In 2000, Midway released its second attempt at a Mortal Kombat action/adventure game. Chronologically, Special Forces is the first game in the Mortal Kombat storyline. Originally, the game was intended to expand upon the bitter rivalry between Sonya and Kano and how it came to be. It was supposed to have co-op play with both Sonya and Jax, and the single player mode differing depending on which character the player chose. However, when series co-creator John Tobias, along with several other staff members, left Midway, the game was rushed to completion, with Sonya being dropped completely. The story would now revolve around Jax tracking down and capturing Kano and other Black Dragon members before they find the Eye of Shitian, a powerful artifact located in Outworld that can open portals to other realms.

Special Forces was not well received by both critics and fans alike, and is considered to be the worst installment in the Mortal Kombat franchise. Even with the budget price of $20, the game still sold horribly. A Nintendo 64 version was planned, but was eventually canceled by Midway.

Ashrah (Non-Playable),  Ashrah (Boss),  Jarek (Boss),  Jax (Playable),  Kano (Final Boss),  No Face (Boss),  Tremor (Boss)