Mortal Kombat 4 marks the series' first foray into 3D graphics, which were fast overtaking the 2D video capture-based graphics Midway and the Mortal Kombat series were known for. In terms of gameplay, MK4 features essentially the same formula as previous games in the series, with 15 playable characters and the run button and combo system, though the transition to 3D caused the gameplay to be somewhat slower and the game didn't feature true 3D gameplay. MK4 also introduced a weapons system accessed with a button combination, as well as an upper limit on possible damage with one combo, and simplified the Fatality system to remove the series' less serious elements. As with other early 3D games from the late 90s, the game's 3D graphics seemed groundbreaking at the time, but have arguably not aged as well as the visuals of the 2D versions (that may be nostalgia talking, however).