I remember seeing this game in the entrance of one of our grocery stores right next to NBA jams. It was fun and certainly something that enticed gamers to learn the various finishing moves and what not, but it was also pretty brilliant because since almost none of the moves were printed on the machines (I don't think any of the finishers were) people were inclined to buy the various overpriced guidebooks in order to be a big time player at the arcades.
It was always impressive to see one of those guys at the arcades that could dominate any opponents (one of my super nerdy pals was one of those guys) that could stay on the machine for an hour on one quarter due to the obligation for payment laid on the new person joining the game.
He knew all of the finishing move for every character and that took a really high level of dedication to master. That was back when arcades were just the greatest place in the world for teens.
RE: Mortal Kombat Demands Arcade Gamers FINISH HIM – Today in Retro Gaming – October 8th, 1992