Mortal Kombat II uses a 5-button layout (High Punch, Low Punch, High Kick, Low Kick, Block). Here is the optimal MAME mapping for a modern controller:
| Arcade Action | Keyboard Default | Recommended Fight Stick | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | High Punch (HP) | Left Ctrl | Top Left | | High Kick (HK) | Left Alt | Top Right | | Low Punch (LP) | A | Bottom Left | | Low Kick (LK) | Z | Bottom Right | | Block | Space | Right Thumb (Bottom center) |
Pro Tip: Map "Service Coin" to a keyboard key (like 5 for credit, 1 for start) to avoid wasting arcade tokens.
MAME is the only accurate emulator for the arcade version. Below are the exact steps.
If you want to play MK2 without MAME complexity:
For “Plus” hacks, MAME remains the only viable option.
Place both mk2.zip and mk2plus.zip into your mame/roms/ folder.
Because the timer is disabled, you can practice the notoriously difficult Fatalities from the original. Here are three to try immediately (facing right): mortal kombat 2 plus mame
To play as Smoke (the hidden green ninja):
Disclaimer: This guide assumes you own a legal arcade board or a digital copy of Mortal Kombat II. Emulation laws vary by region; do not download ROMs for games you do not physically own.
For the purest, most brutal, and most authentic Mortal Kombat II experience outside a dusty arcade cabinet, MAME + MK2 is unbeatable. No input lag hacks (if configured right), no missing frames, no censorship – just Shang Tsung morphing, Shao Kahn’s laugh, and endless "Toasty!" screams.
Pro tip: Pair MAME with a good arcade stick (e.g., 8-button fight stick) – your thumbs will thank you during the 50-match Noob Saibot grind.
Want specific button combo layouts for each character’s Fatality? Or a MAME .ini file preset for optimal latency? Just ask.
Mortal Kombat II Plus: The Ultimate Arcade Revision for MAME
For many, Mortal Kombat II (MK2) remains the crown jewel of the series, blending dark atmosphere with refined 2D combat. However, even a classic can be improved. Enter Mortal Kombat II Plus (MK2+), a comprehensive arcade ROM hack that builds upon the original Revision 3.1L to deliver the definitive MK2 experience for MAME and Fightcade. Mortal Kombat II uses a 5-button layout (High
Created by developer Zpaul, this "Plus" version isn't a total overhaul like a MUGEN project; rather, it acts as a "lost" official update that adds features fans have requested for decades. Key Features of Mortal Kombat II Plus
MK2+ introduces several significant gameplay modes and quality-of-life improvements that were never present in the original arcade release:
Playable Secret Characters: Characters like Jade, Smoke, and Noob Saibot are now fully playable. In some versions, they are unlockable—for instance, Noob Saibot can be unlocked by beating the game in under 12 minutes.
2-on-2 Tag Mode: Borrowing from Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, players can now engage in 2v2 battles, allowing you to tag in a teammate at any time.
Survival Mode: A grueling gauntlet where you face as many characters as possible on a single life bar, earning bonus points for flawless victories and fatalities.
Enhanced AI: Players can choose between the original "cheap" arcade AI or an Improved AI that removes classic exploits, forcing a more tactical approach to combat.
New Stages and Rotations: Stages from the original Mortal Kombat, such as The Pit and Goro’s Lair, have been added to the regular stage rotation and the random "coin-up" attract screens. For “Plus” hacks, MAME remains the only viable option
Combo System Display: The game now includes a visual display for combos, making it easier to track your technical performance during a match. Running MK2 Plus on MAME
To get this version running on your PC, you need to treat it as its own unique entry rather than a simple patch to the standard MK2 ROM.
Obtain the ROM: The most stable release is BETA 2, which can be found on platforms like the Internet Archive.
MAME Compatibility: MK2+ is generally compatible with MAME versions 0.119 to current, but it requires specific driver files or manual entry in the MAME XML to be recognized as mk2p.
Alternative Emulators: While MAME is the standard, many players prefer using Fightcade for online play or the MAME 2003 Plus core in RetroArch for the best balance of speed and compatibility. Why You Should Play It
Unlike some balance hacks that radically change move sets, Mortal Kombat II Plus preserves the feel of the 1993 original while expanding its longevity. Whether you want to finally master Smoke’s teleport moves or test your endurance in Survival Mode, this hack offers a "what if" scenario where the arcade's best fighter got one final, perfect update.
