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Mortal Kombat X

Mortal Kombat X takes this franchise to totally new levels of entertainment with amazing next-gen graphics and revamped gameplay that truly separates this current game from its predecessors.
Mortal Kombat X Game Cover
79%Game Brain Score
story, graphics
optimization, stability
77% User Score Based on 19,574 reviews
Critic Score 79%Based on 40 reviews

Platforms

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Mortal Kombat X Game Cover

About

Mortal Kombat X is a single player and multiplayer fighting game. It was developed by NetherRealm Studios and was released on April 13, 2015. It received mostly positive reviews from both critics and players.

Mortal Kombat X is a graphic and intense fighting game that can be played with up to 2 players or in a multi-player setting. The game boasts new combos, 3D graphics for a more immersive experience, and a wide range of iconic characters to choose from. Players are challenged to succeed in the next generation of this legendary fighting franchise.

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77%
Audience ScoreBased on 19,574 reviews
story1k positive mentions
optimization226 negative mentions

  • The humor in the game is widely praised, with players enjoying its blend of brutal violence and comedic moments, particularly when played with friends.
  • The gameplay is fast-paced and fluid, with an engaging combo system and character variations that add depth and customization to combat.
  • The graphics are stunning, showcasing detailed character models and immersive environments that enhance the brutal combat experience.
  • The game suffers from significant performance issues, particularly on PC, with frequent bugs, glitches, and a lack of optimization.
  • The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with players frustrated by the excessive time required to unlock content.
  • The story mode is criticized for its disjointed plot and lack of character development, leaving many players feeling unsatisfied with the narrative experience.
  • story
    2,985 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of Mortal Kombat X has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its cinematic presentation and engaging narrative that continues from Mortal Kombat 9. However, some critics have noted that the story is shorter and less impactful than its predecessor, with a focus on new characters that may not resonate as strongly with long-time fans. Overall, while the story mode is entertaining and visually impressive, it is often seen as lacking depth and coherence compared to previous entries in the series.

    • “You can spend a lifetime in this game -- with its great story, wide cast of characters, multiple single player offerings, and online fights (for now) -- and still feel fresh and new.”
    • “The story introduces new characters and deepens the lore of the Mortal Kombat universe, making it a more immersive experience.”
    • “The story mode is highly engaging, presented as a cinematic experience that combines interactive sequences with pre-rendered cutscenes.”
    • “The story absolutely sucks; the towers are boring and get repetitive very fast, and then there just isn't much of anything else in the way of single-player options.”
    • “The story mode is so poorly written that it might as well not exist.”
    • “The story is complete absurd with Cassie Cage as some bratty teenager defeating an elder god with immense power, which makes no sense.”
  • graphics
    1,642 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of Mortal Kombat X are widely praised for their stunning detail and vibrant visuals, showcasing a significant improvement over previous titles in the franchise. Players appreciate the realistic character models, immersive environments, and the overall aesthetic that enhances the brutal combat experience. However, some users note that the graphics can be demanding on hardware, leading to performance issues on lower-end systems, and there are occasional graphical glitches that detract from the experience. Overall, the game is considered visually impressive, with many regarding it as one of the best-looking fighting games available.

    • “The graphics are stunning, and the combat is smooth, fluid, and satisfyingly intense.”
    • “Mortal Kombat X is a thrilling game with stunning graphics, intense fights, and a variety of characters with unique moves and styles.”
    • “The visuals are remarkably detailed, with each stage filled with immersive environments that capture the essence of the Mortal Kombat universe.”
    • “The graphics didn't age well, and the story introduces a ton of characters that don't have a lot of charisma and generally serve as punching bags for protagonists.”
    • “The graphics are sharp, the environments are interactive, and sound design hits hard (bone-crunching hard).”
    • “The graphics are much better now, even on lower settings, and the gameplay runs fast and frantic.”
  • gameplay
    1,552 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Mortal Kombat X is widely praised for its fast-paced, fluid mechanics and the introduction of character variations, which add depth and customization to combat. Players appreciate the engaging combo system and the visceral nature of the fatalities, although some express frustration with online connectivity issues and balance concerns. Overall, the game is considered a significant improvement over its predecessor, MK9, offering a satisfying blend of accessibility for newcomers and complexity for seasoned players.

    • “The gameplay is fast, fluid, and relentlessly fun.”
    • “From the combos, the run mechanic, the speed of these interactions with one another is just a whole other level.”
    • “The gameplay itself is fantastic, but it feels like there is a lack of options in other areas.”
    • “The gameplay itself is equally underwhelming.”
    • “The game's mechanics also suffer from balancing issues, with certain characters and movesets feeling overpowered while others are rendered ineffective.”
    • “The most annoying feature of this game is the fact that character selection screens run at a locked 30fps along with in-game special moves, so you are going from 60fps+ gameplay to a slow 30fps when you pull off one of the specials, which stands out a lot.”
  • optimization
    621 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has been a contentious issue among players, with many reporting significant performance problems, especially at launch. While some users have noted improvements after patches, others still experience stuttering, frame rate drops, and inconsistent performance across different hardware setups. Overall, the game is seen as poorly optimized for PC, with many recommending caution before purchasing, particularly for online play.

    • “Optimized well for most systems — you're safe unless you're running XP.”
    • “The game is addictive, impressively optimized, the characters are incredible and the controls are very responsive, to a level that I've never seen before, while playing on consoles.”
    • “Game runs smoothly and just fine.”
    • “The game is plagued by frequent bugs, glitches, and performance issues, ranging from minor annoyances to game-breaking problems.”
    • “The only negative that I can think of is that the PC version had horrendous performance when it first came out (PC port, what do you expect).”
    • “This game is so poorly optimized and locked to 60fps (30 on fatalities, etc.).”
  • stability
    305 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant bugs, glitches, and performance issues, particularly on the PC version. While some users have noted improvements and a smoother experience after updates, others continue to experience frequent crashes, freezes, and unplayable online modes. Overall, the game appears to have launched in a buggy state, with ongoing concerns about its stability and optimization, especially for PC users.

    • “Looks great, runs great, I didn't have any issues running the game on my system.”
    • “The game runs great, no more FPS drops on the destroyed city (past), when transitioning to the x-ray animations I no longer notice the FPS change from 60 to 30.”
    • “State: basically now the game is so stable, no glitches, no bugs, no port issues, not even a single crash.”
    • “The game is plagued by frequent bugs, glitches, and performance issues, ranging from minor annoyances to game-breaking problems.”
    • “Frequent slowdowns, freezes, and occasional crashes detract from the competitive multiplayer experience.”
    • “The online part on the PC platform is still sometimes a bit buggy, but I am overall pretty satisfied with the game.”
  • monetization
    193 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization strategy in Mortal Kombat X has drawn significant criticism, primarily due to its reliance on microtransactions for unlocking characters, skins, and other content, which many players view as a cash grab. Additionally, recent updates have introduced intrusive advertisements for Mortal Kombat 11, further frustrating users who feel that paid content should not be accompanied by ads. Overall, while some players enjoy the game, the monetization practices have left a negative impression, leading to calls for a more player-friendly approach.

    • “Not a fan of microtransactions, so buying the XL edition is a great way to get all the DLC without being milked for skins and characters.”
    • “Oh, and the monetization is more fair than what you find in the newest entry of the franchise.”
    • “Despite some unnecessary microtransactions, a very solid entry in the Mortal Kombat franchise.”
    • “Mortal Kombat X, despite its reputation as a visceral and brutal fighting game, disappoints with its lackluster single-player content, unbalanced gameplay, and reliance on controversial microtransactions that tarnish what could have been a promising addition to the franchise.”
    • “This pay-to-win model not only alienates players who are unwilling or unable to spend extra money on in-game purchases but also cheapens the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that should come from unlocking content through gameplay alone.”
    • “The addition of a 20GB patch containing pointless MK11 ads left a bad impression.”
  • humor
    141 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely praised, with players enjoying its blend of brutal violence and comedic moments, such as over-the-top fatalities and character interactions. Many find the game particularly funny when played with friends, highlighting memorable one-liners and absurd scenarios that add to the entertainment. While some critiques mention a decline in the franchise's humor compared to earlier titles, the overall consensus is that the game successfully delivers a mix of humor and action that keeps players engaged.

    • “Leatherface’s chainsaw brutality is the perfect mix of horror and humor, making his fights even more fun.”
    • “This game is full of funny moments and comedic references that are sure to bring a smile to your face.”
    • “Whether it's Scorpion's 'get over here!' catchphrase or Sub-Zero's hilarious freezing fatalities, the game is full of memorable moments that will make you chuckle.”
    • “This version has so many issues it's not funny.”
    • “It's not funny.”
  • music
    121 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the hard-hitting electronic and orchestral tracks that enhance the overall experience, while others find it forgettable and lacking the iconic themes of earlier titles. Many users note that the sound effects are impactful, contributing to the game's immersive atmosphere, but some express disappointment over the absence of memorable melodies and the shift towards less fitting genres like hip-hop. Overall, while the soundtrack has its moments, it often feels overshadowed by the action and does not consistently meet the high expectations set by previous installments in the series.

    • “The soundtrack has that same punchy feel to it, keeping consistent with the previous title.”
    • “From the bone-crunching sound effects to the thrilling background music, every element works in harmony to create an unforgettable gaming experience.”
    • “The game also has a great soundtrack, with a mix of hard-hitting electronic music and epic orchestral tracks.”
    • “The soundtrack is a dark, moaning, depressing excuse for music throughout the game, lacking the iconic themes that once defined the Mortal Kombat series.”
    • “Music is forgettable this time around, failing to leave a lasting impression like the earlier titles.”
    • “The music absolutely sucks compared to MK9, lacking the memorable and engaging tracks that fans have come to expect.”
  • grinding
    78 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with players expressing frustration over the excessive time and effort required to unlock content, particularly in the krypt mode. Many reviews highlight that the game feels designed to encourage either tedious grinding or microtransactions for quicker access to characters, costumes, and fatalities, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction among players who feel their time investment is not rewarded adequately. Overall, while the game itself is praised for its story and graphics, the grinding mechanics detract significantly from the overall experience.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “One long, tedious grind.”
    • “Just like in Injustice 2, the brother game of MK XL created by the same company, unlocking cool stuff requires grinding on a disgusting level.”
    • “No game should ever require that level of grinding and time dedication to unlock the content you’ve purchased with your money.”
    • “The game's progression system can be frustrating, as unlocking new content requires grinding through tedious challenges or shelling out real money for in-game currency.”
  • replayability
    72 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's replayability is generally viewed as high, with many players appreciating the variety of characters, fighting styles, and modes such as towers and online play that enhance the experience. However, some critiques highlight a lack of meaningful choices and a limited roster, which can diminish replay value for certain players. Overall, while many find the game offers hours of engaging content, others feel it could benefit from additional characters and arenas to further enhance replayability.

    • “The game also has a number of side missions and challenges that are unlocked as you progress through the story, which adds a lot of replay value.”
    • “Amazing game, so much replay value it's unreal.”
    • “The game's plethora of online features add quite a lot of replayability and depth to MKX.”
    • “The lack of meaningful choices or branching paths further diminishes the replay value of the single-player campaign.”
    • “Now I remember why I quit playing Mortal Kombat; it's all the same weak storyline gameplay. Honestly, to me, there is no replayability. It gets really boring even with the live towers unless you are all about these kinds of games; it's not worth it to buy.”
    • “The game itself is fantastic, but online matchmaking is so poorly built that it's virtually unplayable, which drastically reduces the replayability of the game.”
  • character development
    57 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the stunning character designs and fluid combat, while others criticize the story mode for its disjointed plot and lack of depth in character growth. Although some players appreciate the memorable moments and unique character designs, they feel that the overall character development is often overshadowed by gameplay mechanics and visual appeal. Overall, while the character designs are celebrated, the narrative and character arcs may not resonate as strongly with players.

    • “It’s a fun, action-packed journey with solid character development and memorable moments.”
    • “I was so heavily engrossed in the story, the worldbuilding done throughout, and the character development, that I even went searching for (and successfully found) a copy of mk9 so that I could understand the entire Netherrealm trilogy in its full greatness.”
    • “While compared to Mortal Kombat 9, the game has made significant progress in terms of character design and just general maturity.”
    • “The game's story mode, while attempting to weave an epic narrative, falls flat with its disjointed plot and lack of character development.”
    • “At best, Cassie Cage and Takeda are fine; they're at least funny, while the rest might as well be set pieces and have the worst character designs out of all the characters. There's nothing special or unique about their designs, which is disappointing for a game like Mortal Kombat that has had really interesting and good character designs.”
    • “Story mode is cool, but too fast, so they didn't focus on character development too much; the new characters are pretty shallow.”
  • atmosphere
    38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its dark, gritty tone that enhances the immersive experience, with detailed graphics and sound design that complement the brutal combat. Players appreciate the unique and atmospheric arenas, which range from eerie woods to fiery realms, creating a cinematic feel during matches. However, some critiques mention a departure from the mystic horror elements of previous titles, suggesting a more uniform character design that lacks the depth of earlier games.

    • “I appreciate how dark and gritty the atmosphere is paired with how vicious the fatalities and brutalities are.”
    • “From the eerie depths of the dead woods to the fiery realms of the nether, the game's graphics create an atmosphere that complements its mature tone.”
    • “The game's dark and moody atmospheres only add to the immersive experience, drawing players deeper into the game's world.”
    • “The characters and their costumes and general look could be better; personally, I wanted all the legacy characters of MK9 to appear in MKX, but that was not the case. I really miss that mystic and dark atmosphere, but MKX is focused on these new characters from Special Forces that all look exactly the same to me. They are boring; they just fire guns and that's it...”
    • “- The atmosphere is not as mystic as always; this one is different. It is missing the horror factor present in all previous games. You can notice it even in the design of the menus, life bars, texts, music, etc.”
    • “The atmosphere is dark, but it's too dark.”
  • emotional
    25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game elicits mixed responses from players, with some appreciating the cinematic storytelling and character representation, while others criticize the disjointed narrative and lack of emotional depth. Many fans express disappointment over the sidelining of beloved characters and the pacing issues that hinder emotional resonance, leading to a sense of heartbreak for long-time players. Overall, while there are moments of emotional impact, they are often overshadowed by gameplay mechanics that clash with the intended narrative experience.

    • “It’s cinematic, emotional, and a great way to learn the lore.”
    • “Story mode was pretty fun and emotional enough you might even cry lol.”
    • “Up until several months ago, I would recommend this emotional roller coaster of a game.”
    • “I won't give anything away, but I thought the setup was horrible and almost put me to sleep because it was a boring story.”
    • “Boring story, small number of playable characters, there is no co-op, locked FPS.”
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15h Median play time
64h Average play time
6h Main story
49h Completionist
6-45h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 51 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Mortal Kombat X is a fighting game.

Mortal Kombat X is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox Series X|S and others.

The main story can be completed in around 6 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 49 hours to finish. On average players spend around 64 hours playing Mortal Kombat X.

Mortal Kombat X was released on April 13, 2015.

Mortal Kombat X was developed by NetherRealm Studios.

Mortal Kombat X has received mostly positive reviews from both players and critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its optimization.

Mortal Kombat X is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Mortal Kombat 11, Mortal Kombat 1, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM 4, Street Fighter V, Injustice 2 and others.