Mortal Kombat 1

71%
Game Brain Score Based on 11,854 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Mortal Kombat 1 Game Cover
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"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.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

71%
Audience ScoreBased on 11,854 reviews
story1,145 positive mentions
optimization312 negative mentions
  • story2,809 mentions

    The story of Mortal Kombat 1 has received mixed reviews, with many praising its engaging narrative and cinematic presentation, often likening it to a movie experience. While the first half is generally well-received for its character development and fresh twists, the latter part tends to lose momentum, becoming convoluted and predictable, particularly with its reliance on multiverse themes. Additionally, the decision to lock key characters behind paywalls, despite their presence in the story, has drawn criticism, leading some players to recommend watching the story on platforms like YouTube instead of purchasing the game for its narrative alone.

    • “The story mode is a standout, providing an epic cinematic experience that rewrites classic Mortal Kombat lore in surprising and exciting ways.”
    • “I love the direction they are going with the story.”
    • “Mortal Kombat 1 is a bold reimagining of the iconic series, combining brutal combat with fresh storylines and stunning visuals.”
    • “The story mode is also not great; don't get me wrong, it's cinematic, but the actual story in both the base and expansion are pretty stupid.”
    • “Not worth the price for a horrible story, even for MK standards, and I've been a fan since I was playing Deadly Alliance on PS2.”
    • “The whole story is rushed from beginning to end, where in certain scenes characters that were fighting will just skip to being captured, downed, or just disappear from existence until further notice.”
  • gameplay1,355 mentions

    The gameplay of Mortal Kombat 1 has received mixed reviews, with many praising its fluidity, depth, and the introduction of the kameo system, which adds strategic layers to combat. However, some players criticize the kameo mechanic as unnecessary or poorly implemented, detracting from the core experience. While the combat mechanics are generally seen as a significant improvement over MK11, issues such as performance problems, lack of content, and monetization practices have left some players feeling disappointed. Overall, the gameplay is considered solid and engaging, but marred by technical issues and a perceived lack of depth in single-player content.

    • “The gameplay is fun and the characters are hot.”
    • “The gameplay is easily some of the most fun in an MK game in a long while, especially after MK11.”
    • “The gameplay is solid and a good story but the gameplay was hard to enjoy with frequent hard frame dropping in the middle of fights.”
    • “That's not even touching on the gameplay which is, being honest, below average at best.”
    • “The kameo system wasn't needed and takes away from the core gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay is also horrific, treating me to stupid amounts of lag even on the lowest graphics, that make playing the game unfun and impossible online.”
  • graphics769 mentions

    The graphics of Mortal Kombat 1 have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals, detailed character models, and impressive special effects, often described as a significant upgrade from previous installments. However, many players have reported performance issues, including stuttering and crashes, particularly on PC, which detracts from the overall experience. While the visuals are generally praised, some users feel that the game's optimization and graphical fidelity do not consistently meet expectations, leading to a mixed reception regarding performance.

    • “Mortal Kombat 1 is a bold reimagining of the iconic series, combining brutal combat with fresh storylines and stunning visuals.”
    • “The visuals are stunning, characters are detailed, and the special effects are downright gory in the best way possible.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely stunning, showcasing the power of contemporary hardware to bring characters and environments to life in vivid detail.”
    • “The only redeeming quality is the graphics; other than that, it's all worse than MK11.”
    • “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. I have to open it again, and if I skip loading the shaders and put the graphics on low, it closes too.”
    • “The graphics are terrible for a game in 2023 with the tech we have now, and the cutscenes are terrible.”
  • optimization683 mentions

    The optimization of Mortal Kombat 1 on PC has been widely criticized, with many players reporting severe performance issues such as constant stuttering, frame drops, and long loading times, even on high-end systems. Despite some improvements following patches, the game remains poorly optimized compared to its console counterparts, leading to a frustrating experience for many users. Overall, players recommend waiting for further updates before purchasing the PC version due to its current state.

    • “It's a good game, maybe lacks a bit of optimization on PC but apart from that it's a pretty fun game.”
    • “The game looks beautiful even on the low graphics that I am running it on, and despite warnings of bad optimization, I have found the game to be pretty stable, save for a few rare crashes.”
    • “With all the bug fix updates and performance is way better than it was at launch; it's actually a playable game now.”
    • “This is the worst optimized game I have ever played.”
    • “The game is the worst, poorly optimized, over 30 minutes of startup and I have a 4070 ti and I have never had any problem with another game.”
    • “The optimization is very bad; the game is too large and updates are so annoying and big, especially on PC.”
  • monetization303 mentions

    The monetization strategy in Mortal Kombat 1 has been widely criticized as excessively predatory, with many reviewers labeling it a blatant cash grab. Players express frustration over the high prices for the base game and DLC, alongside a plethora of microtransactions for cosmetics and characters that should have been included at launch. Overall, the aggressive monetization tactics detract significantly from the gameplay experience, leading to disappointment among long-time fans of the franchise.

    • “The monetization is a bit over the top.”
    • “While I personally like this game, I will say for those who are worried about monetization systems that this game feels extremely predatory.”
    • “On top of that, they want to charge $90 for the game plus DLC and then have the audacity to cram microtransactions into the game.”
    • “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 was only fun up until Omni-Man released; after that, content just became rinse and repeat formulas and microtransactions started multiplying.”
  • grinding211 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with players describing it as tedious, boring, and excessively time-consuming. Many reviewers express frustration over the slow progression in unlocking content, particularly in the new "invasions" mode, which is seen as a poor replacement for previous systems like the krypt. Additionally, the reliance on microtransactions and the lack of meaningful rewards for grinding further exacerbate the dissatisfaction, leading many to feel that the game does not respect their time investment.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “One long, tedious grind.”
    • “The grinding gets very boring because it takes forever to get enough seasonal currency since they give you so little of it per fight.”
    • “The invasion mode is incredibly dull, grindy, and uninteresting.”
    • “Grinding to unlock skins as well as FOMO tactics to sell singular skins, for a game all about customization the focus on the palette system kinda limits that.”
  • stability168 mentions

    The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs, freezes, and performance issues, particularly on PC. Many players experience significant lag, audio problems, and frequent crashes during gameplay and cutscenes, leading to a frustrating experience that detracts from the overall enjoyment. Despite some praise for the core gameplay, the overwhelming consensus is that the game feels unfinished and unoptimized, making it difficult to recommend at its current state.

    • “Overall, I do recommend Mortal Kombat 1. On PC, it runs great (barring the 30fps lock in intros and fatalities).”
    • “Runs great without any problems whatsoever on an RTX 4070, AMD Ryzen 5800X.”
    • “Everything runs great for me at max settings.”
    • “It was, and continues to be, so buggy and unoptimized that I am genuinely in shock at how it was greenlit by so many people and released in the state it was.”
    • “The game is broken and buggy because of the way they went about their DLC system.”
    • “I can't even get my ass kicked online without the game freezing every 5 seconds, as I'm forced to stare at a frozen image of my character getting their ass kicked for thirty seconds straight before the game freezes again.”
  • humor83 mentions

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, with many players praising Johnny Cage's comedic presence and the overall lighthearted tone that permeates the story and character interactions. The game successfully blends absurdity and wit, offering laugh-out-loud moments through its dialogue, cutscenes, and character dynamics, while also poking fun at its own mechanics and the gaming industry. Despite some criticisms regarding content and pricing, the humor remains a significant draw for players, making the experience enjoyable and entertaining.

    • “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 story was balanced with elements of humor but not overdone; ultimately, it looked like the development team had tons of fun creating this game.”
    • “It's supposed to be funny, but it just falls flat.”
    • “The humor feels forced and often misses the mark.”
    • “I expected a lot of laughs, but the jokes were stale and unoriginal.”
  • music83 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising it as a significant improvement over previous installments, highlighting standout tracks that enhance the gameplay experience. However, others find the soundtrack to be generic or forgettable, with criticisms about the sound mixing making it hard to appreciate the music fully. Overall, while there are moments of brilliance, the music's impact varies widely among players, with some considering it a highlight and others viewing it as a missed opportunity.

    • “The soundtrack complements the action, adding to the tension and excitement of each fight.”
    • “The atmospheric soundtrack adds to the overall intensity of the game, with each character having their theme that perfectly complements their persona.”
    • “Another great Mortal Kombat game with an amazing story, characters, and some of the best soundtracks I've heard in a while.”
    • “The music is forgettable, and the sound effects are more annoying than anything else.”
    • “Each board corresponds to a stage, and each stage only has one music track, so you hear the same loop in every fight until you escape to the next board and start the cycle anew.”
    • “The music, like in other installments, is very bad.”
  • character development74 mentions

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising the intriguing story and character arcs that surpass previous entries, while others criticize the lack of depth and relevance for certain characters. Many players appreciate the visual design and aesthetics of the characters, though opinions vary widely on the quality of individual designs, with some being described as bland or disappointing. Overall, while the game showcases strong production values and character design, it struggles with consistency in character development and customization options.

    • “It has a pretty good story with more character development than any other MK game.”
    • “The character designs are stunning, with intricate details and animations that bring each fighter to life.”
    • “No contest, this series is not the best competitive fighter out there, but in terms of storytelling, presentation, character design, iconic plot beats, and its cultural significance, I believe fully that this game deserves the number 1 spot among all mainstream fighting games as the conventional winner.”
    • “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.”
    • “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; Darrius is a kameo that has no meaning to exist as he has almost no screentime during the story, he never talks; Ashrah just doesn't change into something different, she just continues on her path to be a good guy, etc.”
    • “Everything about this game's story, character designs, and presentation feels stale, safe, and corporate, a far cry from classic MK which did not concern itself with catering to mainstream expectations.”
  • replayability42 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players enjoying modes like the krypt and seasonal invasions that encourage exploration and grinding, while others find the overall content lacking and repetitive. Many express frustration over the reliance on microtransactions for additional characters and the limited appeal of the kameo system, which detracts from the experience. Overall, while there are elements that can enhance replayability, many reviewers feel the game falls short in providing long-term engagement.

    • “The krypt returns as an engaging mode to unlock rewards, filled with secrets and challenges that encourage exploration and replayability.”
    • “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.”
    • “But invasions have made the game way more replayable.”
    • “Best gameplay in a long time, but next to nothing to do except grind online. Invasions are very repetitive and tiresome, and the story, while fun and surprising, is short and lacks much replayability.”
    • “Let me start by saying that the game is clearly unfinished; it's lacking replay value and actual modes. Other than that, the story mode is great but has no replay value, and invasion mode isn't great but it's something to do for a few hours until you finish that too and there's nothing left except online play.”
    • “It's just the opposite of fun; it's completely boring, absolutely repetitive, and definitely lacks replayability.”
  • emotional23 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game receives mixed reviews, with some players finding the story engaging and impactful, particularly praising character interactions that evoke strong feelings. However, others criticize the narrative for being underwhelming and lacking emotional investment, often feeling bored or exhausted by the gameplay. Overall, while there are moments of emotional depth, many players feel that the execution falls short, leading to a disjointed experience.

    • “The revamped Mortal Kombat characters truly carry the story, with their interactions having great emotional weight or 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 didn't even bother touching invasion or anything else. I got this game for $40 on sale and I am still refunding it.”
    • “The most boring story mode of any MK game.”
  • atmosphere20 mentions

    The atmosphere in Mortal Kombat 11 has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the vibrant and dynamic backgrounds, while others feel it lacks the darker, more immersive qualities of earlier titles. Critics note that despite impressive visuals and a strong soundtrack, the overall thematic depth is diminished, making it feel more generic and less aligned with the franchise's traditional vibe. Many long-time fans express disappointment that the game's atmosphere does not evoke the dread and intensity characteristic of previous installments.

    • “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.”
    • “It's nothing like the dreadful atmosphere of some of the older titles, just flashy and cool with lots of blood.”
    • “The gothic, dark atmosphere of older Mortal Kombat games is largely absent, as it has been for a while now I'm afraid, and what we get in its place feels more akin to Marvel with gore than Mortal Kombat.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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Play time

25hMedian play time
54hAverage play time
3-100hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 39 analyzed playthroughs

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