Mortal Kombat 2 Arcade Codes: Unlocking Secrets and Strategies
The World of Mortal Kombat 2 Arcade Codes
Before we dive into the specific codes, it's important to understand the context of the arcade era in the early '90s. Arcade machines were designed to be tough, enticing players to spend more quarters to continue their progress. To maintain player interest, developers often included hidden codes and secrets that could be activated through specific button combinations or sequences. Mortal Kombat 2 was no exception and quickly became known for its numerous secret codes and Easter eggs.
Start-Up Codes
When booting up the Mortal Kombat 2 arcade machine, players can enter specific codes to alter game settings or access hidden content. These codes are typically inputted using a combination of joystick movements and button presses. Here are some of the most notable start-up codes:
Enable Blood Mode: This code is famous for enabling or enhancing the game's already notorious gore factor. To activate, hold both "Low Punch" and "Block" before the character select screen appears. Release the buttons once the match begins, and you’ll notice that the blood splatter effects are even more pronounced.
Fast Uppercut Recovery: To recover quickly after performing an uppercut, hold "Block" while pressing "Up" on the joystick as you land the punch. This can give you a strategic advantage by reducing the vulnerability window after the move.
No Throws Mode: Some players prefer a more straightforward fight without the ability to throw opponents. To disable throws, enter the code "Down, Up, Left, Left, A, Right, Down" before the match starts.
Kombat Kodes
Kombat Kodes are special codes entered at the "VS" screen, which can dramatically alter the gameplay. These kodes are entered by both players using a series of six digits corresponding to their controllers. Each player can manipulate three digits by pressing their buttons. Here are some famous Kombat Kodes:
Headless Kombat (808-808): Entering this kode will make both fighters headless, adding a surreal and humorous twist to the battle. Despite the lack of heads, characters will still perform moves and react normally.
Disable Blocking (020-020): If you're looking for a more aggressive match without any defensive maneuvers, this kode disables the blocking mechanic for both players, encouraging a more straightforward offensive play style.
Random Endurance Match (033-564): This kode pits you against a random selection of opponents in an endurance match. It adds an element of surprise and requires players to adapt to different opponents in quick succession.
Pong Mini-Game (246-246): A hidden gem within Mortal Kombat 2 is the Pong mini-game. Enter this kode to interrupt your fight with a round of classic Pong, offering a fun diversion from the intense kombat.
Hidden Characters and Fights
Mortal Kombat 2 is renowned for its roster of hidden characters, which players can only access through specific codes and actions. These hidden characters often come with unique moves and challenges:
Jade: To fight Jade, you must defeat your opponent using only low kicks in the "Match Before the ?". After winning, Jade will appear as your next opponent. Jade is a green palette swap of Kitana with enhanced speed and resistance to projectile attacks.
Smoke: To encounter Smoke, you need to press "Down" and "Start" simultaneously on both player sides at the "The Portal" stage when Dan Forden’s "Toasty!" message appears. Smoke is a grey ninja with similar abilities to Scorpion, including a spear attack and teleport punch.
Noob Saibot: Named after the game’s creators (Tobias and Boon spelled backward), Noob Saibot is a shadowy figure who appears after meeting certain conditions. To fight Noob, win 50 matches in a row. He appears as a silhouette of a ninja and is one of the toughest opponents in the game.
Fatalities and Other Finishers
One of the defining features of the Mortal Kombat series is its over-the-top finishing moves known as Fatalities. In addition to standard Fatalities, Mortal Kombat 2 also introduced Babalities, Friendships, and Stage Fatalities, each requiring specific codes or sequences:
Stage Fatalities: Several stages in Mortal Kombat 2 feature unique fatalities tied to the environment. For example, in "The Pit II" stage, pressing "Forward, Down, Forward, High Punch" at the end of the match will knock your opponent off the bridge, impaling them on spikes below.
Babalities: To turn your opponent into a baby, perform the following kode: "Down, Down, Back, Back, High Kick" after the "Finish Him/Her" prompt. Babalities are humorous and less violent than traditional Fatalities, offering a lighthearted conclusion to the fight.
Friendships: To extend a gesture of friendship instead of delivering a brutal Fatality, enter the kode "Down, Down, Down, Down, High Kick" for Liu Kang. Each character has a unique Friendship move, which often involves a humorous or playful action, such as Liu Kang handing out an autographed photo.
Glitches and Easter Eggs
Like many arcade games from the early '90s, Mortal Kombat 2 is filled with glitches and Easter eggs that players can exploit or enjoy:
Infinite Kombat: In certain situations, players can trigger an "infinite Kombat" loop where the match does not end after a win or loss. This often occurs due to a glitch in the game’s coding and can lead to endless fights unless the machine is reset.
Reptile’s Appearance: Reptile occasionally appears in the background of "The Pit II" stage, watching the fight. While not a playable character in Mortal Kombat 2, his cameo is a nod to his hidden character status from the first Mortal Kombat game.
Secret Message: On rare occasions, the game displays a hidden message saying, "There is no knowledge that is not power." This cryptic phrase adds to the game’s mystique and encourages players to seek out more secrets.
Conclusion
Mortal Kombat 2 continues to be a beloved classic in the fighting game genre, thanks in part to its myriad secrets, codes, and hidden content. These arcade codes not only enhance the replay value of the game but also foster a sense of community among players as they share tips and tricks for unlocking the game’s many mysteries. Whether you’re a veteran of the arcades or a newcomer exploring this game for the first time, knowing these codes will surely enhance your Mortal Kombat 2 experience. So grab a friend, enter a kode, and let the kombat begin!
Tables of Kombat Kodes and Their Effects
| Kombat Kode | Effect |
|---|---|
| 808-808 | Headless Kombat |
| 020-020 | Disable Blocking |
| 033-564 | Random Endurance Match |
| 246-246 | Pong Mini-Game |
| Hidden Character | Code/Condition |
|---|---|
| Jade | Use only low kicks in "Match Before the ?" |
| Smoke | Press "Down + Start" at "The Portal" stage with "Toasty!" |
| Noob Saibot | Win 50 matches in a row |
Final Thoughts
The era of arcade gaming was marked by a sense of discovery and community, with players gathering around cabinets to share knowledge and compete for high scores. Mortal Kombat 2 encapsulated this spirit with its plethora of hidden codes and secrets. By mastering these arcade codes, players could gain an edge over their opponents, unlock hidden characters, or simply enjoy the game's many quirks and Easter eggs. Today, these codes remain a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the game developers, and they continue to be a beloved aspect of Mortal Kombat lore.
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