User blog comment:Crazydawg000/MK importance/@comment-5645403-20130330065019

There are at least three innovations I can think of that MK started in its debut. I'll list them in ascending order:


 * 1) 1) The First Secret Character.

Reptile was the first character to ever be hidden for a vs. game. He was a legendary opponent.


 * 1) 2) The First Violent Fighting Game

MK was so violent for its time that the ESRB was created, thanks to Kano & Sub-Zero's fatalities!


 * 1) 3) The First Truly Diverse Roster

Shaolin Monk, Elemental Deity, Supernatural Ninjas, Female Soldier, Movie Star and a Cyborg. The warriors came from America, China, Japan and beyond. Each one had their own color and techniques, background and appearance, etc.

This game laid the foundation for what would become a huge mythology of supernaturally strong warriors across entire realms. Street Fighter, Tekken and the like focus way too little on character development. They got NOTHING on Mortal Kombat when it comes to design.