Mortal Kombat 1 Review

Is Mortal Kombat 1 really worth $70? After spending an unhealthy amount of time in MK1 in the past few days I can confidently say Neatherrelm has hit another home run. In 2023 it is almost shocking to play a game that runs well and is complete at release. All the game modes work, and the online works perfectly. Just as a preface I’m no Mortal Kombat Pro so everything I say needs to be taken lightly of course. A pro is going to have a different opinion of the nitty gritty of this game but as a casual player it’s everything I could ask for. 

The big change in this game is Kameos, a second fighter you take into matches with you. Kameos don’t fundamentally change the game, and they are even easier to use with a single button press. Kameos essentially replace the environmental interactions from previous games, but there is something so much more under the surface. To a casual player the Kameos seem like a fun gimmick, but they can be used for so much more. If a fighter has a weak distance game, pick a Kameo that can make up for that. If playing as a slow fighter, pick a Kameo like Frost who can freeze enemies and give you more time to get a combo off. The only downside to Kameos is some fighters like Sonya Blade, Jax, and Goro have been downgraded to Kameos, but some fighters have their own Kameos too so lets hope they are added as actual fighters down the line. 

The story is a treat for fans of the Mortal Kombat lore. Avoiding spoilers after the events of Mortal Kombat 11, the universe is remade by Fire-God Liu Kang. With the universe being reset, fighters have fun new spins, nothing too drastic, but some fighters, like fan-favorite Baraka have a new flushed out backstory really made this story stand out compared to the other recent games. That is the basic premise of the game, in this new universe it is time for the Mortal Kombat tournament, but of course things don’t go to plan. It is hard to say more without trending into spoiler water, but after finishing the 6 hour story in one sitting because it’s so engaging, I’d recommend everyone to play it. The game is a great jumping in point for new fans, who may not have the time or interest to catch up on what’s been going on in the past few games. Don’t worry though, fans who have been around the series for a while will still have a lot to love, as there are many references and easter-eggs to previous games.  

Towers make a back to basics return compared to MK11, but a new single player mode makes up for it. Along with the story and towers comes invasions. If you played Smash Bros Ultimate’s campaign you know what you’re getting. The game mode works similar to a board game, every space you move is a new fight. It’s not that simple though, most of the fights have some twist, like a fighter having more health, or maybe more than 2 rounds, and many other things. The mode even has a typing system, which gives fighters advantages and disadvantages when fighting other typed fighters. Even towers will occasionally pop up on the invasion board, just adding to the challenge. The mode also houses a lot of cosmetic rewards. Invasions are also going to change with the in-game seasons, so there will be a reason for the single player fans to keep coming back. 

Invasions is an unexpected addition that only adds to the game. Without it, the game might be light on modes, even for a fighting game, but invasions is another reason to keep playing. Though invasion is great, it’s bitter-sweet because it seemingly replaced the Krypt which is absent from the game. Of course the Krypt does not make or break the game, but it is disappointing to see its absence from the game. 

Online modes are back too, and with ranked modes, and causal there is something for everyone. The ranked mode is especially enjoyable because players are given rewards based on the rank they can achieve. It creates an addicting cycle of just one more game to try and rank up to get the cool new cosmetics. 

Though the Krypt may be gone this time around, cosmetic customization is not. Though the cosmetics are cut down a lot from MK11 there is still enough to make fighters unique from your opponents. The shrine is where you can trade coins for cosmetics, and concept art, invasions and the story modes have many cosmetic items as rewards throughout, fighter masteries are filled to the brim with all types of cosmetics, and the game’s seasons add even more cosmetic rewards to an already stacked catalog. 

MK1 throws out the traditional season pass that we have been seeing in gaming for the past few years, for something that works uniquely better for the game. Instead of a traditional season pass, players earn season coins which can be spent on seasonal cosmetics. To even call this a “season pass” is a stretch because it is all free. There are some paid cosmetics, but with an overabundance of free cosmetics, it’s hard to justify purchases. Though the seasonal cosmetics are not like a traditional season pass, each fighter has a “mastery” which works similar to a season pass. Each fighter has a level system, which as you progress with that level unlocks more cosmetics and other items, all for free. 

The most impressive parts of MK1 are the graphic and sound design. The graphics of MK1 are photo realistic, and unmatched. The fighters’ facial expressions are hyper realistic. Of course the blood, gore, and especially the fatalities are all stunning, but I was taken back by the detail in the stages. The detail on the stage Sun Do alone is more impressive than most games that are released, and that is just one of many stages. The detail in MK1’s graphics and stage design are art, and hopefully it sets a new standard for not only fighting games, but games as a whole.