The entire world has three fighting games: Tekken, Mortal Kombat, and Street Fighter. Everything else lies somewhere below these two giants. In recent years, we have experienced the development of the classical conflict in the form of many new installments of Tekken and Mortal Kombat, which critics and fans have greatly appreciated. So, with those two on the run, we decided to settle this once and for all – which games are better – Tekken or Mortal Kombat?

To do so, we picked the latest in the series (and the latest in our offer – remember – you’ll get 20% off if you subscribe to our newsletter) – Mortal Kombat 1 and Tekken 8,  to fully present to you which one is actually the most excellent fighting game.

Starting with – a little bit of history. As you may know, both of those franchises go waaay back, to the 90s even! So, it’s only understandable to go through the legacy of both franchises to fully understand the scope and development that happened in both of these series. Let’s see which one will prevail!

Mortal Kombat 1

Starting with Mortal Kombat. The franchise was initiated in 1992 as an arcade game. There are currently 12 games in the series, each topping the previous one regarding mechanics and guest characters. Netherrealm Studios does their best not only to honor the tradition of the original Mortal Kombat games but also to pay homage to the previous titles. It has been decades since the first title's release, so if you want to play a game that your predecessors were perfecting in the 90s – this is a title for you. Additionally, you can’t just overestimate the pop cultural phenomenon that is Mortal Kombat, both as a game itself but also as a TV series, music, and many films, some better than others, of course. It’s a whole package, so it’s definitely worth checking out!

Tekken 8

Tekken also has a long history of games, dating back to 1994 as an arcade and a PS1 title. The latest, the 11th game, was released in 2024. Here, the story is not about saving the world but rather about the Mishima family, which, well, has its own problems. We have the natural, the supernatural, and everything in between. There are devils incarnated, angels, and a lot of family infighting. More on that – later.

Tekken became popular as an arcade game. It was much faster and much more combo-oriented than the Mortal Kombat series, so it found itself a group of people who were all over it back in the day. With charismatic fighters like Jin, Kazuya, and the famous Heinhachi – people fell in love with it. Namco Bandai did a great job of combining an interesting story with plenty of different characters you could play around with.

Verdict

Although we love our Tekken friends and foes, we just have to give this one to Mortal Kombat. It’s…well, Mortal Kombat. The franchise has transgressed into popular culture, and with so many movies (and controversies) surrounding this game, it feels like the legacy of this one is much stronger. Of course, both stories are well within their right to be at the very top, but we feel that Mortal Kombat should be a bit higher in that regard.

You may be wondering – what can we say is different when it comes to gameplay in both of those games? How can you differentiate between them, as those are just fighting games? You have your kick, punch, and grab, right? Well, it’s much more complicated than that!

Mortal Kombat 1

Starting with – Mortal Kombat. It’s a game that has been one of the best fighting games for years, and some of the recent installments have been praised for the studio's advancement to the gameplay. In this one, we have the old and gold combos, fatalities, brutalities, and everything, but also a new Kameo Fighters, where you can get assistance from one of the characters in order to bring even more damage to the opponent. They can become an Ambush that can be performed regardless of what the player is doing and Summons when you need to remain in one place. Even more, they get their own Fatalities and Brutalities, so there’s a lot to look forward to!

Tekken 8

Tekken, on the other hand, has always produced some of the craziest aerial combos ever to be witnessed in a fighting game. The latest installment introduces a more aggressive system of fighting that promotes attacking rather than defending. Players who are more aggressive will be rewarded thanks to the new “Heat” system. Players in this state get additional movements, their attacks are stronger, and it’s much harder to guard against. Additionally, you can dash-cancel your moves. It’s a great implementation that made this already fast game even faster and more energetic!

Verdict

Although we love our “COME OVER HERE” from Scorpion and those X-Ray-style attacks, the fighting in Tekken just feels more complete. It’s not rushed, but a thought-through experience that we just can’t get enough of. This does mean that the fighting in Mortal Kombat is anything but amazing, as those are just two of the best fighting games ever, but they are a little more stale than what we can see in Tekken 8.

The next round is the graphics department. And here – we can safely say that it can go either way. It’s all about personal preferences and what kind of art style you like. Tekken is more flashy and dark, while Mortal Kombat feels fiery and vibrant. Which one is better? Well, let’s see.

Mortal Kombat 1

Mortal Kombat has always been trying to present itself as close to the realistic as possible, making the gruesome parts we have seen on our screens even more tragic in some instances, for our fun, of course. Even the sprites in the first game looked a bit more like human faces than any colorful creatures you’d imagine. The latest installment introduces of the most impressive visuals we have ever seen in the series. It’s realistic colorful, Unreal Engine 4 is doing the best it can, that’s for sure! The stages can now be destroyed and with a right kick – you can get through the walls to the other side! It’s definitely an evolution, but we would not consider it revolutionary in any way, shape or form.

Tekken 8

On the other hand, Tekken 8 has more realistic graphics and impressive mechanics. Why is that? Fortunately for the Iron Fist Tournament, they managed to get their hands on the new Unreal Engine 5. And – you can see the difference. Both have interactive 3D arenas, but those arenas in Tekken 8 look much better. Attack animations, hair, facial expressions – it’s just stunning. The amount of details you can see in every frame just blows our mind.

Verdict

Although it’s unfair, we just have to give it to the Tekken series. Let’s face it: they have a better engine, and they can do quite a lot with it. Unfortunately, Mortal Kombat 1 did not get the latest update to the fantastic Unreal Engine, so they are missing out a lot of time. For those who have played both games, let us know which one made you feel the most immersed in the gameplay – graphics-wise.

Let’s face it – characters are what drive the fighting games. If they are weak, you will never get any traction with your game. And with strong and charismatic ones – your game will flourish, even though it may not be the best title ever. Just think about it. What would Super Smash Bros be without Mario and Luigi? If Warner Bros did not consent to use their characters, would Injustice even happen? Let’s see what our contestants will do in this department.

Mortal Kombat 1

Starting with the Mortal Kombat one, those are some of the most iconic characters ever to be seen on a big screen. We have the God Liu-Kang, Raiden, Scorpion, and Sub-Zero, with guest appearances from such classic fighters as Homelander and Omni-Man!

This game is packed with crazy, exciting characters, with new additions coming every new game. Mortal Kombat has 22 playable ones in the roster, and you can get Shang Tsung extra if you get the pre-order. Next, six characters were added with the Kombat Pack.

Mortal Kombat has some of the most iconic characters ever to be seen in the gaming world, and the famous deep-voiced “SCORPION” is a classic line everyone knows.

Tekken 8

Tekken, on the other hand, does not have to be ashamed of anything in that regard. Those are well-developed characters, and every entry has something new and interesting to offer. The main ones are definitely from the Mishima family – Jin, Kazuya, Heihachi, but also Jack-5 (Jack-8 in this particular game), fan-favorite Yoshimitsu – a robot with a sword, we have pandas, Bruce Lee-lookalike and plenty more fascinating characters. Each of them has a deep and interesting story to share with all of you, as well as some of the most iconic lines ever!

Verdict

In our opinion – this is a draw. Although we love the Mortal Kombat characters, we definitely have a special place in our hearts for all the ones coming from the Tekken series. Those are the iconic contenders with special abilities that are escaping our cognition. It’s safe to say that both games did an excellent job of creating memorable characters with a lot to say and a lot to come back to. What will happen to Devil Jin? Will Kazuya take over? Will Heihachi get ressurected? What about the Demons?! Those are just some of the questions you may ask yourself while playing.

And finally, we have the competitive scene, meaning – if gamers are actually playing those games online. Both titles are being played in the tournaments, and both are among the best fighting games in the world. Also – the most popular ones. It’s only understandable that people may be looking for some plays online after defeating “The Final Boss!”. So, let’s see how it all plays out!

Mortal Kombat 1

In Mortal Kombat 1, multiplayer options are plenty! You can play a tournament online or a versus game, and there is much for you to enjoy.

• Mortal Kombat 1 Pro Kompetition – it’s an offline and online game, where you can fight to become the very best! Of course, you need to qualify first, as the seats are limited in that department. The online community is welcoming, and you will have great fun. However, we advise you to play around a bit against bots, as the online experience is quite different from what you have seen on the medium difficulty.

• Kasual Versus – you can play with your friends on a couch or online;

• Kombat League – here, you can really show off your skills and make them respect you; from the apprentice to Elder God, you can climb the ranks and make the most out of your journey.

Tekken 8

On the other hand, we have the Tekken 8 approach. You can play with your friends; there are tournaments that you can participate in, and even some pro competitions where you can show them all what you’re made of. And – utilize this sick 20-move combo you have just invented for yourself.

Additionally, Tekken has introduced an exciting ladder system, where you can advance your character by fighting enemies online and getting special prizes. With each advancement, you will get a new title, from Beginner to God of Destruction! It’s an amusing concept, and we are all about implementing this idea into the fighting game genre. After completing story mode, it just gives you a lot more time with a game.

Verdict

We've got mad love for the Pro Kompetition, but let's keep it real – sometimes it feels a bit too pro for our taste. That's where Tekken steps in and steals the show. With Tekken, it's not just about competing; it's about leveling up your skills and feeling that rush of accomplishment with each new title you conquer.

There's a sense of growth and progression that keeps you coming back for more, pushing yourself to master new techniques and strategies. Don't get us wrong, Mortal Kombat is dope in its own right, but it needs that same spark. Sure, you can brawl with other players 'til the end of time, but in our experience, Tekken just offers a lot more to sink your teeth into.

As you can see – there can only be one winner. In our book – it’s Tekken 8. We feel like even though Mortal Kombat 1 is a great addition to the franchise, Tekken 8 is a much more polished title. Everything lands where it seems that it is supposed to, and the addition of a more aggressive system of fighting was a top concept for sure.

It’s not saying that there is an ocean between the two games, as both of them look and feel fantastic, just in a closer comparison, we tend to opt for the more developed title rather than a game that has great combat and characters, but has its problems with bugs and graphics.

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