The 3DO just got the fighting game it always deserved. After two years of development, modder “3DO HD” has released a feature-complete version of Mortal Kombat II for the system!
While this may not technically be a port, since the original arcade code wasn’t used, it stands as a remarkable recreation built from the ground up. And thanks to the inclusion of full arcade-quality assets, MK2 on the 3DO might just be the most authentic arcade experience ever seen on a home console. You can find the link to the latest ISO on the YouTube page:
“3DO HD” is passionate about the legacy of the 3DO, saying that the console deserved a better fate and better reputation, and his work on this project proves his point with smooth animation, arcade-perfect character sprites, rapid load times and a graphical quality that shows us what could have been.
The controls tend to be the first question I hear since the default 3DO controller only sported four face buttons, players must rely on the L and R buttons for additional moves, which may feel a little awkward for some. However, thoughtful control mapping options provide solutions – even allowing players to configure layouts for rarer controllers or even SNES pads if they’ve managed to connect them to their 3DO. And of course, for those emulating, this won’t be an issue at all.
Beyond just delivering a faithful recreation of MK2, this release brings some welcome surprises. Players can access a digital manual straight from the title screen, or an “arena tour” mode, letting you admire the beautiful parallax scrolling and stage design without the pressure of a fight!
Then there are the delightful Easter eggs! In one standout moment, pulling off a combo to trigger the classic “Toasty!” pop-up revealed not Dan Forden, but none other than Trip Hawkins himself—the father of the 3DO! It’s touches like these that make this version feel like a love letter rather than just a technical achievement.
Whether you’re a die-hard Mortal Kombat II fan, a retro gaming enthusiast, or simply someone intrigued by what could have been for the 3DO, I recommend giving this a try! It’s a testament to fan dedication as well as the undeniable charm of this misunderstood console. MK2 for 3DO doesn’t just resurrect a classic, it rewrites history and proves that the 3DO was capable of far more than many gave it credit for!
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