Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero, released in October 1997 for PlayStation and later in December 1997 for N64, is often considered one of the most notoriously difficult and poorly designed games in the Mortal Kombat franchise. The game is infamous for its lack of responsiveness, including its infamous "back" button that allowed players to reverse their character's direction, and its punishing gameplay mechanics, such as instant Game Over upon falling into lava pits. Players had to navigate through levels filled with seemingly impossible jumps and obstacles, often requiring repeated attempts to progress. Despite its notoriously bad gameplay, the game is considered a pivotal entry in the Mortal Kombat lore, as it introduced key elements that would shape the franchise's future. John Tobias, one of the co-creators of Mortal Kombat, used the game to develop the universe's mythology, introducing characters such as Quan Chi, Shinnok, and the Netherrealm. The game also explored the rivalry between the Shirai Ryu and Lin Kuei clans, transforming Scorpion from a fire-spewing ninja into a vengeful specter. The game's protagonist, Bi-Han, known as Sub-Zero, was depicted as a mercenary whose soul was corrupted through his actions, eventually leading to his death and resurrection as Noob Saibot. This event paved the way for his younger brother, Kuai Liang, who became the beloved Sub-Zero known today. While the gameplay of Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero is widely criticized, its narrative contributions have had a lasting impact on the franchise. Elements introduced in the game continue to influence subsequent Mortal Kombat titles, including the 2011 reboot and recent films. Despite its challenges, the game is recognized as a foundational piece in the development of the Mortal Kombat universe. Its legacy is often discussed in the context of how it expanded the story beyond the fighting game format, even if its execution fell short of expectations.