Obviously, Mortal Kombat never saw an official release on the Atari 2600. That has not stopped fans such as AtariAge forum member freshbrood from attempting it. This work in progress is already quite impressive, even if it is currently at .03.1 release. What is amazing about Ninja Kombat is just how faithful it is to the source material, Mortal Kombat 1 and 2.
According to the AtariAge forum post by freshbrood, Ninja Kombat has a much loftier goal in mind.
Basically, they are working on making this a one-on-one fighting game engine that others can easily modify by adding fighters and such. If you are familiar with the independent fighting game development circuit, then you probably know about MUGEN. Basically, a 2D one-one-one fighting game engine that allows you to add fighters of your choice.
Want to set up that dream match pitting Ryu from Street Fighter against Scorpion from Mortal Kombat? No problem, just download the necessary files, edit a few text files here and there, and you may be done. Same for pitting say, one generation of a fighter against a later generation of them. Talk about Generational Championship Edition.
Ninja Kombat is aiming to be MUGEN for the Atari 2600 and that is quite a lofty goal to say the least.Right now, it features Mortal Kombat 1 fighters with Mortal Kombat 2 combos. Not a bad combination.
According to freshbrood, he wants to squeeze down Ninja Kombat to fit 32k to help with compatibility between console revisions and cartridges. This presents a large challenge but judging by the work on how in the release file, freshbrood knows what he is doing.
2 player mode is implemented, just press fire on the second controller to join in the fun. You do have to wait till Player 1 has selected their character first though.
Graphically, no one thinks this will rival anything Mortal Kombat but what is here is quite clear and clean. Jump kicks are easily identifiable, the characters are distinguishable, even in their limited Atari 2600 graphics. All this done is Batari Basic too.
Saying I am impressed is an understatement.
Grab the game file over on the AtariAge forums and maybe sign up, leave some comments of support too. It is not often these types of games are made and the people behind them, I am sure, would love to know others enjoy their work. Please read freshbroods initial post and respect the one rule he puts forward.
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