Retronauts Episode 447: Mortal Kombat
This episode is rated "M" for "Mortalkombat"
Not every video game finds an audience. Not every video game creates controversy. Not every video game sparks discussion in national legislatures. Not every video game remains popular three decades later.
Mortal Kombat did it all, and it started 30 years ago in 1992, making it prime material for Retronauts. We've mentioned the series in passing from time to time, even covering the 1995 motion picture back in the 1up days, but this week we're diving into the creation and significance of the most violent video game of all time [citation needed].
Our host Diamond Feit is joined by Stuart Gipp and special guest David L. Craddock as they lay bare the history of video games featuring images of real humans, identify the key people behind the Mortal Kombat phenomenon (both on-screen and off), and share why this game mattered so much to so many people. As an added bonus, this extra-long episode is perfect for that slow boat ride to Shang Tsung's island; it certainly beats talking to any of your fellow passengers.
Take note that as of this writing, the Kickstarter campaign to fund David's book Long Live Mortal Kombat is still running, so don't miss out on your chance to score a copy!
Description: Wanna feel mortal? Midway's infamous blood-soaked fighting game turns 30 this year, so Diamond Feit, Stuart Gipp, and author David L. Craddock crank the techno and tell tales of Mortal Kombat.
Retronauts is a completely fan-funded operation. To support the show, and get exclusive episodes every month, please visit the official Retronauts Patreon.
MP3, 63 MB | 2:10:56 Direct download Retronauts on iTunes Retronauts at Libsyn
Artwork for this episode by Nick Wanserski and editing thanks go to Greg Leahy.
