Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero

Midway Games
Company type	Private
Industry	Video games
Founded	1989
Headquarters	Chicago, Illinois, United States
Key people	John Tobias (co-creator and designer)
Products	Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero

Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero is an action-adventure title released in 1997, developed and published by Midway Games for the PlayStation and Nintendo 64 platforms. As a derivative work from the Mortal Kombat series, it represents the franchise's initial entry outside of the traditional fighting game genre. The narrative is set prior to the events of the original 1992 installment, focusing on Bi-Han, the elder Sub-Zero, who embarks on a mission to retrieve the amulet belonging to Shinnok. Additionally, this game functions as a prequel to Mortal Kombat 4, introducing characters and plot points that are expanded upon in that sequel. It is also notable for being the final game in the franchise to feature digitized actor graphics.

Critical reception was mixed, with the PlayStation edition generally favored due to its integration of live-action cinematic sequences and its effective adaptation of gameplay style. Nonetheless, critiques were directed at its control scheme and the difficulty level of its stages. Over time, retrospective reviews have tended toward a more unfavorable view, with some labeling it as one of the least successful titles in the Mortal Kombat lineup.

Gameplay

Although categorized as an action-adventure game, Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero utilizes control mechanics reminiscent of the 2D Mortal Kombat fighting games. The player operates four distinct attack buttons, along with separate block and run controls similar to those found in Mortal Kombat 3. Sub-Zero's movement system includes a dedicated "turn" button for changing facing direction and an "action" button used for interacting with objects in the environment. A status interface displays inventory items, experience points accumulated, and special abilities unlocked.

Players begin with a modest health bar and a limited number of extra lives. Gaining experience points through executing combos enhances Sub-Zero’s power and grants access to new special attacks. An "ice meter" fuels these special moves; it replenishes over time or can be restored by collecting specific items. Advancement through the game involves acquiring essential key items, with progress saved via password entry.

Plot

Taking place before the events of the original Mortal Kombat, the storyline centers on Lin Kuei assassin Sub-Zero, who is contracted by sorcerer Quan Chi to steal a map from a Shaolin temple. Along his journey, Sub-Zero confronts Shaolin monks as well as his adversary Scorpion from the Shirai Ryu clan—also hired by Quan Chi. After defeating Scorpion and securing the map, Sub-Zero delivers it to Quan Chi, who then eradicates the Shirai Ryu clan. Subsequently, Quan Chi dispatches Sub-Zero to Nepal’s Temple of Elements to retrieve an amulet described as having significant sentimental importance.

Within the temple, Sub-Zero faces various trials and defeats elemental deities guarding the amulet. Upon acquiring it, Quan Chi reveals it serves as the power source for the fallen Elder God Shinnok before fleeing with it. The thunder god Raiden accuses Sub-Zero of wrongdoing and commands him to recover the amulet from the Netherealm.

While imprisoned in the Prison of Souls, Sub-Zero encounters and defeats Scorpion’s undead apparition once more. He then battles Quan Chi’s minions—Kia, Sareena, and Jataaka—gathers crystals needed for transportation, and infiltrates Quan Chi's stronghold. After overcoming these foes and sparing Sareena’s life, Sub-Zero confronts Quan Chi directly. With Sareena delivering the final blow to Quan Chi, Shinnok intervenes by incapacitating Sareena; however, Sub-Zero manages to seize the amulet and either defeats Shinnok or escapes through Raiden’s portal to deliver it.

Upon returning to Lin Kuei headquarters, Sub-Zero receives an invitation from sorcerer Shang Tsung to participate in the Mortal Kombat tournament.

Characters

Sub-Zero
Scorpion
Raiden
Quan Chi
Shinnok
Sareena
Wind God
Earth God – One of four protectors appointed by Raiden to guard Shinnok's amulet, ultimately defeated by Sub-Zero. Recognized for his immense stature and earth-manipulating powers.
Water God – Another amulet guardian wielding water-based abilities, who was also overcome by Sub-Zero.
Fire God – The final guardian assigned by Raiden, possessing fire powers that resisted Sub-Zero’s freezing attacks before being defeated in combat.
Kia – A sub-boss and assassin affiliated with the Brotherhood of Shadow, serving Quan Chi and Shinnok. She is the initial opponent among three assassins that Sub-Zero must defeat to obtain crystals powering a teleporter. Known for her speed and use of a razor-edged boomerang.
Jataaka – A subsequent Brotherhood assassin and sub-boss, faster and stronger than Kia, utilizing laser sword techniques.

Development

Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero was created over roughly 14 months, with public development starting in late 1996. Co-creator and designer John Tobias aimed to deepen Sub-Zero’s lore. The development team at Midway’s Chicago branch consisted of five artists, two programmers, and one sound designer.

The title integrated digitized live actors for humanoid characters alongside real-time 3D graphics representing enemies and backgrounds, advancing visual fidelity beyond earlier Mortal Kombat entries. Storytelling employed cinematic sequences combining live-action footage shot against green screens with digitally rendered 3D environments. Filming took about one week, followed by approximately a month of post-production work.

Reception

Reactions to Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero were mixed. IGN described it as "a promising concept on paper but a poor game in execution," while Next Generation criticized its frustrating gameplay despite incorporating some RPG elements. In contrast, Jeff Gerstmann from GameSpot praised it as "an impressive fusion of fighting mechanics and platforming." Spanish publication Superjuegos appreciated the genre combination, calling it "a genuine pleasure" for fans of beat-em-ups and adventure games. GamePro found it "engaging and entertaining yet ultimately tiring," recognizing its solid action gameplay.

Commendations were directed toward the experience point system for move acquisition, the graphics—especially the 3D backgrounds—and the FMV cutscenes. However, stiff character animations and a limited range of enemies attracted criticism. Level layouts and camera perspectives frequently concealed platforms, resulting in blind jumps. The most frequent complaint concerned awkward and sluggish controls; some players were frustrated by having to press a button to make Sub-Zero turn around. Electronic Gaming Monthly compared these control issues to the worst frustrations from the NES era amplified significantly.

The Nintendo 64 edition faced stronger negative feedback due to downgraded audio quality and omission of FMV cutscenes, which many regarded as the game's highlight. Some reviewers noted that its visuals appeared faded compared to the PlayStation version, though opinions differed. GamePro suggested the N64 version was better suited for rental than purchase. Even reviewers who favored the PlayStation release expressed disappointment with this port. French magazine Game Play 64 provided mixed assessments but indicated that franchise enthusiasts might still find it enjoyable. Brazilian publication Ação Games awarded both editions a 9/10 score, praising graphics, sound design, and gameplay.

Looking back, retrospective critiques tended to be more unfavorable; Game Informer's "Replay" segment labeled it "utterly terrible." In 2011, IGN's Daemon Hatfield ranked it among the worst titles in the Mortal Kombat franchise, noting that its poor reception contributed to cancellation of planned sequels. UGO Networks included its FMV scenes in their list of "The Worst Cutscenes In Gaming History," citing weak acting and effects. GamesRadar’s Mikel Reparaz summarized the game as "a disastrous combination of unattractive sprites, unfair deaths, and a cumbersome button required just to change direction," concluding that silence is preferable regarding this title.

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