Special Moves for Mortal Kombat Arcade Machines: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Mortal Kombat is one of the most iconic and enduring franchises in the fighting game genre. Since its debut in the early 1990s, it has captivated players with its unique blend of brutal combat, complex characters, and memorable special moves. For those who enjoy the nostalgia of the arcade experience, understanding and mastering these special moves is key to dominating in Mortal Kombat. This guide provides an in-depth look at special moves for various Mortal Kombat arcade machines, including the classic titles and their sequels.

Understanding Mortal Kombat's Special Moves

Special moves in Mortal Kombat are unique attacks that each character can perform, often requiring specific button inputs or combinations. These moves usually offer a tactical advantage, providing opportunities for combo attacks, increased damage, or even unique finishing moves. The complexity and variety of special moves are a hallmark of the Mortal Kombat series, and mastering them can be crucial for competitive play.

Classic Mortal Kombat Titles and Their Special Moves

1. Mortal Kombat (1992)

• Sub-Zero:

  • Freeze: Down, Back, Back, High Punch
  • Slide: Back, Down, Back, Low Kick
  • Ice Clone: Down, Back, Forward, High Punch

• Scorpion:

  • Spear: Back, Back, High Punch
  • Teleport Punch: Down, Back, Back, High Kick
  • Flaming Skull: Down, Forward, Back, Low Kick

• Raiden:

  • Lightning Bolt: Down, Back, Back, High Punch
  • Teleport: Down, Back, Forward, High Kick
  • Electric Fly: Down, Back, Down, High Kick

2. Mortal Kombat II (1993)

• Liu Kang:

  • Fireball: Down, Back, Forward, High Punch
  • Flying Kick: Back, Back, Forward, High Kick
  • Dragon Fire: Down, Back, Forward, Low Punch

• Kitana:

  • Fan Toss: Down, Back, Forward, High Punch
  • Teleport Kick: Down, Back, Forward, High Kick
  • Square Wave Punch: Back, Down, Back, High Punch

• Kung Lao:

  • Hat Throw: Down, Back, Forward, Low Punch
  • Teleportation: Down, Back, Back, High Kick
  • Spin: Down, Back, Forward, High Punch

3. Mortal Kombat 3 (1995)

• Sub-Zero:

  • Ice Shower: Down, Back, Back, High Punch
  • Slide: Back, Down, Back, Low Kick
  • Ice Clone: Down, Back, Forward, High Punch

• Scorpion:

  • Spear: Back, Back, High Punch
  • Teleport Punch: Down, Back, Back, High Kick
  • Scorpion's Revenge: Down, Back, Forward, Low Punch

• Raiden:

  • Lightning Strike: Down, Back, Forward, High Punch
  • Teleport: Down, Back, Forward, High Kick
  • Electric Fly: Down, Back, Down, High Kick

4. Mortal Kombat 4 (1997)

• Johnny Cage:

  • Shadow Kick: Back, Down, Back, High Kick
  • Green Fireball: Down, Back, Forward, High Punch
  • Uppercut: Down, Back, Forward, Low Punch

• Sonya Blade:

  • Energy Rings: Down, Back, Forward, High Punch
  • Leg Grab: Down, Back, Back, Low Kick
  • Kiss of Death: Down, Back, Forward, High Kick

• Kano:

  • Knife Throw: Down, Back, Forward, High Punch
  • Cannibalism: Down, Back, Forward, Low Punch
  • Kano Ball: Down, Back, Forward, Low Kick

Special Moves in Mortal Kombat Sequels

As the series evolved, so did the special moves. Each new installment introduced fresh characters, moves, and mechanics.

1. Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance (2002)

• Kung Lao:

  • Teleportation: Down, Back, Forward, High Kick
  • Hat Spin: Back, Down, Back, High Punch
  • Dragon's Breath: Down, Back, Forward, Low Punch

• Mileena:

  • Teleport Kick: Down, Back, Forward, High Kick
  • Sai Throw: Down, Back, Forward, High Punch
  • Ball Roll: Down, Back, Forward, Low Kick

2. Mortal Kombat Deception (2004)

• Sub-Zero:

  • Ice Ball: Down, Back, Forward, High Punch
  • Ice Clone: Down, Back, Forward, Low Kick
  • Slide: Back, Down, Back, Low Kick

• Scorpion:

  • Spear: Back, Back, High Punch
  • Teleport Punch: Down, Back, Back, High Kick
  • Hellfire: Down, Back, Forward, Low Punch

3. Mortal Kombat Armageddon (2006)

• Raiden:

  • Lightning Bolt: Down, Back, Forward, High Punch
  • Teleport: Down, Back, Forward, High Kick
  • Electric Fly: Down, Back, Down, High Kick

• Kitana:

  • Fan Toss: Down, Back, Forward, High Punch
  • Teleport Kick: Down, Back, Forward, High Kick
  • Square Wave Punch: Back, Down, Back, High Punch

4. Mortal Kombat (2011)

• Scorpion:

  • Spear: Back, Back, High Punch
  • Teleport Punch: Down, Back, Back, High Kick
  • Flaming Skull: Down, Forward, Back, Low Kick

• Sub-Zero:

  • Ice Ball: Down, Back, Forward, High Punch
  • Ice Clone: Down, Back, Forward, Low Kick
  • Slide: Back, Down, Back, Low Kick

Tips for Mastering Special Moves

1. Practice Input Timing: The timing of input combinations is crucial. Spend time in training mode to get the timing just right.
2. Learn Combos: Combine special moves into combos for maximum damage and effectiveness.
3. Understand Character Strengths: Each character's special moves complement their strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these nuances can provide a strategic advantage.
4. Watch and Learn: Observe professional players to see how they utilize special moves effectively in matches.

Conclusion

Mastering special moves in Mortal Kombat arcade machines can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. Whether you're revisiting classic titles or diving into newer entries, knowing how to execute and counter these moves will give you a competitive edge. This guide serves as a starting point for players looking to refine their skills and enjoy the rich, fast-paced world of Mortal Kombat.