Year of release: 1992
Platform of choice: Arcade

An incredibly controversial release, this bloody fighter tested your might and your stomach with levels of gore that were unrivalled in video games at the time.

A spiritual sequel to the brawler Pit Fighter, rumour has always surrounded Mortal Kombat, stating it was originally intended to feature Jean-Claude Van Damme. This did not work out and so the character of Johnny Cage was born.

Fun to play, the first game of the franchise has gone down in gaming history. Plus the series is still kicking, with Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe on its way to next generation consoles soon.