《真人快打2》（Mortal Kombat II）是Midway Games於1993年推出的格鬥遊戲，也是該系列的第二部作品。在劇情、遊戲機制、角色設計和視覺效果上進行全面升級，為系列奠定更深厚的基礎。當時在推出後受到玩家和媒體的廣泛讚譽。在街機平台上大受歡迎，並迅速移植到多個家用主機和PC平台，如Super Nintendo、Sega Genesis和MS-DOS等，銷量表現極為亮眼。

故事緊接著初代的劇情展開。在上一場「真人快打」比賽中，地球界的少林武僧劉康（Liu Kang）擊敗外域的邪惡巫師尚宗（Shang Tsung），成功保衛地球界。然而，尚宗向其主人紹康（Shao Kahn）請求再次機會，沙奎塔決定舉辦一場新的比賽，地點設在外域（Outworld），這是充滿黑暗與危險的世界。沙奎塔意圖通過誘使地球界的戰士進入外域，將他們一網打盡。

參賽的地球界戰士包括劉康、強尼·凱奇（Johnny Cage）、索尼婭布雷德（Sonya Blade）和新加入的角色，如傑克斯（Jax）和空佬（Kung Lao）。外域方面則有紹康的得力助手們，包括尚宗、新的忍者角色蜥蜴人（Reptile）以及其他強大的戰士。故事的核心是挑戰一系列對手，最終面對紹康，試圖擊敗他並阻止外域吞併地球界。

在操作系統上延續前作的基礎，同時進行部分改進與優化，使其更加流暢且具有深度。依然使用高低拳、高低踢以及格擋按鍵的組合操作，但新增更多角色專屬的特殊技能和進階動作，讓每個角色都更具個性和戰術選擇。最受歡迎的機制依然是「死亡終結技」（Fatalities），但引入多種新的終結方式，例如：

•友誼終結技（Friendships）：會用滑稽或搞笑的方式結束比賽，取代暴力的死亡終結技。

•嬰兒終結技（Babalities）：將對手變成嬰兒，增添趣味性。

•環境終結技：利用場景中的特殊設計，如將對手擊落懸崖或投進酸池。

整體的動作更加快速流暢，角色間的平衡性也有提升。此外，AI的難度有所提高，特別是到後期的對手挑戰，需要更精確的操作與策略。

的關卡設計以外域為主要背景，氣氛陰森、壓迫感十足。每個擂台都有獨特的視覺設計與互動元素，增添沉浸感與挑戰性。以下是幾個經典的場景：

•死池（The Dead Pool）：充滿酸液的池塘，玩將對手踢進池中，完成環境終結。

•生肉森林（The Living Forest）：背景充滿詭異的樹木，樹幹上長著張牙舞爪的臉孔。

•皇帝寶座（Kahn’s Arena）：最終對決的場地，紹康端坐在寶座上，俯視玩家與其挑戰者的生死戰。

這些場景不僅烘托外域的詭異氛圍，也成為遊戲的重要特色之一。玩家和評論家普遍認為該作在各方面都超越初代，特別是角色數量的增加、畫面的提升以及更具深度的戰鬥系統，使其成為當時最成功的格鬥遊戲之一。然而，暴力內容依然引發不少爭議，特別是在引入更多殘酷終結技的情況下，這些內容成為輿論討論的焦點。從文化影響的角度來看，《真人快打2》鞏固該系列在格鬥遊戲史上的地位，也為之後的續作奠定基礎。它的成功讓Midway Games得以持續開發後續作品，並在後續拓展故事與格鬥機制。

Mortal Kombat II is a fighting game developed by Midway Games and released in 1993. As the second installment in the Mortal Kombat series, it introduced significant upgrades in storyline, gameplay mechanics, character design, and visuals, establishing a stronger foundation for the franchise. The game was highly praised by players and critics upon release and became a massive hit on arcade platforms, quickly being ported to various home consoles and PC platforms, including the Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and MS-DOS, achieving impressive sales.

Storyline

The story picks up immediately after the events of the first game. In the previous Mortal Kombat tournament, Earthrealm's Shaolin monk Liu Kang defeated Outworld's evil sorcerer Shang Tsung, successfully defending Earthrealm. However, Shang Tsung pleaded with his master, Shao Kahn, for another chance. Shao Kahn agreed and organized a new tournament set in Outworld, a dark and perilous realm. His plan was to lure Earthrealm's fighters into Outworld and eliminate them all at once.

The Earthrealm warriors include returning characters like Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, and Sonya Blade, along with new additions such as Jax and Kung Lao. On the Outworld side, Shao Kahn's forces include Shang Tsung, new ninja characters like Reptile, and other powerful fighters. The core of the story revolves around battling through a series of opponents, culminating in a showdown with Shao Kahn to prevent Outworld from conquering Earthrealm.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Building on the foundation of its predecessor, Mortal Kombat II introduced refined and deeper gameplay mechanics. It retained the high and low punches, high and low kicks, and block button mechanics, while adding more unique special moves and advanced techniques for each character, enhancing individuality and strategic options.

Key Features:

Finishers: The iconic "Fatalities" returned with even greater variety, alongside new types of finishing moves:

Friendships: Humorous or silly endings that replace violent fatalities.

Babalities: Transform the opponent into a baby for a lighthearted conclusion.

Stage Fatalities: Utilize environmental elements, such as knocking opponents into acid pits or off cliffs, for unique finishes.

Enhanced Combat: The overall combat flow became faster and more fluid, with improved balance among characters. AI opponents were more challenging, especially in later stages, requiring precision and strategy to overcome.

Stages and Atmosphere

Set primarily in the dark and eerie Outworld, the game featured atmospheric and oppressive stage designs. Each arena had unique visual elements and interactive features that heightened immersion and added new challenges. Iconic stages included:

The Dead Pool: A pool of acid where players could perform stage fatalities by knocking opponents into the acid.

The Living Forest: A creepy forest with trees bearing menacing faces.

Kahn’s Arena: The final stage where Shao Kahn observes the battles from his throne, setting the stage for the climactic showdown.

These stages not only showcased Outworld's sinister ambiance but also became defining features of the game.

Reception and Impact

Mortal Kombat II was widely regarded as a significant improvement over the original, particularly in terms of its expanded roster, enhanced visuals, and deeper combat system. It was one of the most successful fighting games of its time. However, the game's graphic violence and increasingly gruesome fatalities sparked controversy, with critics pointing to its impact on younger audiences. The addition of even more brutal finishing moves made the game a focal point in debates about video game violence.

Cultural Significance

Mortal Kombat II solidified the series' position in the history of fighting games and laid the groundwork for future installments. Its success allowed Midway Games to continue developing sequels and expanding the franchise's lore and mechanics. Despite its controversies, the game's innovation, memorable characters, and engaging gameplay ensured its lasting legacy as one of the genre's most iconic titles.