Today we’re diving into the Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection on the Nintendo Switch 2. This review was originally written by the fantastic Olly Reynolds and has been adapted for video by me. That means all the gameplay you see is from my hands—and, full disclosure, I suck at these games. I love them, but I really suck. You’ve been warned!
Enough chatter—let’s dive in.
Digital Eclipse: Masters of Retro Compilations
Digital Eclipse has a reputation for excellence, shown in titles like Atari 50, The Anniversary Celebration, and Tetris Forever. And yet, they still manage to impress with the Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection.
For years, fans wanted a compilation of the original Mortal Kombat trilogy, and Digital Eclipse has gone above and beyond. Instead of just offering arcade variants on modern platforms, the collection features 23 playable titles, covering the first 11 years of Mortal Kombat—with only a few minor exclusions.
The collection also includes a detailed documentary, chronicling Mortal Kombat’s inception and evolution. It’s a perfect celebration of Midway’s brutal fighting series.
Games Included
The collection covers multiple platforms, preserving the feel of the original games:
| Platform | Titles Included | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arcade, SNES, Mega Drive 32X, PS1, Game Boy, Game Gear | Original Mortal Kombat Trilogy | Preserves original gameplay |
| WaveNet version | Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 | Includes Noob Saibot and gameplay rebalancing; previously considered lost media |
| Arcade | Mortal Kombat 4 | Classic arcade release |
| PS1 | Mythologies: Subzero, Special Forces | Story-focused adaptations |
| GBA | Mortal Kombat Advance, Deadly Alliance, Tournament Edition | Portable versions |
Some notable exclusions include the Mega Drive version of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, N64 Mortal Kombat 4, and Mortal Kombat Gold for Dreamcast. But with such an impressive lineup, it’s hard to complain.
Visuals, Filters, and Gameplay Options
Each game comes with a variety of display options:
- Arcade variants: Optional glass-style displays on screen sides
- Console versions: CRT background, flat and curved screen filters
- Handhelds: Original pocket/light Game Boy filters
Training modes are included in most games, covering fatalities, friendships, and more. Even if a title doesn’t have combo tutorials, on-screen prompts are available to guide you through special moves.
Nostalgia vs Newcomers
These are old games, with the latest release dating back to 2003. For fans of the ’90s, playing them is like slipping into a warm, blood-filled bath. Iconic music, classic stage designs, and signature character moves all deliver pure nostalgia.
For newcomers, however, the archaic controls and punishing AI can be a challenge. Difficulty adjustments don’t always help, and some games require patience and practice.
Local multiplayer remains a great way to enjoy the collection with friends—a couple of rounds and a few drinks can make even the toughest games feel fun!
The Interactive Documentary
The documentary timeline is one of the highlights. It includes:
- Archival photos, documents, and interviews
- Insight into game development, including Ed Boon’s early pitch for Scorpion’s rope dart
- Context on influences like Smash TV and the creation of the ESRB rating system
| Feature | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Interviews | Andrea Renee, Michael Ducker, Eugene Jarvis, Ed Boon |
| Content | History of each game, playable versions at relevant intervals |
| Extra | Insights into series-defining decisions and design quirks |
Even if you struggle with gameplay, the documentary alone makes this collection worthwhile.
Online Play: A Mixed Bag
At launch, online play is limited:
- Only quick play is available (random matches)
- No public/private lobbies yet, making tournaments impossible
- Input delay and audio issues can make matches frustrating
| Issue | Status at Launch |
|---|---|
| Quickplay | Only option |
| Lobbies | Not available yet |
| Crossplay | Unlikely in 2025 |
| Audio & Input Delay | Present, varies in severity |
Digital Eclipse promises fixes, including lobbies in the weeks following launch, but for now, online play is not ideal.
Final Thoughts
With 23 playable games and a rich, interactive documentary, the Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection is a triumph for Digital Eclipse. It’s perfect for:
- Fans seeking nostalgia and history
- Newcomers curious about the series’ origins
If online play is your main interest, it’s best to wait. But for everything else, it’s an absolute delight.
Score: 7/10
Alex’s Personal Thoughts:
“I love these games, but I am not good at them. My favorite part is the interactive documentary, learning all the little development tidbits and seeing how these games came to exist. The online issues are frustrating, but if you’re a fan of the series, there’s so much to enjoy here.”
Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection is full of nostalgia, history, and brutal fun—a must-have for fans and a fascinating window into the making of a legendary series.
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