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Mortal Kombat

Review · Fighting · Commodore / Amiga · SEGA CD · SNES

Mortal Kombat

Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026

Commodore / Amiga · SEGA CD · SNES · Game Gear · SEGA Master System · Game Boy · PC · Genesis

Midway Games · 1992

Ludograph rating

C

Mixed

51 /100

Mortal Kombat is a fighting game that develops hand-eye coordination and reaction time, but features graphic violence suitable only for mature teens.

06010030BenefitLow riskB 34 · R 1
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

34

Risk (RIS)

1

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.38
B2Social-emotional
0.00
B3Motor
0.75

Mortal Kombat is a classic fighting game that offers intense one-on-one combat. It hones hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and reaction time through its unique control scheme and combo-based attacks. Players can also develop strategic thinking by learning character moves and anticipating opponent actions. The competitive nature of the game, while intense, can also foster a desire for mastery and improvement.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.00
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.06

Mortal Kombat is infamous for its graphic violence, particularly the 'Fatality' finishing moves, which may be disturbing for younger players. The game's competitive focus can also lead to frustration. While there are no explicit monetization risks, the content itself requires careful consideration due to its mature themes.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.33
R4.3Language
0.33
R4.4Substance References
0.00
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.67

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Regulatory design checks · DSAAssessed: meets criteria·GDPR-KAssessed: meets criteria·ODDSAssessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. No privacy or child-targeting concerns found.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

Parents ask…

Is Mortal Kombat safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Mortal Kombat a rating of 51/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It delivers genuine benefits but carries design risks that deserve a close look.

What age is Mortal Kombat appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for Mortal Kombat, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play Mortal Kombat?

We don't publish a daily session budget for Mortal Kombat: its design-risk score sits in our highest band, where limiting time alone doesn't address the risks. For children we suggest choosing an alternative instead.

What are the main risks of Mortal Kombat?

Mortal Kombat is infamous for its graphic violence, particularly the 'Fatality' finishing moves, which may be disturbing for younger players. The game's competitive focus can also lead to frustration. While there are no explicit monetization risks, the content itself requires careful consideration due to its mature themes.