Mortal Kombat 1 review
The Mortal Kombat franchise is now at its 12th installment, yet this game isn’t like any of the others. Long-time Mortal Kombat fans who have played and completed the MK11 story, and will know that this game resides in a completely different timeline from the previous games..
The last Mortal Kombat story left off with Liu Kang resetting the timeline to how he sees fit, with many major differences. This is because, unlike Kronika in MK11, he didn’t seek to perfect the universe and thus let it play out organically, with the exception of Shang Tsung and Quan Chi, both of whom they were meant to be unable to learn any magic and live their lives as simple men. However, Kronika is somehow back and has altered their paths, and Liu Kang must find a way to stop them before they take over both the Outerworld and the Earthrealm.
The story plays extended cutscenes and then puts you into 1-on-1 fights with set characters, the character of whom changes every Four fights. This means that the story is perfect for beginners who aren’t familiar with the game, as it allows you to play with every character and learn all of their various moves and decide who to continue the game with as your favourite.
This story is filled with a lot of twists and is really entertaining. Pair that with the “Test Your Might” section being back, where you spam buttons to complete sections in the game. This is a part of the game I love to play and find really entertaining to watch others play too.
The combat, of course, is spectacular. Mortal Kombat strives to be one of the most violent video game franchises of all time, and this one is no different. The iconic fatalities and brutality of the final finish moves are still in the game. And there’s more gore and carnage than ever before.
Mortal Kombat 1 introduces Kameo fighters, of which you can push a button to have them use a move in the game. These Kameo fighters can perform fatalities as well as fatal blows, massively adding to the new games variety during combat (Sorry Kombat). And while talking about the variety, I can’t not mention the amazing arsenal of characters this game has to offer.
Unlike the previous games, many of these playable characters are brand new. However, we see the return of many old favorites we haven’t seen in years, and even some very exciting characters from other franchises like Omni-Man or Homelander that are entering in the game at later stages.
Another staple of Mortal Kombat is the additional game modes. These come in the tower, which lets you choose a character and play through an arsenal of enemies to unlock a secret ending for your character. Invasions, which lets you fight between modes, unlocking items for your fighters. And finally as I mentioned earlier, Test Your Might which has you spam buttons to unlock usable items in the game. Now, add these to the local and online play, and you’ll find yourself with plenty to do and play – it’s unlikely you will ever be left to feel bored!
Finally, as with most games nowadays, the variety of cosmetics also includes an item shop, which refreshes periodically and allows you to customise your characters to your liking. An essential option for the modern gamer!
In general, there aren’t many negatives in this game, other than minor balancing issues between characters that seem slightly weaker than they should be and some fighters that seem almost a bit too strong. In general, it’s very much a “play your way” type of game in the sense that every character can become a force to be reckoned with, when you become good with them. My only minor problem with the game, is that you can no longer choose who you want to play as in the Mortal Kombat story mode.
However, in general, this game looks gorgeous, plays amazingly, and has an incredible story mode. It’s easily a must own for both new and old fans of the franchise!!!
Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC , Nintendo Switch 19/9/23 (PEGI 18) 5 Stars
Youth #Gottit View:
The Mortal Kombat Universe has reset (Hence the Mortal Kombat 1 and not Mortal Kombat 12) and all of our favourite fighting characters are back. All new story mode, characters and obviously grossly brilliant finishing moves. Perfect fun and escapism – Highly Recommended!!!
