Liu Kang
Shaolin monk and Earthrealm champion who relies on fast martial-arts attacks and bicycle kicks.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
D-pad | Move, jump, crouch, and select menu options. |
|---|---|
Start | Pause the game and confirm menu selections. |
D-pad Down | Crouch. |
Control notes
Exact attack-button assignments depend on the Genesis controller configuration and should be checked against the game’s control screen.
How it plays
How does Mortal Kombat II play?
Players select a fighter and battle through a sequence of one-on-one matches. A round is won by depleting the opponent’s health, and the match is won by taking the required number of rounds.
The roster includes returning warriors, new characters, hidden opponents, and bosses. Fighters use punches, kicks, crouching attacks, jumping attacks, throws, blocks, and character-specific special moves. Winning matches advances the player toward Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn, while a two-player mode supports direct competition.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Mortal Kombat II?
Learn the range and recovery of one reliable normal attack before practicing special moves. Blocking is essential because reckless jumping and repeated attacks are easy for the computer to punish.
Use the practice of spacing: stay just outside the opponent’s attack range, then respond with a sweep, jump attack, throw, or character-specific special move. Save fatalities and other finishing inputs for the end of the match and practice their distance requirements separately.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Kung Lao
A former White Lotus member who fights with a razor-edged hat and precise martial arts.
Johnny Cage
A movie star whose fast strikes and exaggerated special techniques make him a returning Earthrealm fighter.
Sub-Zero
A cryomancer capable of freezing opponents and creating ice-based attacks.
Scorpion
An undead ninja who uses a kunai-tipped spear, teleportation, and hellfire.
Raiden
Thunder god and protector of Earthrealm who uses lightning and supernatural movement.
Reptile
A hidden lizard-like warrior combining stealth, acid, and attacks associated with other ninjas.
Shang Tsung
A sorcerer who can transform into other fighters and serves as a major tournament opponent.
Kitana
An Edenian princess wielding steel fans and elegant acrobatic attacks.
Mileena
A dangerous assassin with paired sai and a monstrous Tarkatan heritage.
Jax
Earthrealm special forces officer who uses powerful punches, grabs, and ground slams.
Baraka
Tarkatan warrior with extendable arm blades and aggressive close-range attacks.
Jade
A hidden green-clad warrior who uses a staff and evasive abilities.
Shao Kahn
Outworld emperor and the game’s final boss, armed with a hammer and overwhelming power.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Use blocking to stop aggressive opponents and look for punish opportunities.
- 2
Learn each fighter’s finishing input and required distance in a safe practice session.
- 3
Jade and Smoke are hidden encounters rather than standard roster characters in the original arcade design.
Community discussion
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