Best way for me to get into Mortal Kombat?

[Flake]

Okay, the advertising campaign is working: I want Mortal Kombat 9.

But aside from 3 minutes with a Gameboy port, I have never played Mortal Kombat and I know almost nothing about the series. What entries / ports would help me catch up and figure out the series the fastest?

[noiseredux]

Flake, my personal favorites are II and 3. Both can be found on Midway Arcade Treasures 2 for PS2 rather cheaply.

EDIT: I Think YOU would enjoy II the most. It's the most "cartoony" of them all, so it's going to be closest to the kinds of fighters you're already used to.

[sevin0seven]

Mortal Kombat Trilogy (N64, PS1, Saturn, PC)



that's all i have to say.

[noiseredux]

Mortal Kombat Trilogy (N64, PS1, Saturn, PC)

that's all i have to say.

yeah that would be a good start too, Flake. It's basically all the characters from the first 3 games in one big megamix.

[Flake]

Ooh, and I DO have a Saturn.

Okay, here's another question: Are there any MK games / ports I should just straight up avoid?

[AppleQueso]

Ooh, and I DO have a Saturn.

Okay, here's another question: Are there any MK games / ports I should just straight up avoid?

MK4/Gold is really, really bad.

I'd personally just use MAME and try out 1, 2, and Ultimate MK3.

2 is the best game all around.

avoid the gameboy ports

[noiseredux]

Ooh, and I DO have a Saturn.

Okay, here's another question: Are there any MK games / ports I should just straight up avoid?

I've heard the emulation on Midway for GCN are buggy.
MK Trilogy (PS1) doesn't work on a lot of PS2's (not sure full details).
I'd avoid the 3D games if yr just getting started (so stick to the first 3).
MK4 on GBC is a pile of dicks.
Don't even think of playing any of the spin-offs like Sub-Zero Mythologies.

[Flake]

Do you guys know if the PSN download versions of MK 1/2/3 are any good?

I remember briefly trying to get into MK a few years ago when I had a 360. I downloaded MK3 and then hated life as the 360 controller was f'ing useless. But now with a proper fight pad for the PSN I think I might be ready to love again.

[noiseredux]

Do you guys know if the PSN download versions of MK 1/2/3 are any good?

I don't know, what are they? Emulated PS1 or emulated arcade? Either way you should be happy. Skip the first MK though. It hasn't aged well. MKII is where it's at.

[brunoafh]

I have the PSN version of MK II. I'm relatively sure it's an arcade port. I didn't notice any problems with it. It also supports online play, which is a plus.

I agree with most of the posters though, MK II is your best bet. It's my favorite one by far.