Jumping is performed via the analog stick or the control pad. Midway opted not to go with jump button as it might have made the game playable. Even worse, turning around is performed via the B button. When engaged in a battle, especially when multiple enemies are on-screen, this becomes more than just a nuisance. It's unintuitive control at its very best.
Level design is equally bad.
In other words, players often come to a certain point in a level where they are immediately killed and then must re-continue, now aware of the hidden obstacle. Other times players must take leaps of faith, praying that something solid will be close by to catch their fall. It's just bad game design. In trying to add more diversity to the game the development team has also included some RPG elements. Sub-Zero along his journeys.