Greatest Classic Arcade Games of All Time
Mortal Kombat or Donkey Kong
Pick Your Favorite
VS
Your GOAT List
Why This Battle Matters
What happens when barrels clash with brutality? Donkey Kong, the pioneer of perilous platforming, takes on Mortal Kombat, the architect of arcade annihilation, in a battle that stretches the fabric of the gaming universe. Here we see a standoff not just between two giants of the joystick but a deeper duel between nostalgic gameplay and the raw adrenaline of combat. This isn't merely about which game racks up more nostalgia points; it's a question of legacy. Will fans lean towards the endearing challenge of dodging barrels or the visceral thrill of a flawless victory? Your choice isn't just a preference, but a statement about what defines greatness in gaming.
🔥 Fan Takes
How Fans Are Voting
In this battle:
Fans currently prefer Donkey Kong over Mortal Kombat when it comes to the greatest Classic Arcade Games of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick Donkey Kong 82.5% of the time over Mortal Kombat.
Across all battles:
Donkey Kong win rate: 65.6%
Mortal Kombat win rate: 36.7%
Fan FAQs
Why is this matchup such a big debate among fans of classic arcade games?
This battle is intense because it pits two wildly different gaming philosophies against each other: Donkey Kong's pioneering platform challenges versus Mortal Kombat's gritty, combative realism. Fans are split based on what they value more in gaming history—innovation or evolution.
What makes Mortal Kombat so popular even if it's trailing in this matchup?
Mortal Kombat remains hugely popular for its revolutionary approach to fighting games, particularly its introduction of brutal finishing moves and a darker, more mature theme. Fans love the intense gameplay and rich lore that continue to evolve even today.
Why is Donkey Kong crushing Mortal Kombat in this head-to-head battle?
Donkey Kong's massive lead comes from its iconic status and nostalgia factor. This game was a pioneer in the platform genre and introduced characters that have become beloved figures in video game history. That emotional connection and its role in shaping early video game culture give it a strong edge in fan votes.