After a four-year hiatus, the next entry in the iconic fighting series is here from NetherRealm Studios and it promises to be the most brutal, silly and packed Mortal Kombat game ever, but can it live up to that promise?
The latestMortal Kombathas a unique perspective in terms of direction being both a sequel toMortal Kombat 11(2019) and a reboot of the series. Unlike more traditional reboots that wipe the slate clean,Mortal Kombat 1acknowledges the events of the previous game while still dawning a new era. As such, it makes for a perfect starting point for new fans of the series, as well as veterans who are familiar with its gruesome and wacky universe.
Check out the Mortal Kombat 1 trailer below!
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Mortal Kombat 1has three main modes, Story, Invasion and Towers. Firstly, the story does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s a campaign that tells the story of good versus evil and all the chaos in between. It’s as cheesy as a low-budget 90s action flick with senseless gore, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. There is also local vs. play including tournaments and if you ever want to be humbled, you can choose to take the fight online with its ranked Kombat League.
Warner Bros. Games
Going back to its story mode, once more the developers atNetherRealm Studioshave continued with its epic cinematic storytelling that was introduced withMortal Kombatin 2011, and later in its Injustice series. NetherRealm Studios set the standard all those years ago when it came to single-player story campaigns in the fighting genre and if nothing else, it’s an advantage that it continues to hold overCapcom’sStreet Fighter series.
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Warner Bros. Games
Some Invasion challenges can be straight-up fights, but most have some form of gameplay modifier such as projectiles. You might even have to test your strength in a button-bashing mini-game and utilise your best dodging skills to avoid oncoming objects and survive until a timer expires. For the most part, Invasions is fun and a great way to unlock bonus items such as cosmetics and currency. It’s also the fastest way to level up main characters and Kameos which will unlock even more extras. Sadly, this mode may soon become tiresome and you may only return to grind out some character XP.
Warner Bros. Games
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In terms of gameplay, fans ofMortal Kombat 11will feel right at home with the latest instalment because other than a few minor tweaks here and there, the gameplay inMortal Kombat 1is largely the same, and I welcome that. After all, if it isn’t broken, then don’t fix it. The most notable change in the gameplay is the introduction of the aforementioned Kameos. As the name suggests, a Kameo character is not playable but instead will be there to support your playable character with additional attacks.
Warner Bros. Games
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Mortal Kombat 1doesn’t do a lot to push its boundaries and largely plays it safe, but it’s still amongst the best entries in this series. Its campaign continues to set the standard once more for its genre, it looks absolutely gorgeous on Xbox Series X|S and it’s packed full of content that will keep fans entertained for years to come. We’ve already been blessed with the amazingStreet Fighter 6this year and withMortal Kombat 1joining the ranks as one of the best fighting games in years, it’s certainly a great time for fans of the genre.
Pros:Wonderfully cheesy single player campaign, fun modes and customisation, looks gorgeous
Cons:Plays it a bit safe
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For fans of:fighting games
9/10: Exceptional
Topics:Mortal Kombat,Netherrealm,Warner Bros,PC,PlayStation 5,Xbox,Nintendo Switch
