The fan-driven adaptation of Mortal Kombat II for the 3DO console is approaching completion and has been described as nearly “ready to go.” This ambitious endeavor, spearheaded by the group known as 3DO HD, aims to bring the arcade version of the game to a platform that never officially supported it, delivering an experience that closely mirrors the original arcade gameplay.

Significant progress has been made since the project’s initial coverage in 2023. A recent YouTube video features “release candidate gameplay,” showcasing how close the port is to completion. The footage demonstrates that both the character sprites and backgrounds remain incredibly faithful to the original arcade version, garnering positive feedback from retro gaming aficionados. Notably, Video Game Esoterica, a retro gaming news channel, has lauded it as the “best home port of Mortal Kombat II” following their hands-on experience with a beta version of the game.

This port aims to preserve all original characters and stages from the arcade edition while introducing additional features such as a single-player mode, a two-player versus mode, a casual mode without timers or health indicators, and a stage explorer mode. The developers are also contemplating the inclusion of secret fighters. While they are ambitious with their goals, they recognize the technical obstacles posed by the 3DO’s hardware constraints, including its lower resolution and limited memory capacity. Some trade-offs have been unavoidable, but the team is committed to minimizing these while ensuring a high-quality experience.

Prior to its public release, 3DO HD intends to gather feedback from a select group of testers and channels. Once finalized, this fan-made port will be freely available, allowing Mortal Kombat II enthusiasts to enjoy this iconic game on the 3DO console, decades after its initial launch.