Mortal Kombat Fan Port Debuts Pre-Alpha Build on Atari Jaguar via Patreon

TRU FUN Games Releases Pre-Alpha Build of Mortal Kombat Port for Atari Jaguar via Patreon Over three decades after its arcade debut, Mortal Kombat continues to captivate fans—this time with a new fanmade port for the Atari Jaguar by indie developer TRU FUN Games.

The ambitious homebrew project made headlines this week as TRU FUN Games announced the release of a pre-alpha build exclusively to its Patreon backers at the TRU Tester level. The pre-alpha version, released on April 16, 2024, includes all seven original Mortal Kombat fighters and four iconic stages: Palace Gates, Warrior Shrine, The Pit, and Goro's Lair.

While the current build omits special moves and fatalities, it features a foundational move set, aiming to give supporters "a chance to start feeling out the mechanics of the game," according to a statement relayed by TRU FUN Games.

The build is fully playable on original Atari Jaguar hardware, requiring the use of the Jaguar Game Drive cartridge, further underscoring the project's dedication to authentic retro gaming experiences. TRU FUN Games, led by Chris—known for his informative YouTube channel—has openly documented the development process with regular video updates.

A notable milestone occurred in February 2024, when he showcased the recreation of the original arcade's "Choose Your Fighter" screen on Jaguar hardware using the Raptor API.

What began as a playful technical experiment has since evolved into a full-fledged project to port Mortal Kombat to the long-discontinued Atari console. The development leverages modern tools like JagStudio and Raptor API, allowing the team to replicate and reimagine aspects of the arcade classic on the 64-bit hardware.

The latest build incorporates fully animated character selection menus—with stipple shadows replacing the arcade version’s black shadows—alongside parallax scrolling and detailed backgrounds in stages such as Temple Gates.

While some core features, like fighting animations and a functional health bar, are still under development, supporters can directly engage with the project's progress through Patreon and YouTube. This fan-driven initiative underscores the enduring appeal of Mortal Kombat and the passion of the retro gaming community, as enthusiasts bring classic games to new—and sometimes unexpected—platforms.

The Atari Jaguar, originally released in 1993 and known for its small yet dedicated following, now sees renewed interest thanks to creative projects like this. As TRU FUN Games continues to refine and expand the port, followers can expect further updates and behind-the-scenes access through Patreon and regular YouTube content.

For more information and to follow the ongoing development, visit the TRU FUN Games Patreon page or watch their detailed progress videos online.