USA Network, 1996

There are few properties that scream “You must be a true Mortal Kombat fan to watch this regularly!” other than Defenders of the Realm, the animated cartoon that ran on the USA Network in 1996. Weird characterizations and terrible writing aside, the cartoon did feature some big names in voice acting and plot points that were incorporated into later games as canon, so there is some good about it.

Defenders of the Realm models itself after Mortal Kombat 3 in spirit so you’re going to see a lot of MK3 references mostly in the character designs, so I hope you loved that game. The show isn’t terrible, but it isn’t great, either. It’s on the same level as fighting game rival Street Fighter’s animated offering, which is equally as cheesy as this.

While it has some good points, the animation is kind of suspect, and turning Sonya into a future meme (“It’s Kombat Time!”) unsubtly drowns the experience. It’s at least better-looking than Journey Begins and the intro theme – while mimicking the 1995 live-action movie – is kind of nice. But really, the voice cast is what saves this, featuring the likes of the legendary Clancy Brown, Ron Perlman, Dawnn Lewis, and the late Luke Perry among its ranks. A very specific branch of the MK community is going to watch this. Decide if you want to test your might and your sight in enjoying this. – Lyndsey