It's a definite improvement over the first MK game. The movement and overall combat feels much smoother. Also, this has the best atmosphere in the series. The alternate dimensional fantasy look, the vibrant yet relaxed palette really gave MK a unique look compared to other fighting games, let alone with video games. That's not to say the first MK didn't have an excellent feel, but it feels less kitschy in MK2. Also, it's the nicest use of digitized graphics I have seen in a game around the time the game was released, the characters don't feel out of place in the bizarre world they're placed in. In addition, the fatalities really look gruesome! They're the most violent of the original 2D era of Mortal Kombat.

Unfortunately, it does have some of the first MK's flaws, that being the gameplay. It's responsive, I don't have trouble pulling off special moves, but it's still very basic. Everyone has the same normals and any differences in mobility between characters is barely noticeable.

It's an improvement over the first MK in almost every way. Better presentation, graphics, gore, atmosphere. The gameplay has improved, but it's still not enough for it to be anything too interesting. It's the most refined of the classic 2D MK games, so if you're looking to give these games a go, MKII is a good start.