Mortal Kombat 4 is a one-on-one fighter that marks the series' shift to 3D character models while keeping the core combat intact. You pick from 15 fighters at launch—series regulars like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Liu Kang, Sonya Blade, and Johnny Cage return alongside newcomers including Fujin, Jarek, and Kai. The roster expands with unlockable characters as you progress. Shinnok, a fallen Elder God who escaped the Netherrealm, serves as the main antagonist after conquering Edenia with help from the sorcerer Quan Chi and traitor Tanya. Thunder god Raiden rallies Earthrealm's warriors to stop Shinnok's revenge plot against the Elder Gods who originally banished him. Goro returns as a boss encounter. It's the franchise's first 3D entry, transitioning the brutal fatality-driven combat into polygonal arenas while maintaining the tournament structure fans expect.
