Mortal Kombat 1
- May 18, 2023
- QLOC
- 26h median play time
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Get on PS Store"Mortal Kombat 1 Premium Edition offers a reimagined universe by the Fire God Liu Kang, including a revamped fighting system, new game modes, and fatalities. The edition comes with a Kombat Pack, early access to downloadable content characters, and 1250 Dragon Krystals. Pre-order for early access to the game and Playable Character Shang Tsung."
Nintendo Switch
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Playstation 5
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Windows
Xbox Series X|S
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NVIDIA GeForce NOW
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- story4,458 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The story of Mortal Kombat 1 has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its engaging narrative and cinematic presentation, while others criticize its reliance on multiverse tropes and perceived rushed pacing towards the end. Although the story mode is often described as a highlight of the game, providing a fresh take on familiar characters and lore, some players feel it falls short compared to previous entries like MK11, particularly in terms of depth and character development. Additionally, the monetization strategy, which includes locking key characters behind paywalls despite their presence in the story, has drawn significant backlash from the community. Overall, while the story mode is enjoyable and visually impressive, it is marred by issues related to content and pricing.
“The story mode is a standout, providing an epic cinematic experience that rewrites classic Mortal Kombat lore in surprising and exciting ways.”
“The story is well-crafted, taking players on a thrilling journey through the Mortal Kombat universe, complete with memorable characters and engaging narrative arcs.”
“The story is engaging and adds depth to the existing characters, giving them all good twists.”
“The story is not as attractive as MKX and MK11.”
“The story is short, bland, and aside from a few set pieces, doesn't add anything to the story or the characters in any meaningful way.”
“The story mode is a mess - it starts well and then goes straight into 'what the hell did I just witness' territory.”
- gameplay2,238 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Mortal Kombat 1 has received mixed reviews, with many praising its fluid mechanics, engaging combat, and the introduction of the kameo system, which adds depth and variety to fights. However, players have expressed frustration over balance issues, performance problems, and the lack of content compared to previous titles, particularly in single-player modes. While the core gameplay is considered a significant improvement over MK11, the overall experience is marred by technical issues and monetization practices that detract from the enjoyment.
“The gameplay feels incredibly smooth and satisfying, blending classic Mortal Kombat mechanics with fresh updates that keep the action engaging.”
“The gameplay is the best NRS has done, and crossplay works great, getting me tons of matches pretty quickly.”
“The gameplay is fun and more creative than before.”
“Gameplay sucks, customization is basically non-existent, story mode is mid, single player modes are bad, you need to pay for fatalities which sucks and pay for the kind of good looking skins.”
“It's not a bad game when it runs… but I’ve had issues running this game with my parts being more than efficient to run this.. gameplay stutters and freezes, frames drop, even the story mode was choppy… if it’s fixed it will be a good game but until then, not so much.”
“The gameplay is a huge downgrade from mk11, and the online experience and competitiveness of the game does not hold up to the likes of strive and sf6.”
- graphics1,279 mentions
- 53 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The graphics of Mortal Kombat 1 have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals, detailed character models, and vibrant environments, marking a significant improvement over its predecessor, MK11. However, many players have reported performance issues, including stuttering and frame drops, particularly on PC, which detracts from the overall experience. While the graphics are often praised as a highlight of the game, concerns about optimization and technical glitches have led to mixed feelings among the community.
“The graphics are stunning, showcasing detailed character models and vibrant arenas that enhance the overall experience.”
“The graphics are absolutely beautiful, showcasing the power of contemporary hardware to bring characters and environments to life in vivid detail.”
“The graphics are mind-blowing, with lifelike characters and environments that immerse you into the world of martial arts and mysticism like never before.”
“The change to the art style and general character skin designs are just boring.”
“The optimisation on this game is also just awful; the majority of the time I play this game it just runs terribly even when the graphics are on lower settings.”
“It's horrible; every time I open the game, I let it load the shaders and it gets to 77% and after that it closes out of nowhere.”
- optimization1,148 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 45 % negative mentions
The optimization of Mortal Kombat 1 has received overwhelmingly negative feedback from players, with many citing severe performance issues such as constant stuttering, long loading times, and frame rate drops, even on high-end systems. While some users report that recent patches have improved performance, the game is still considered poorly optimized compared to its predecessor, Mortal Kombat 11, leading to frustration among players who expect a smoother experience for a full-priced title. Overall, the game's optimization remains a significant concern, with many recommending potential buyers to wait for further updates before purchasing.
“The game runs smoothly on fast PCs, with only minor bugs that don’t detract from the fun.”
“I had performance issues in the beginning but installing the game on an SSD fixed all that and it is running smooth as butter.”
“The game's graphics are impeccable, not crazy temperatures or stutters and I feel like it's the best MK game in terms of performance and graphics.”
“Very poor optimization; the game should look much better on lower-end PCs.”
“The game is so poorly optimized that it would be funny if it wasn't so frustrating.”
“This game is horrifically optimized for PC; I have a good PC and just to change a skin takes close to 60 seconds to show the different skin.”
- monetization549 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 35 % negative mentions
The monetization model in Mortal Kombat 1 has been widely criticized for being excessively aggressive and predatory, with many players feeling that it resembles a free-to-play structure despite the game's full price of $70. Reviewers have expressed frustration over the high costs of microtransactions for cosmetic items, characters, and even fatalities, which detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game. Many feel that the game prioritizes profit over player experience, labeling it a cash grab and urging potential buyers to wait for discounts or avoid the game altogether.
“Minor drawbacks, such as a somewhat unfair monetization model in places, don’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.”
“While the monetization is questionable, mk1 maintains to have a fantastic single player campaign, as well as the invasion mode for further single player goodness.”
“The game is fun, but there are so many egregious flaws that are still present or even growing, from monetization to bugs that have no reason to still be present.”
“This game is a rushed cash grab.”
“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.”
“The monetization tactics of this game should be a crime: $70 for the base game but $110 for the full roster???”
- grinding353 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 4 % neutral mentions
- 95 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players describing it as excessively tedious and time-consuming. The new "invasions" mode, which replaces the previous krypt system, is criticized for being repetitive and offering minimal rewards, often requiring players to invest hundreds of hours to unlock content, including cosmetics and character abilities. While some players note that the grind is less severe than in previous titles, the overall sentiment is that the current system feels like a cash grab, heavily reliant on microtransactions and lacking meaningful gameplay incentives.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“A bit grindy sometimes.”
“Time for grinding will be required.”
“Everything seems locked, even after completing the campaign, behind some sort of microtransaction, paywall, or a lot of grinding.”
“Invasions is very lackluster and requires a ton of grinding for very little reward or outcome.”
“The invasion mode is incredibly dull, grindy, and uninteresting.”
- stability269 mentions
- 5 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 95 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with numerous reports of frequent freezes, crashes, and performance issues across various platforms, particularly on PC. While some players have experienced smooth gameplay, the overwhelming consensus is that the game is riddled with bugs and glitches, making it often unplayable, especially during online matches and cutscenes. Many reviewers recommend waiting for significant updates or patches before purchasing due to these ongoing stability concerns.
“It runs great and without issue for me, and I find it extremely enjoyable.”
“I am by no means a DRM advocate, but even on my seriously dated PC, this game runs great.”
“Runs great without any problems whatsoever on an RTX 4070, AMD Ryzen 5800X.”
“Constant freezes during gameplay regardless of settings.”
“The game is so buggy I can't even play a single match.”
“It's been buggy as all get out since launch.”
- music136 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising the soundtrack for its ability to enhance the gaming experience and complement the visuals, while others find it generic and forgettable. Many players appreciate the atmospheric themes that match the game's tone, but some express disappointment over the lack of iconic tracks reminiscent of earlier installments. Overall, while the sound design is generally well-received, opinions on the music's memorability and impact vary significantly.
“The soundtrack and sound design complement the visuals perfectly.”
“The sound design adds another layer of immersion, with impactful sound effects and music that heighten the overall gaming experience.”
“The atmospheric soundtrack adds to the overall intensity of the game, with each character having their theme that perfectly complements their persona.”
“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 another deception (no pun intended) compared to the great ambience created by MK11.”
- humor130 mentions
- 97 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with many players finding it genuinely funny, particularly through character interactions and absurd moments in the story. Johnny Cage stands out as a highlight, delivering comedic lines that resonate well with fans. However, some players feel that the humor can be overshadowed by technical issues and a lack of content, leading to a frustrating experience that detracts from the overall enjoyment.
“The humor was fun.”
“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 story was balanced with elements of humor but not overdone; ultimately, it looked like the development team had tons of fun creating this game.”
“Stunning animations are nice, but sometimes they become awfully repetitive to the point that it feels like an unfunny joke in your face.”
“The community is nearly non-existent, and the content surrounding the game is straight-up boring and unfunny most of the time.”
“It's supposed to be funny!”
- character development116 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising the depth and uniqueness of main characters like Johnny Cage and Kenshi, while others criticize the overall character designs as bland or a downgrade from previous installments. Many players appreciate the intricate details and animations that enhance character portrayal, but feel that certain characters lack meaningful development or have been poorly designed. Overall, while the story offers some engaging moments, the character designs and their evolution throughout the game are seen as inconsistent, leading to a divided reception among players.
“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.”
“It feels good to see actual character development, or characters with actual morals and personalities, whether good or bad.”
“While the first hour of the campaign has some decent story building and character design, as you progress you'll begin to realize you probably want to refund this god awful game.”
“The character design is bad; they literally uglified every character in the game, an absolute downgrade from MK11.”
“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.”
- replayability67 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players enjoying the variety of modes and challenges, particularly the new invasion mode, while others feel it lacks the depth and engaging content found in previous titles like MK11. Many express disappointment over the reliance on microtransactions for additional characters and the absence of beloved features like the krypt, leading to a perception of diminished long-term replay value. Overall, while there are elements that encourage repeated play, such as online modes and character experimentation, the execution leaves many feeling that the game falls short of its potential for sustained engagement.
“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, makes the game grindable and not just a PvP simulator after you finish the main story.”
“Unless you live on multiplayer, there is no real replay value.”
“Overall replayability (grinding towers moment)”
“It is a good time but the cracks will start showing and will only deepen until you will realize this game has had mixed focus on its features but its replayability is lacking in many ways I will get into.”
- atmosphere31 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising its vibrant and richly designed environments, as well as the atmospheric soundtrack that enhances character themes. However, many long-time fans feel that the darker, grittier essence of previous Mortal Kombat titles has been lost, replaced by a more colorful and less immersive experience that lacks the depth and intensity they expect. Overall, while the visuals and sound are technically impressive, the game's atmosphere is seen as inconsistent and not fully capturing the franchise's traditional vibe.
“Each stage has a thick, dynamic background that seems to pulse with life and atmosphere.”
“The atmospheric soundtrack adds to the overall intensity of the game, with each character having their theme that perfectly complements their persona.”
“The environments are richly designed, each with its own unique atmosphere.”
“While the visuals and graphics are technically impressive, with detailed backgrounds and smooth animations, the overall atmosphere is just not there.”
“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.”
“The entire dark, gritty atmosphere has been replaced by colorful locations, shallow characters, and artificial politeness that oozes from every dialogue.”
- emotional31 mentions
- 87 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game elicits a mixed response from players, with some praising the character interactions and heartfelt moments that resonate deeply, while others criticize the lack of emotional investment due to a convoluted story and gameplay issues. Many express feelings of frustration and exhaustion, with some moments evoking genuine tears, whether from joy or disappointment. Overall, the emotional experience is seen as inconsistent, with highlights overshadowed by a lackluster narrative and gameplay mechanics.
“The revamped Mortal Kombat characters truly carry the story, with their interactions having great emotional weight and entertainment value.”
“This game is fun but at the end of the day makes me want to cry sometimes (don't play online).”
“The final chapter is so good and the ending scenes are so wholesome!”
“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, and they constantly throw buying random skins and other stuff in your face, which is why I wouldn’t recommend this game.”
“Honestly, the story is boring.”
