Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero (PS1) Playthrough
6Playthrough of Midway's 1997 platformer/beat 'em up for the Playstation, Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero.
Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero is a spin-off game from the Mortal Kombat fighting game series, released for the PlayStation in 1997. Unlike the mainline entries in the series, this title blends traditional 2D fighting mechanics with side-scrolling platformer and adventure elements. The game focuses entirely on the character Sub-Zero, diving into his backstory and exploring the events that occurred before the original Mortal Kombat tournament.
Players take on the role of Sub-Zero, a Lin Kuei assassin, as he is tasked by the sorcerer Quan Chi to retrieve a powerful amulet from the Temple of Elements. As the story unfolds, Sub-Zero uncovers the dark truth behind Quan Chi’s intentions and becomes entangled in a deeper conflict involving gods and the realm of Earth. This narrative serves to humanize Sub-Zero, revealing layers of his personality and motivations that weren’t explored in the main fighting games.
Gameplay is a mixture of combat, puzzle-solving, and platforming. Sub-Zero’s moveset incorporates many of his signature abilities from the Mortal Kombat series, including his ice projectiles and slide attack. However, the game also demands precise jumping and navigating traps, which many players found frustrating due to stiff controls and unforgiving mechanics. Unlike traditional Mortal Kombat games, enemies often require more strategic approaches and repeated attacks rather than one-on-one duels.
Visually, the game retains the digitized actor look that the franchise was known for at the time, although the animations and transitions between moves feel more sluggish compared to the main series. Cutscenes feature live-action actors and early CGI, providing a cinematic layer to the story. Despite its ambitious approach to storytelling and gameplay variety, the game was met with mixed reviews. Critics praised the effort to expand the Mortal Kombat universe but criticized the poor control scheme, awkward level design, and inconsistent difficulty.
Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero remains a cult title for fans of the franchise. While it didn’t receive widespread acclaim, it set the groundwork for future narrative-driven Mortal Kombat entries and contributed to the lore in meaningful ways. It’s remembered both for its ambition and its flaws, standing as a unique experiment in blending fighting game DNA with action-adventure storytelling.