It is probably safe to call Mortal Kombat the most controversial game in arcade history — plenty of other games have attracted attention and caused offense, but few inspired US Congressional hearings. Mortal Kombat added a darker, more serious tone and graphic, bloody violence to the burgeoning fighting game genre — a distinctly different direction from Street Fighter II and its clones that would make it a runaway success, and even help push the revival of arcades in the 90s. The game's graphics pushed boundaries as well, using video capture to create a look with surprising realism for its time, a technique that would go on to power NBA Jam and other Midway games. The violence attracted the crowds, but the game's air of mystery, including its Chinese mythology-inspired backstories, secret moves including the series-defining Fatalities, secret characters and other elements made it irresistible to its largely teenage, largely male audience. The game spawned three arcade sequels, numerous console sequels and ports, two somewhat questionable movies, comics, music, TV shows and even a live touring show.