Mortal Kombat 1

About

Mortal Kombat 1 is a single player and multiplayer fighting game. It was developed by QLOC and was released on May 18, 2023. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

"Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns Kollection" offers the base game, Kombat Pack, and Dragon Krystals, with instant access to various characters from the Mortal Kombat universe and guest fighters from popular franchises like Scream, Terminator, and DC's Peacemaker. The Khaos Reigns Story Expansion and Kombat Pack 2 are also included, featuring additional fighters such as Noob Saibot, Cyrax, Sektor, and Ghostface. This comprehensive package provides a wealth of content for both new and returning Mortal Kombat fans.

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70%

Audience ScoreBased on 21,762 reviews

story2k positive mentions

optimization567 negative mentions

The graphics are stunning, featuring detailed character models and vibrant environments that enhance the overall experience.
The gameplay is smooth and satisfying, with refined mechanics and the introduction of the kameo system adding depth to fights.
The story mode is engaging and well-produced, with heartfelt character arcs and cinematic presentation that resonate with long-time fans.

The grinding aspect of the game is excessively tedious and repetitive, leading to frustration among players.
Performance issues, particularly on PC, result in stuttering and crashes, significantly detracting from the overall experience.
The monetization model is criticized as a cash grab, with aggressive microtransactions that prioritize profit over player experience.

story
5,245 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
55%
7%
The story of Mortal Kombat 1 has received mixed reviews, with many praising its engaging narrative and cinematic presentation, particularly in the first half. However, criticism arises regarding its reliance on multiverse tropes, which some feel detracts from character development and coherence, especially towards the end. Additionally, the monetization strategy, including locking key characters behind paywalls despite their presence in the story, has frustrated players, leading to a perception that the game prioritizes profit over a fulfilling single-player experience. Overall, while the story mode is seen as a highlight, it is marred by pacing issues and a lack of content beyond the main narrative.
- “The story is well written and I highly recommend playing it.”
- “Great game with an incredible storyline and well-written characters; one of my favorites out of all the games.”
- “The story mode is cinematic and well-produced, easily one of NetherRealm’s best narratives so far.”
- “Complete joke of a game and DLC is a tower; I wouldn't even call it a story.”
- “The story is poorly written and compared to the other games it feels slow.”
- “The story is a chaotic mess that makes no sense.”
gameplay
2,601 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
51%
7%
The gameplay of Mortal Kombat 1 has received mixed reviews, with many praising its refined mechanics, fluid combat, and the introduction of the kameo system, which adds depth and variety to fights. However, some players find the kameo mechanic cumbersome and feel that it detracts from the core gameplay experience. While the game is noted for its stunning visuals and engaging story, issues such as performance problems, unbalanced characters, and a lack of content compared to previous titles have led to disappointment among fans. Overall, the gameplay is considered a significant improvement over MK11, but it is marred by technical issues and monetization concerns.
- “The cinematic story mode, brutal and satisfying fatalities, and the innovative kameo fighter mechanic make every fight exciting for both long-time fans and newcomers.”
- “The gameplay feels smooth and satisfying, the new kameo system adds a fresh twist, and the story mode is genuinely entertaining.”
- “The core gameplay is fast-paced, satisfying, and positively brutal.”
- “Even though the new mechanic brings something different, it is just boring.”
- “Sometimes, some mechanics let your AI opponent spam fast uninterruptible special moves, which takes out the fun in the game unless that's the kind of thing you like specifically.”
- “The gameplay feels way too stiff.”
graphics
1,549 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
54%
41%
5%
The graphics of Mortal Kombat 1 have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and detailed character models, showcasing a significant leap in quality compared to previous installments. Many players noted the vibrant environments and impressive animations, particularly during fatalities, which enhance the overall experience. However, some users reported performance issues and optimization problems, particularly on PC, leading to frame drops and stuttering even on high-end systems, which detracted from the otherwise beautiful graphics.
- “Mortal Kombat 1 brings fresh energy to the franchise with a rebooted story, stunning visuals, and a deep, strategic combat system.”
- “The graphics are amazing, the combat is smooth, and every character feels unique.”
- “The visuals are stunning, featuring detailed character models, beautifully designed stages, and gruesomely over-the-top fatalities.”
- “Underneath the visuals, it feels rushed, padded, and less inspired than MK11.”
- “It is so sad and embarrassing this game can't run for its life; it is so ridiculous this bad game can't run smoothly or at all. I had to take the time to see if my PC was broken because of how poor the performance is.”
- “The only redeeming quality is the graphics; other than that, it's all worse than MK11.”
optimization
1,239 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
44%
46%
The optimization of Mortal Kombat 1 has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, particularly from PC users who report severe stuttering, long loading times, and inconsistent frame rates, even on high-end systems. Many players have expressed frustration over the game's performance issues, which detract significantly from the overall experience, with some suggesting that the game feels unplayable at times. While there are occasional reports of smooth performance, the consensus is that the game requires substantial optimization improvements to meet the expectations for a 2023 release.
- “Whether playing on high-end PCs or consoles, the game runs smoothly, with minimal performance issues.”
- “It's a solid game, although it isn't MK11 because it lacks the same amount of content, it is the greatest entry in the series in terms of optimization and performance; I've experienced absolutely zero crashes and the game runs flawlessly at its max allowed framerate even on the highest quality settings possible.”
- “The graphics are pretty phenomenal, although the optimization was not so great at first (I haven't had any graphical issues in a minute).”
- “It is unoptimized as hell, even on medium with DLSS on performance I was struggling to hit stable 60 fps.”
- “The game is an absolutely ridiculous 140 gigs because 'AAA' game devs don't have the word 'optimization' in their vocabulary.”
- “This game is a complete optimization disaster, with video memory crashes even if you have the minimum specs.”
monetization
607 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
59%
35%
The monetization model of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many players labeling it as a blatant cash grab. Reviewers express frustration over the aggressive microtransactions, which include paid fatalities, character unlocks, and cosmetic items that should have been earnable through gameplay. Overall, the consensus is that the game's monetization practices detract from the experience, making it feel more like a free-to-play title rather than a full-priced game.
- “Despite the average story and push for microtransactions, the gameplay itself is great.”
- “The game is good, but the practice of microtransactions is simply pathetic, and the absence of the main characters from the franchise creates a sense of estrangement, especially with the narrative focusing on multiverses.”
- “Overall gameplay is good and fun, but why are there so many microtransactions?!”
- “It's literally a free-to-play model which you pay full price for and get constantly bombarded with ads to purchase cosmetics, expansions, etc. Do not support this new full-price F2P model.”
- “The game's content is minimal, and the microtransactions are excessively expensive, making it feel like they're prioritizing financial gain over the player's experience.”
- “This game is a total cash grab and could have easily been a DLC instead of a new title.”
grinding
389 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
5%
94%
The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players finding the new invasion mode to be excessively tedious and repetitive. While some appreciate the opportunity to unlock cosmetics through grinding, the overall sentiment is that the process is frustratingly slow and often feels like a chore, detracting from the enjoyment of the game. Additionally, the reliance on microtransactions and the limited rewards for grinding have left many players feeling that the game prioritizes profit over player experience.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding if you are a completionist.”
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “Time for grinding will be required.”
- “The invasion mode is tedious and boring.”
- “Invasions are grindy and feel like a job.”
- “The invasion mode is incredibly dull, grindy, and uninteresting.”
stability
285 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
5%
1%
94%
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with numerous users reporting frequent freezes, crashes, and various bugs that significantly hinder gameplay. Many players experience issues during cutscenes, loading screens, and online matches, leading to frustration and a sense that the game is poorly optimized, especially on PC. While some users have had positive experiences, the overwhelming consensus is that the game is currently a buggy mess, making it difficult to recommend for purchase at its full price.
- “It runs great and without issue for me, and I find it extremely enjoyable.”
- “Runs great without any problems whatsoever on a RTX 4070, AMD Ryzen 5800X.”
- “Overall, I do recommend Mortal Kombat 1; on PC it runs great (barring the 30fps lock in intros and fatalities).”
- “The game freezes all the time, which indicates that the game is not optimized.”
- “I spent more time troubleshooting this game than actually playing it.”
- “It's a broken, buggy mess.”
music
153 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
53%
6%
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its quality and ability to enhance the gameplay experience, particularly during intense battles. Some players appreciate the soundtrack's modern take on classic themes, while others find it forgettable or lacking the iconic elements of previous installments. Overall, the music is generally considered a strong aspect of the game, contributing positively to its atmosphere and engagement, despite some criticisms regarding its memorability and thematic consistency.
- “The sound design adds another layer of immersion, with impactful sound effects and music that heighten the overall gaming experience.”
- “The soundtrack is amazing, especially the Khaos Reigns stages which sort of give Doom vibes, voice acting is great.”
- “The music is as good as you'd expect, but nothing too memorable.”
- “The soundtrack is horrible; it sounds like superhero music.”
- “The music is forgettable, and the sound effects are more annoying than anything else.”
- “Music is almost non-existent or boring, like in MK11.”
humor
140 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with many players finding it both entertaining and absurd, often highlighting the comedic elements of the story and character interactions. While some appreciate the lightheartedness and clever quips, others criticize the reliance on modern humor that feels out of place in a serious franchise. Overall, the game successfully incorporates humor through its characters, dialogue, and absurd scenarios, making it a fun experience for many, despite some technical flaws and mixed opinions on its execution.
- “The story was balanced with elements of humor but not overdone; ultimately, it looked like the development team had tons of fun creating this game.”
- “This game turns martial arts tournaments into a hilarious brawl where your biggest challenge isn't mastering fatalities but figuring out why Scorpion keeps insisting on wearing a mask even when no one else is around.”
- “The cutscenes are quite entertaining with good writing and a great sense of humor.”
- “The stunning animations are nice, but sometimes they become awfully repetitive to the point that it feels like an unfunny joke in your face.”
- “It's supposed to be funny!”
character development
139 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
43%
12%
Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the stunning character designs and intricate animations that bring fighters to life, particularly highlighting the unique personalities of main characters like Johnny Cage and Kenshi. However, some players feel that the character development is undermined by bland designs, uninspired customization options, and a lack of meaningful progression for certain characters, leading to a perception of missed potential. Overall, while the visuals and some character arcs are celebrated, there is a notable divide in opinions regarding the depth and execution of character development compared to previous installments.
- “The character designs are stunning, with intricate details and animations that bring each fighter to life.”
- “I was particularly invested in the main characters who present unique personalities, especially Johnny Cage and Kenshi who share a spotlight throughout the story and have satisfying character development.”
- “The story is innovative, and a clever way of using the multiverse/timeline trope to do some creative things with character designs.”
- “The character design is bad; they literally uglified every character in the game, an absolute downgrade from MK11.”
- “Too bad the dull, uninspired character designs and monetization tactics are letting down the game tremendously.”
- “Character development is something MK1 never knew about as many characters are just abandoned: Raiden, the new chosen one and the one that is introduced to be the most important character in the story, loses all his importance and relevance on screen just to reappear in Shang Tsung's chapter.”
replayability
84 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
73%
15%
The replayability of Mortal Kombat 1 has received mixed reviews, with some players enjoying the variety of modes and character combinations, while others criticize the game for lacking substantial single-player content and meaningful replay value. Many feel that the absence of a robust tower system and the reliance on online play diminish long-term engagement, leading to a perception of the game as less replayable compared to its predecessors. Overall, while there are elements that can keep players returning, significant concerns about content and grindability have left many feeling disappointed.
- “Whether you’re a long-time MK fan or jumping in for the first time, the game delivers satisfying fights, brutal finishers, and tons of replayability.”
- “The addition of the kameo system and the variety of characters also give players a reason to keep experimenting with different combinations, adding a layer of replayability that keeps the experience fresh.”
- “Stories are great, gameplay (although I suck at it) is also great, replayability is very high, especially with the new invasion mode, making the game grindable and not just a PvP simulator after you finish the main story.”
- “Mortal Kombat 1, despite being an enjoyable and fun experience, lacks replayability and has fewer features than the previous game.”
- “The lack of substantial single-player content and meaningful replay value diminishes its longevity, making the experience feel somewhat hollow.”
- “Overall, the game has a huge lack of replayability, with stiffer gameplay, a less interesting world and story, and a worse single-player experience.”
emotional
49 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
92%
8%
The emotional aspect of the game elicits mixed responses from players, with some praising its heartfelt character arcs and engaging storytelling, while others criticize the lack of emotional investment due to multiversal chaos and underwhelming narratives. Many players found moments of genuine emotion, particularly in character interactions and climactic scenes, but also expressed frustration over gameplay mechanics and monetization issues that detracted from the overall experience. Overall, the game offers a blend of emotional highs and lows, resonating particularly with long-time fans of the series.
- “The narrative blends surprisingly heartfelt character arcs with absurd twists and multiversal chaos.”
- “It’s gorgeous, punishing, and unexpectedly emotional in its storytelling.”
- “This campaign is a breath of fresh air in the reboot timeline, cinematic, engaging, and surprisingly emotional (for a game where people’s spines are used as decoration).”
- “Extremely underwhelming, boring story that was dragged out for ages; cameos ruined the game. I got this game for $40 on sale and I am still refunding it.”
- “No crypt mode, lack of characters compared to the last game, very short and quite boring story. The constant push to buy random skins and other items is why I wouldn’t recommend this game.”
- “Honestly, a boring story.”
atmosphere
41 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
54%
7%
The atmosphere of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a significant shift from the darker, more brutal tones of previous installments to a brighter, more colorful aesthetic that some find less impactful and even childish. While the environments and character designs are praised for their detail and vibrancy, the overall ambiance lacks the depth and intensity that fans of the series have come to expect, leading to a perception of a more superficial experience. Despite some appreciation for the cinematic elements and improved visuals, the absence of the iconic dark atmosphere has left many long-time players feeling disappointed.
- “The environments are dripping with atmosphere—especially Outworld, which looks better than it ever has.”
- “Every character model is highly detailed, arenas are lush with atmosphere (from neon-soaked city streets to lava-drenched arenas), and the gore—well, it’s beautiful in its own twisted way.”
- “The atmospheric soundtrack adds to the overall intensity of the game, with each character having their theme that perfectly complements their persona.”
- “On top of that, the visual tone has shifted from dark and brutal to bright, colorful, almost 'Fortnite-like.' This change kills the atmosphere and even makes some fatalities look unintentionally silly instead of shocking or dramatic.”
- “Overall atmosphere feels kind of toned down from the heavier, more grave atmospheres of other games to more of a bright one—almost kids-friendly, shallow, and naive.”
- “The gothic, dark atmosphere of older Mortal Kombat games is largely absent, as it has been for a while now, and what we get in its place feels more akin to Marvel with gore than Mortal Kombat.”