Mortal Kombat 1 Review: A Triumph in Fighting Game Evolution
September 15, 2023In the ever-evolving realm of fighting games, where each year brings forth fresh contenders competing for supremacy, Mortal Kombat 1 stands tall as a testament to the genre’s enduring legacy. NetherRealm Studios, the brilliant minds behind the remarkable Mortal Kombat 1 release, have once again demonstrated their prowess in delivering a game that redefines the fighting game experience. As we delve into the intricacies of this Mortal Kombat 1 review, we uncover an amazing combination of martial arts, complex strategies and a thrilling story poised to captivate both hardcore fans and newcomers.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Exceptional visuals and detailed backgrounds in 4K with HDR for Mortal Kombat 1 characters.
- Engaging Kameos system adds depth to the gameplay.
- Story mode reimagines Mortal Kombat lore, appealing to long-time fans.
- Invasions mode offers extensive single-player content and replayability.
- A robust trio of gaming modes ensures lasting solo player engagement.
- Online multiplayer and the Kombat League mode for competitive play.
- Microtransactions present in the form of premium currency in Mortal Kombat 1 review.
A Nostalgic Resurgence: 30 Years Mortal Kombat Characters Revisited
30 years ago, the fighting game genre was at its peak, with classic titles like Street Fighter II Turbo and the original Mortal Kombat being released on home consoles. Arcades buzzed with the fierce competition between Super Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat II, marking 1993 as a milestone year for gaming. Fast forward to the present, and we find ourselves celebrating the revival of both these legendary franchises. Capcom recently gave us what a lot of people think is the best Street Fighter game yet in Street Fighter 6. Now, NetherRealm Studios is back in the spotlight with the launch of Mortal Kombat 1, bringing the Mortal Kombat saga to a whole new level.
An Evolutionary Continuation & A Strategic Twist (The Kameos System)
At its core, Mortal Kombat 1 remains faithful to its predecessor, Mortal Kombat 11. The fighting moves are very similar, so those who have played previous versions will feel right at home with the controls and the way the game works. While some minor refinements enhance the overall experience, NetherRealm wisely refrains from tampering excessively with a winning formula. It’s a testament to their commitment to preserving the essence of Mortal Kombat’s gameplay that has been cherished for decades.
One noteworthy innovation introduced in Mortal Kombat 1 is the Kameos system, which greatly influences Mortal Kombat 1 characters’ dynamics. Players can now select a secondary character to remain off-screen. By utilizing the RB / R1 button, either independently or in tandem with directional inputs, players can summon their Kameo to execute one of three distinct special moves.
While this mechanic may remind seasoned gamers of its existence in titles like Marvel vs. Capcom, its integration into the Mortal Kombat series ushers in a fresh layer of strategic possibilities. Players can strategically decide when to deploy their Kameo, whether to aid them in a dire situation or bolster their offence.
Visual Wonders in 4K HDR
Mortal Kombat 11 was no slouch in the graphics department, but Mortal Kombat 1’s transition to the next-gen console era has yielded stunningly detailed backgrounds, creating an immersive experience for Mortal Kombat 1 characters. These visuals are nothing short of breathtaking, especially when experienced in 4K resolution with HDR enabled. While other aspects exhibit more subtle improvements, such as intricately detailed character models, the facial animations remain impressive, retaining the lifelike quality for which the series is renowned.
Already eager to get your hands on Mortal Kombat 1? Grab the standard edition priced at $69.99 on BestBuy and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC (CDKeys). If you can’t wait until September 19, the premium edition already dropped a day earlier, on September 14, with a price tag of $109.99. For the ultimate fans and collectors, the Kollector’s Edition will be available for $249.99.
A Nostalgic Story Reimagined
Mortal Kombat 1’s Story mode is definitely a highlight of this review. It pays tribute to the series’ beginnings by giving us an alternate universe storyline, which is basically a re-imagining of the first Mortal Kombat plot. Without giving away too much, it’s worth mentioning that characters like Shang Tsung and Raiden have roles that are quite different to what we’re used to. This narrative style brings back the feel of the first Mortal Kombat titles that were influenced by martial arts and kung fu movies. The Asian vibes in both the backgrounds and soundtrack remind us of the simple yet captivating concept of a fighting tournament between Earthrealm and Outworld.
Invasions Mode: A Solo Odyssey & Modes
While previous Mortal Kombat titles had robust Story modes, they often lacked reasons for players to return after completion. Mortal Kombat 1 addresses this issue by introducing the Invasions mode, an intricate single-player adventure presented in a tabletop board game-style format. Players traverse various locations, starting at Johnny Cage’s opulent mansion, collecting items, visiting shops, and engaging in battles against a diverse array of foes. These opponents come with distinct conditions and modifiers, adding layers of complexity and strategy to the gameplay.
Invasions mode not only gives you a really cool gaming experience, but you can also unlock loads of items and Easter eggs that Mortal Kombat fans will love. NetherRealm keeps updating the mode to make sure it stays fun, even after you finish the Story mode. So it adds a lot more life to the game!
Mortal Kombat 1 has three awesome modes to keep you busy for ages. Besides Invasions mode, you can check out the classic Towers mode, which has been around forever and gives you tons of challenging fights with all sorts of opponents. Furthermore, online multiplayer, though yet to be fully experienced at the time of this review, promises an expansive multiplayer experience. The Kombat League mode, renewing with each season, offers players the opportunity to unlock exclusive rewards by ascending the ranks, catering to the competitive spirit of online gamers.
The Premium Currency Drawback in Mortal Kombat 1
One minor drawback in Mortal Kombat 1 is the continued presence of premium currency in the game’s store. While Seasonal Items can be acquired through currency earned via daily and weekly missions, the Premium Items store contains the most visually striking outfits, obtainable through a premium currency called Dragon Krystals. While this inclusion may be a minor blemish in an otherwise impeccable game, it’s a reminder that microtransactions still find their way into the gaming landscape.
Mortal Kombat 1 Review: A Triumph of Gaming Excellence:
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.
