Mortal Kombat 1: Ranking the Top 10 Fighters

When Midway Games released Mortal Kombat in 1992, it quickly became a global phenomenon. The game's innovative fighting system, gruesome fatalities, and iconic characters captivated players worldwide.

One of the most debated aspects of Mortal Kombat is the relative strength of its characters. While some fighters are clearly superior to others, there is no definitive answer to the question of who is the best. However, by examining the game's statistics, move sets, and overall performance, we can create a ranking of the top 10 fighters in Mortal Kombat 1.

10. Johnny Cage

Stats:
* Strength: 8
* Speed: 8
* Endurance: 7

Overview:
Johnny Cage is a narcissistic martial artist who believes his own hype. While he has a balanced stat line, he lacks the raw power or speed of some of the other fighters on this list. However, his signature move, the Shadow Kick, can be devastating if it connects.

9. Kano

Stats:
* Strength: 9
* Speed: 7
* Endurance: 8

Overview:
Kano is a ruthless Black Dragon mercenary who specializes in hand-to-hand combat. He is incredibly strong, but his slow speed makes him easy to counter. Additionally, his signature move, the Cannonball, is not as effective as some of the other special moves in the game.

8. Raiden

Stats:
* Strength: 7
* Speed: 9
* Endurance: 8

Overview:
Raiden is the god of thunder and protector of Earthrealm. He is exceptionally fast, but his low strength makes him vulnerable to high-damage attacks. Additionally, his signature move, the Lightning Bolt, is not as reliable as some of the other projectiles in the game.

7. Liu Kang

Stats:
* Strength: 8
* Speed: 8
* Endurance: 9

Overview:
Liu Kang is a Shaolin monk who is trained in the art of Wushu. He has a balanced stat line and is proficient in both close-range and long-range combat. His signature move, the Bicycle Kick, is one of the most iconic fatalities in the game.

6. Sub-Zero

Stats:
* Strength: 8
* Speed: 9
* Endurance: 8

Overview:
Sub-Zero is a cryomancer from the Lin Kuei clan. He is incredibly fast and has a powerful ice blast that can freeze opponents. However, his lack of endurance makes him vulnerable to longer matches.

5. Scorpion

Stats:
* Strength: 9
* Speed: 7
* Endurance: 8

Overview:
Scorpion is a spectre who seeks revenge against those who killed him. He is incredibly strong, but his slow speed makes him easy to counter. Additionally, his signature move, the Spear, is not as effective against air-borne opponents.

4. Reptile

Stats:
* Strength: 9
* Speed: 8
* Endurance: 9

Overview:
Reptile is a reptilian creature from Outworld. He is exceptionally strong and has a corrosive acid spit that can melt flesh. Additionally, his signature move, the Invisible Slide, makes him nearly impossible to hit.

3. Sonya Blade

Stats:
* Strength: 8
* Speed: 9
* Endurance: 8

Overview:
Sonya Blade is a Special Forces operative who specializes in hand-to-hand combat. She is incredibly fast and has a powerful leg sweep that can knock down opponents. Additionally, her signature move, the Energy Ring, is one of the most versatile projectiles in the game.

2. Goro

Stats:
* Strength: 10
* Speed: 6
* Endurance: 10

Overview:
Goro is a four-armed Shokan who is the champion of Outworld. He is incredibly strong and has an impenetrable hide. However, his slow speed makes him vulnerable to fast opponents. Additionally, his signature move, the Groan, is not as effective against air-borne opponents.

1. Shang Tsung

Stats:
* Strength: 9
* Speed: 9
* Endurance: 9

Overview:
Shang Tsung is a powerful sorcerer who can transform into any other character in the game. He has a balanced stat line and a wide range of special moves. Additionally, his signature move, the Soul Steal, can instantly kill an opponent.

Conclusion

Mortal Kombat 1 is a timeless classic that has spawned a vast franchise of sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations. The game's iconic characters and innovative fighting system have made it one of the most popular fighting games of all time. While the game's balance is not perfect, the top 10 fighters listed above are all capable of winning a tournament if played by a skilled player.

Tables

Table 1: Fighter Stats

Table 2: Fighter Special Moves

Table 3: Fighter Matchup Chart

| Fighter | Johnny Cage | Kano | Raiden | Liu Kang | Sub-Zero | Scorpion | Reptile | Sonya Blade | Goro | Shang Tsung |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnny Cage | - | 1-0 | 0-1 | 1-0 | 0-1 | 1-0 | 0-1 | 1-0 | 0-1 | 0-1 |
| Kano | 0-1 | - | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 |
| Raiden | 1-0 | 1-0 | - | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 0-1 | 0-1 |
| Liu Kang | 0-1 | 1-0 | 0-1 | - | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 0-1 | 0-1 |
| Sub-Zero | 1-0 | 1-0 | 0-1 | 0-1 | - | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 0-1 | 0-1 |
| Scorpion | 0-1 | 1-0 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | - | 1-0 | 1-0 | 0-1 | 0-1 |
| Reptile | 1-0 | 1-0 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | - | 1-0 | 0-1 | 0-1 |
| Sonya Blade | 0-1 | 1-0 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | - | 0-1 | 0-1 |
| Goro | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | - | 1-0 |
| Shang Tsung | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 0-1 | - |

Table 4: Fighter Tier List