Mortal Kombat 3 [PS1, Windows, MS-DOS] – Version Differences
90s Video Games, Episode 179
Mortal! On your knees! This is Shao Kahn, the emperor of the Outworld!
In today’s episode, I am going to compare PC and Playstation versions of Mortal Kombat 3. There were 3 of them, as there are two different versions on PC. One, 16-bit port was developed for the MS-DOS by Sculptured Software and the other, 32-bit port for the Windows 95 by GT Interactive.
Interestingly enough, the 1996 PC version was released as a dual-release disc, therefore it works on both, Windows 95 and MS-DOS systems. Pretty cool, huh?
Windows version is actually a direct port of the PS1 version, it still has loading between fights and every time Shang Tsung morphs. Windows 95 port also features the 3D cube menu that the Playstation version of MK3 used. The MS-DOS port looks and feels more similar to the Genesis and SNES versions, featuring the crumpled paper looking blue menu.
Did you know that the MS-DOS version also contains a hidden redbook audio track (Track 47) with a narration of a story in reverse?
Unlike in the MS-DOS version, in PS1 and Windows ports, the announcer only says fight.
Announcer? It is me!
Another noticeable difference between PC ports is that in MS-DOS version, you could unlock secrets by using Kommand Prompt Kodes. Meaning, that you could insert codes while booting the game.
MS-DOS version also had insane exclusive features such as Noob Saibot and invisible modes, mirror mode, turbo and slow-motion modes, fat, giant, miniature and tiny flying people modes and most importantly, the tournament mode. Bosses are also playable only in MS-DOS version. Windows and Playstation versions on the other hand, had hidden arenas such as Noob’s Dorfen and Hidden Portal, and some unique cheat codes. There are even more differences – some of the animalities and friendships are slightly different, some of the winning poses are different.
In Windows version, there is 100% combo for Cyrax. Computer doesn’t count it as combo, but unless your opponent blocks your keyboard, you can do unlimited throws with yellow robot.
MS-DOS port is considered as the best port of MK3, with no loading times since the game is installed onto the hard drive. The character sprites are big just like the Arcade version. Visually however, it’s 16-bit grainy MS-DOS version against 32-bit versions on Windows and PS1. So if you are fine with loading times and rather prefer clearer picture, you should pick either of the 32-bit ports.
Let me know in comments, which one of these three do you prefer and why?
Now, let enjoy the gameplay, side by side!
