Mortal Kombat 1 Early Review Roundup – Critics Are Looking Great

The gaming world is abuzz with excitement as Mortal Kombat 1 makes its debut in the gaming arena. As early access players dive into the visceral combat and gripping narrative, critics have begun to voice their opinions on this latest instalment in the iconic Mortal Kombat series. In this review roundup, we’ll dissect the early impressions and critical acclaim surrounding Mortal Kombat 1, giving you an in-depth look at what makes this game stand out.

A Fresh Take on the Franchise

Mortal Kombat 1, despite its somewhat perplexing name as the 12th entry in the series, brings a breath of fresh air to the long-standing franchise. This game serves as a soft reboot, transporting players to an alternate universe within the Mortal Kombat lore. The intriguing premise alone has sparked curiosity among fans and newcomers alike.

Due to the game’s expansive scope and innovation, many outlets, including GameSpot, are still in the process of crafting their reviews or have opted for a review in progress. However, the consensus from early impressions is overwhelmingly positive, hinting at Mortal Kombat 1 potentially becoming one of the series’ finest entries to date.

Critical Acclaim on Metacritic

Amid the anticipation, enough reviews have surfaced to warrant a Metacritic score for Mortal Kombat 1, at least for the PS5 version, which currently boasts an impressive score of 86. It’s important to note that this score is subject to change as more reviews roll in, especially for versions on other gaming platforms. Let’s delve into some of the early reviews to understand what critics are raving about.

TheDashDouble – 4.5/5

Mortal Kombat 1 is the absolute best in the series – hands down. It’s got awesome graphics, an awesome Story mode, and the invasions mode that keeps you playing forever. The combat system is a good blend of difficulty and simplicity, so no matter what your skill level is, you’ll enjoy this game. This release mirrors what Street Fighter V accomplished for Capcom’s franchise—a celebration of the series’ legacy while embracing a new era of fans. Mortal Kombat 1 is not just a game; it’s an essential masterpiece that deserves a place in the collection of die-hard fans, returning enthusiasts, and newcomers seeking a remarkable gaming adventure.

TheDashDouble

Screen Rant – 3.5/5

“As someone’s first Mortal Kombat game, Mortal Kombat 1 is a perfectly adequate but not ideal place to start. For returning players who just want to see their favorite characters again, or for anyone itching to hear Johnny Cage come up with great jokes like ‘Reminds me of a terrible B-movie I was in called The Flesh Pits,’ while walking around a room that looks just like the old MK level The Flesh Pits, this game will be a must-buy. If you were hoping to see The Great Kung Lao of myth, however, or an entirely new cast of characters, Mortal Kombat 1 isn’t essential, and brings very few truly new ideas to the table.” —

Christopher Teuton

IGN – Unscored (Review In Progress)

“I still need more time with Mortal Kombat 1 before I’ll feel comfortable rendering a verdict, mostly to play the full suite of online modes and get some more time playing the game against people rather than bots, but so far, the Kameo system and smart changes to the fighting make MK1 feel fresh and exciting, the story mode is predictably great, even if Invasions seems like more of a grind than I’m willing to put myself through to unlock the best cosmetic items.” —

Mitchell Saltzman

VG247 – 4/5

“Mortal Kombat 1 is a generally positive step in a new direction. I find myself frustrated with Liu Kang’s decision to allow live service DNA to creep into his new universe, and I long for some of the features left behind (like the Krypt). Mortal Kombat 1 sets the stage for a new era of MK that you can’t help but get pumped up for.” —

Connor Makar

Video Games Chronicle – 5/5

“Mortal Kombat 1 is the best Mortal Kombat game to date. It looks stunning, has a brilliant Story mode, its new Invasions mode will keep solo players busy and, above all else, it’s an absolute joy to play. Thoroughly essential for die-hards, lapsed fans, and newcomers.” —

Chris Scullion

Well Played – 9.5/10

“The new era isn’t some rehash or reboot, it’s a rebirth. It revels in all the things that make Mortal Kombat great, acknowledging everything a fan would expect – but also carefully delivering a fresh perspective to keep things unique and interesting. The stellar roster of faces, both base and Kameo alike, provide a foundation for players to immerse themselves in a violent realm of near infinite possibilities. Spilling blood has never been so approachable, or fun.” —

Ash Wayling

Games Hub – 4/5 (Review In Progress)

“Based on my first dozen hours with Mortal Kombat 1, it’s proven itself to be a remarkably refined and confident installment of a series that had already secured its strong, unique, and entertaining identity long ago. The story campaign is an entertaining journey, its foundational fighting mechanics remain strong, and the game’s focus on wide-ranging approachability and accessibility must be applauded.” —

Edmond Tran

Bloody Disgusting – 4.5/5

“I’m impressed with what Mortal Kombat 1 has to offer. From the ambitious Story mode, to the new addition of Kameos to the combat. From the relegating of the gear system to be cosmetic only, to the all-new RPG Invasions mode. Mortal Kombat 1 feels like a return to form for the series while pushing it in new meaningful directions. It’s the perfect entry point for newcomers and long-time fans of the series.” —

Reyna Cervantes

The early reviews paint an exciting picture of Mortal Kombat 1’s potential to rejuvenate the franchise while honouring its storied legacy. As the game’s online modes and additional content are explored further, we anticipate even more accolades pouring in. Stay tuned for the complete picture as more reviews emerge, and remember to embark on your own Mortal Kombat 1 journey when it officially releases on September 19, 2023.

Disclaimer: The scores and opinions mentioned in this article are based on early reviews and may evolve as more reviews become available.