If a singular game made an impact on the arcade scene in the 90s, it is undoubtedly Mortal Kombat. This game could be the pure definition of Right Place at the Right Time. Arcades were thriving, fighting games were hot thanks to Street Fighter II, and this new game was using digitized actors instead of cartoon characters. Oh and it was gory AF (though tame by today's standards).
MK spawned a ton of sequels and was a key component in the case to form the ESRB. From Nintendo's decision to remove blood from their port of the game to the movies with an amazing soundtrack, there is an immense history to this game franchise.
Now on the 30th anniversary of the game, we get this awesome interview from X-Play. Ed Boon who co-created Mortal Kombat sits down for a near-30-minute interview to go over some amazing stories.
I could say more, but I'd rather the man himself tell the rich story of Mortal Kombat.