The Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection just got weirder and maybe a bit braver. Atari has confirmed that Mythologies: Sub-Zero and Special Forces, two of the most notorious games in the franchise, will be included. But the real twist? An ultra-rare network arcade version of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 is joining them.
This isn’t just a nostalgia grab. It’s preservation, warts and all.
Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection pulls no punches
Digital Eclipse isn’t playing it safe here. Rather than glossing over the awkward corners of the series, it’s embracing them. Both Mythologies and Special Forces were known for clunky controls, odd design choices, and reception that ranged from lukewarm to scathing. Yet they’re still part of the timeline. Pretending otherwise would be dishonest and frankly, boring.
Adding the arcade-only UMK3 WaveNet version makes this package even more compelling. Only tested in San Francisco and Chicago, the online-enabled cabinet version was never released publicly. It used a T1 line to communicate with Midway HQ. That tech was ahead of its time, even if it didn’t make it out of test markets.
What makes these Mortal Kombat oddballs worth revisiting?
Let’s be clear: these aren’t fan favorites. But they are fascinating time capsules. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Mythologies: Sub-Zero (1997): Side-scrolling beat-’em-up with fighting mechanics, starring the elder Sub-Zero.
- Special Forces (2000): Top-down adventure featuring Jax, plagued by troubled development.
- UMK3 WaveNet: A hidden legend from the arcade scene, finally seeing daylight.
Preserving these helps show how wide Mortal Kombat once swung, even if it missed.
Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection still has secrets
The full lineup hasn’t been revealed yet, and there’s no digital release date. But we know one thing: it’s getting a physical Switch 2 release on December 12, 2025, straight from Atari. That hints this isn’t just a throwaway cash-in, it’s a curated archive.
Rare arcade version joins the flops for a reason
It’s easy to celebrate the classics. But owning the ugly parts of your history? That’s bold. Mortal Kombat didn’t just arrive polished and perfect. It fought, flailed, and figured itself out sometimes awkwardly. Legacy Kollection remembers that. And now, so will we.
{{user}} {{datetime}}
{{text}}