Mortal Kombat

The Good
The graphics, while not as great as the SNES version, are quite impressive for Mega Drive standards, even though the colour schemes don't match the arcade.

The controls and gameplay are more akin to the arcade version than the SNES version, but it is mostly because of the wider screen and smaller characters. Some moves, like Kano's rolling ball, are easier to pull off in this one. Also, the fact that the blood is included in this version through a code( press A,C,A,C,A,B,B on the "Codes of Honour" screen) makes this version palatable

The Bad
The sound and music department. Even though they're still good for Mega Drive standards, you'll strain your ears and mess around with the volume. The simple fact is that this version simply is missing most of the arcade voices and grunts. It feels like I'm watching a silent movie most of the time because the grunts are so far in between.

The music is a mixed bag: some Mega Drive renditions of arcade music are well-done and catchy such as the Pit theme (played in the Throne Room), others like the one in Goro's Lair sound like an incoherent mess that makes them unrecognisable to those familiar with the arcade tunes.

The controls, while responsive, are compromised a bit due to choppy animation and a delay in-between-jumps.

The Bottom Line
Compared to the SNES version, this one is not the one to buy, at least when it comes to sights and sounds, but the controls are just as smooth and responsive as the SNES, and the blood will keep you around as well.

I'd stick with the SNES version for its better overall quality despite the absence of blood, but every once in a while I try this one out without regrets.