Mortal Kombat (1992)
Mortal Kombat? More like Moral Combat, amiright?
Hilarity aside, this sprite-based 2D fighter become notorious for its use of violent "fatality" finishing moves, which involved tasteful things like spine-ripping or limb removal. This game is mostly notable as the moral panic that surrounded it eventually led to the establishment of both the ESRB ratings board, as well as being the first game to receive an "M" rating from said board.
