fighter" as a significant part of popular culture.
"Mortal Kombat" has also achieved significant mainstream success. The franchise has inspired several movies, animated series, and comic books. The recent 2021 film reboot brought the series’ brutal action to a new generation, blending nostalgia with modern filmmaking. The iconic "Finish Him!" and the gruesome Fatalities have become part of the broader pop culture lexicon.
"Tekken" is known for its rich storytelling, which has captivated fans for decades. The complex relationships and rivalries among characters, particularly the Mishima family feud, have provided a compelling narrative backdrop. This storytelling prowess has extended into other media, including an animated series and a live-action film, further cementing "Tekken's" place in pop culture.
The Future of Fighting Games
With "Street Fighter VI" on the horizon, the franchise is set to continue its legacy of innovation and competitive excellence. Fans can expect new characters, refined mechanics, and a continuation of the series’ deep and engaging storyline.
The future of "Mortal Kombat" looks equally promising, with ongoing support for "Mortal Kombat 11" and hints at future projects. NetherRealm Studios continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in fighting games, promising more brutal combat and immersive storytelling.
"Tekken" is poised to continue its dominance in the fighting game genre with the anticipated "Tekken 8." The new installment is expected to bring further innovations in gameplay and storytelling, ensuring the series remains at the forefront of 3D fighting games.
Conclusion
The triumvirate of "Mortal Kombat," "Street Fighter," and "Tekken" represents the pinnacle of the fighting game genre. Each series has brought unique innovations, memorable characters, and thrilling gameplay that have captivated players for decades. Their impact on the gaming industry and popular culture is immeasurable, and their legacy continues to grow with each new installment.